Netherlands Chairmanship priorities for 2003
Fight against terrorism
After the adoption of the Charter on Terrorism at the Porto Ministerial Council in December 2002, the 55-nation Organization should take the OSCE's concept of common and comprehensive security as point of departure in the fight against terrorism.
"The rule of law and the full participation of all citizens in political life are essential in the fight against the dangers of instability and insecurity, including the threat of terrorism. The only societies that have the strength to challenge extremists in their midst are those where the right to question is beyond dispute," said Mr. de Hoop Scheffer
Focus on trafficking
The Chairman-in-Office said the Netherlands would pay particular attention to the problem of trafficking -- in human beings, arms and drugs -- which represented a clear threat to stability and security both inside and outside the OSCE region.
"Trafficking not only causes human misery, it is devastating national economies and putting undue pressure on political systems," the CiO said. "It is a rapidly growing scourge and a multi-billion dollar business directly affecting the economies of all our countries."
For these reasons, the Netherlands proposed that the economic impact of trafficking be made a major theme of this year's OSCE Economic Forum in Prague.
Comprehensive approach
During its one-year Chairmanship, the Netherlands will actively address all aspects of security. "Security is more than arms control and smoothing over political differences. Without due regard for human rights and economic and ecological development, no sustainable security, no lasting peace can ever be achieved," the Chairman-in-Office said. "However, the struggle to strike the right balance between the dimensions should never blind us to the realities on the ground. Security is about people and giving them the protection they need to live their lives in dignity."
Administrative reform
The CiO said attention should be paid to the internal organization and effectiveness of the OSCE. "In the current climate of change, reforms are needed to prepare the organization for the challenges ahead", he added. Administrative transparency, clear personnel policies and financial accountability are key, but the CiO also stressed the importance of field missions, which "make the difference between an organization that talks and an organization that does''.
Commitment to solve conflicts
The OSCE Chairman-in-Office concluded by calling on participating States to reconfirm their active participation and commitment to the Organization, and said a combined effort was needed to address unresolved conflicts in the OSCE area.
"No Chairmanship can succeed without the full support of all the participating States. The Dutch Chairmanship is determined to play its part to the full, along with all of you."
After the adoption of the Charter on Terrorism at the Porto Ministerial Council in December 2002, the 55-nation Organization should take the OSCE's concept of common and comprehensive security as point of departure in the fight against terrorism.
"The rule of law and the full participation of all citizens in political life are essential in the fight against the dangers of instability and insecurity, including the threat of terrorism. The only societies that have the strength to challenge extremists in their midst are those where the right to question is beyond dispute," said Mr. de Hoop Scheffer
Focus on trafficking
The Chairman-in-Office said the Netherlands would pay particular attention to the problem of trafficking -- in human beings, arms and drugs -- which represented a clear threat to stability and security both inside and outside the OSCE region.
"Trafficking not only causes human misery, it is devastating national economies and putting undue pressure on political systems," the CiO said. "It is a rapidly growing scourge and a multi-billion dollar business directly affecting the economies of all our countries."
For these reasons, the Netherlands proposed that the economic impact of trafficking be made a major theme of this year's OSCE Economic Forum in Prague.
Comprehensive approach
During its one-year Chairmanship, the Netherlands will actively address all aspects of security. "Security is more than arms control and smoothing over political differences. Without due regard for human rights and economic and ecological development, no sustainable security, no lasting peace can ever be achieved," the Chairman-in-Office said. "However, the struggle to strike the right balance between the dimensions should never blind us to the realities on the ground. Security is about people and giving them the protection they need to live their lives in dignity."
Administrative reform
The CiO said attention should be paid to the internal organization and effectiveness of the OSCE. "In the current climate of change, reforms are needed to prepare the organization for the challenges ahead", he added. Administrative transparency, clear personnel policies and financial accountability are key, but the CiO also stressed the importance of field missions, which "make the difference between an organization that talks and an organization that does''.
Commitment to solve conflicts
The OSCE Chairman-in-Office concluded by calling on participating States to reconfirm their active participation and commitment to the Organization, and said a combined effort was needed to address unresolved conflicts in the OSCE area.
"No Chairmanship can succeed without the full support of all the participating States. The Dutch Chairmanship is determined to play its part to the full, along with all of you."