Reflections on European security focus of OSCE Magazine

VIENNA, 27 November 2009 - Greek Prime Minister and Foreign Minister George Papandreou, former German Foreign Minister Hans-Dietrich Genscher and Kazakh Foreign Minister Kanat Saudabayev set out their vision of European security and the "Corfu Process" in the latest issue of the OSCE Magazine, available online and in print today.

The Magazine devotes special coverage to the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Iron Curtain, which was closely linked with the early beginnings of the OSCE.

Ahead of the OSCE's Ministerial Council meeting in Athens on 1 and 2 December, Prime Minister Papandreou, who is the OSCE's Chairman-in-Office in his capacity as foreign minister, urges participating States to "break the deadlock of mistrust" and looks forward to their decision on how to maintain the momentum of their revitalized dialogue on European security within the Corfu Process.

As Kazakhstan's turn at the helm of the OSCE approaches, Minister Saudabayev describes in a wide-ranging interview what the Chairmanship means for his country and expresses confidence that its forthcoming initiatives will breathe new life into the Organization.

In a special Magazine focus, several voices spanning generations reflect on the historic events in Berlin 20 years ago and their impact on the OSCE area. Highlighting the coverage is the commemorative message of former German Foreign Minister Genscher, one of the leading architects of co-operative and comprehensive security in Europe - the OSCE's signature security concept.

The Magazine also reviews the role of the OSCE Chairmanship and features the Chairpersons-in-Office through the years, starting with Hans-Dietrich Genscher.

Turning to military matters, this issue describes how Cyprus rid itself of more than 300 MANPADS - shoulder-fired missiles - as part of the OSCE's security work in the politico-military sphere.

Published in English and Russian, with online editions in French and German, the OSCE Magazine can be found on the OSCE website: OSCE Magazine, December 2009

Readers can subscribe to the hard copy version online or by writing to oscemagazine@osce.org