OSCE Mission to Croatia celebrates the Helsinki Final Act anniversary

ZAGREB, 1 August 2000 - 25 years ago, on 1 August 1975, the Final Act of the Conference for Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE) was signed in Helsinki by 35 countries whose territory ranged from Vancouver to Vladivostok. The Helsinki Final Act represented the first comprehensive approach to security in Europe where issues of protection of Human Rights and fundamental freedoms were considered just as important as politico-military issues for the maintenance of peace and stability in Europe.

On 1 January 1995, in order to reflect its institutional development from a process into a body with permanent structures, the CSCE was renamed the OSCE, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. Today the OSCE numbers 54 active member states.

The Republic of Croatia became a member on 24 March 1992 and signed the Helsinki Final Act on 8 July 1992. By inviting the Mission to Croatia, this country has made use of one of the instruments that the OSCE has to offer to all its members. The Mission is convinced that the constructive dialogue it enjoys with the Government of Croatia will continue.

The Chairmanship of the OSCE paid tribute to this historic anniversary with a commemorative meeting of the Permanent Council, on 19 July 2000.