Newsroom
OSCE High Commissioner visits the Russian Federation
THE HAGUE 12 March 2004
THE HAGUE, 12 March 2004 - The OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, Ambassador Rolf Ekeus, visited the Russian Federation on 9-11 March as part of his ongoing dialogue with the Russian Government.
During the visit the High Commissioner discussed his engagement on issues involving relations between national majorities and national minorities within the OSCE area, including the Russian speaking communities outside Russia.
Ambassador Ekeus outlined his policy of support for the harmonious integration of different ethnic communities with full respect for human rights. "I take care of minority rights in the societies where they are living," said the High Commissioner.
During his visit, Ambassador Ekeus held meetings with the First Deputy Foreign Minister, Eleonora Mitrofanova, Deputy Foreign Ministers Vladimir Chizhov and Yuri Fedotov. He also met with State Duma International Affairs Committee Chairman Konstantin Kosachev and State Duma Committee on Nationalities Chairman Yevgeni Trofimov.
In regards to the situation of the Russian communities in Estonia and Latvia, the High Commissioner highlighted the need to foster dialogue between all parties. He said he would continue his engagement with inter-ethnic issues in these two States, in accordance with his office's mandate, and indicated readiness to assist in the promotion of dialogue.
In discussions with representatives of the Russian Foreign Ministry and leading political figures, the High Commissioner stressed the importance of a co-operative approach to the challenges of European security, in accordance with the principles of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
During the visit the High Commissioner discussed his engagement on issues involving relations between national majorities and national minorities within the OSCE area, including the Russian speaking communities outside Russia.
Ambassador Ekeus outlined his policy of support for the harmonious integration of different ethnic communities with full respect for human rights. "I take care of minority rights in the societies where they are living," said the High Commissioner.
During his visit, Ambassador Ekeus held meetings with the First Deputy Foreign Minister, Eleonora Mitrofanova, Deputy Foreign Ministers Vladimir Chizhov and Yuri Fedotov. He also met with State Duma International Affairs Committee Chairman Konstantin Kosachev and State Duma Committee on Nationalities Chairman Yevgeni Trofimov.
In regards to the situation of the Russian communities in Estonia and Latvia, the High Commissioner highlighted the need to foster dialogue between all parties. He said he would continue his engagement with inter-ethnic issues in these two States, in accordance with his office's mandate, and indicated readiness to assist in the promotion of dialogue.
In discussions with representatives of the Russian Foreign Ministry and leading political figures, the High Commissioner stressed the importance of a co-operative approach to the challenges of European security, in accordance with the principles of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.