Fifth Heads of State Summit, Lisbon

The first Heads of State Summit to take place under the new OSCE name - and the fifth in all - was held in Lisbon from 2-3 December 1996.

It adopted two main texts, the Lisbon Summit Declaration and the Lisbon Declaration on a Common and Comprehensive Security Model for Europe for the Twenty-First Century.

"As we approach the new century, it is more important than ever that we build together a peaceful OSCE region where all our nations and individuals feel secure," noted the Lisbon Summit Declaration.

"We today adopt the Lisbon Declaration on a Common and Comprehensive Security Model for Europe for the Twenty-First Century to strengthen security and stability throughout the OSCE region," it added.

"We welcome the historic decision of OSCE participating States signatory to the CFE Treaty to begin negotiations in early 1997 with a view towards adapting the Treaty to the changing security environment in Europe.

Consolidating peace and prosperity

"We intend to realize our full potential for consolidating peace and prosperity in the entire OSCE region, as demonstrated by our combined efforts - through the OSCE and other relevant institutions - to forge a sustainable peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina," affirmed the Declaration.

It also noted that "Freedom of the press and media are among the basic prerequisites for truly democratic and civil societies," and there was a need to strengthen the OSCE's commitments in this area.

A mandate for the appointment of an OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media should therefore be submitted to the 1997 Ministerial Council at the latest, decided the Lisbon Summit.

The Lisbon Document 1996 also incorporated a number of annexes, including a Framework for Arms Control and the Development of the Agenda of the Forum for Security Co-operation.