U.S. backing critical to tackle new threats to security, Foreign Minister Kanerva tells U.S. Helsinki Commission
Press release 48/2008
13 February, 2008
"The OSCE can only work with the full engagement of its participating States. The United States has always played a key role, and must continue to do so, if we are to achieve the ambitious goals we have set for our Organization," said the Chairman-in-Office.
The Helsinki Commission - formally known as the Commission on Security and Co-operation in Europe - is an independent U.S. government agency responsible for monitoring and encouraging compliance with the Helsinki Final Act and other OSCE commitments.
Minister Kanerva emphasized the importance of the OSCE's engagement in Kosovo, and called for U.S. support for continuing the Mission there: "Because the OSCE has remained "status-neutral," it has retained a unique ability to work with all ethnic communities in promoting stability and democratic development. It is my firm belief that the OSCE work in Kosovo is beneficial to all Kosovars."
He added: "The outcome of the status process could have a negative impact on OSCE's engagement in Kosovo. You are well aware that the OSCE participating States remain deeply divided over the issue. This disagreement could lead in worst case to the current Mission's termination. It would be a grave mistake for the OSCE and the entire international community if we were to leave it at that.
"I am determined to ensure continued OSCE engagement in Kosovo regardless of the status process."
On election observation, the Chairman-in-Office said it was unfortunate that a credible observation mission for the Russian presidential elections could not be secured.
"I am convinced that continued dialogue on election-related issues among the participating States - with the involvement of the OSCE Parliamentory Assembly - is essential for the success of the OSCE. We all should be willing to engage with a constructive attitude," he said.
Looking ahead, Minister Kanerva informed the Commission on plans for enhanced engagement with Afghanistan, an OSCE Asian Partner for Co-operation country. He also addressed the Finnish Chairmanship's priorities of combating trafficking in human beings, promoting tolerance and non-discrimination as well as gender mainstreaming in all OSCE activities.
Minister Kanerva emphasized that the Chairmanship has put protracted conflicts in Moldova, Georgia and Nagorno-Karabakh at the top of its agenda for 2008. The Chairman-in-Office was in Moldova in January and he will be visiting Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan at the end of this month.
Further information: Ambassador Aleksi Härkönen, Head of the Finnish OSCE Chairmanship Task Force, tel. +358 400 330 406; Kari Mokko, Press Counsellor, Embassy of Finland, Washington D.C., tel: +1 202 298 5820