US Homeland Security Secretary calls for strengthening partnership with OSCE to combat transnational threats

VIENNA, 1 July 2011 - Janet Napolitano, the Secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security, called for deepening co-operation and enhancing the OSCE’s work to combat transnational threats in a speech to OSCE participating States today.

“Given the evolving nature of the threats we face today – from terrorism and organized crime to weapons smuggling, human trafficking, and cyber attacks – the expertise and adaptability of the OSCE and its tools become vitally important,” said Napolitano at a joint meeting of the Forum for Security Co-operation and Permanent Council in Vienna.

“We believe the OSCE offers an ideal platform for enhanced co-operation, particularly with our European, Russian, Central Asian, and Afghan partners, to ensure our common security.”

Napolitano highlighted US and OSCE efforts to address threats to international aviation, cargo, and supply chain security, as well as to fight terrorism, organized crime and trafficking in drugs, weapons and people. She emphasized that border security and strengthening OSCE engagement in Central Asia and Afghanistan were particular US priorities.

“Border security is a principal component of the OSCE’s work to combat transnational threats, and much of that work is now focused on the northern border of Afghanistan. Here in particular, my Department is ready to join hands with the OSCE to a greater extent than ever before,” she said.

“Increasing OSCE engagement in Central Asia is a priority for the United States. The work of the OSCE is crucial in bringing about meaningful reforms that address legitimate security concerns, while ensuring respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.”

On strengthening cybersecurity, Napolitano praised OSCE training and capacity building efforts in this area, and emphasized that the OSCE could play a meaningful role in the development of international measures for state behaviour in cyberspace.

The Permanent Council and the Forum for Security Co-operation are the OSCE's main regular decision-making bodies.