Foreign Minister Tuomioja: OSCE more important than before in the fight against terrorism

“The determination of the international community to fight against terrorism has demonstrated that there is much more to unite us than to divide us. We should fully use this opportunity to strengthen regional and global security through more intense cooperation”, said Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja in his address at the OSCE’s 9th Ministerial Council in Bucharest on 3 December.

According to Mr Tuomioja, what the fight against terrorism and countering other threats to security call for, is increased multilateral cooperation and strengthening the international rule of law. In this respect the OSCE´s role has become even more important than before. With its well established basis of shared values and commitments like the Action Plan we are about to adopt, the OSCE is well-suited to deal with today's security challenges, Mr Tuomioja said.

Foreign Minister Tuomioja also spoke about the role of OSCE in the resolution of regional conflicts. According to him, there are some hopeful signs of positive developments, particularly in Moldova. He announced a further Finnish contribution of 420.000 euros to the project to destroy Russian ammunitions and explosives in Moldova.

According to Mr Tuomioja, the OSCE has also made an important effort this year with regard to the OSCE Assistance Group to Chechnya. He welcomed the return of the Group to the area and its continued activity. The address by Dr Erkki Tuomioja