Newsroom
OSCE Troika Foreign ministers meet in Copenhagen
COPENHAGEN 2 September 1997
COPENHAGEN, 2 September 1997 - The Ministers of the Troika of the OSCE, the Foreign Ministers of Switzerland and Denmark and the Under-Secretary of State of Foreign Affairs of Poland met today in Copenhagen and issued the following statement:
The Ministers discussed prospects for the Copenhagen Ministerial to be held on 18-19 December. They expressed their desire to see progress on a Security Model for the 21st Century. The goal: To enhance the security of all OSCE states by promoting solidarity and joint cooperative action within the OSCE and through a closer co-operation between security organizations in Europe. They noted that also regional organizations have a role to play to this end. Ministers reaffirmed their support for the OSCE budget reform proposed by the Chairman-in-Office.
Ministers confirmed that the OSCE will continue the preparations for local elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina to be held on 13-14 September 1997. They stressed the need for full co-operation from the parties and their support for those endeavouring to implement the Dayton Peace Agreement. They expressed their concern over developments in Republika Srpska. The OSCE through its Mission is closely monitoring the situation. The Mission is in constant contact with other organizations on the ground, including SFOR. Ministers strongly appealed to the parties to ensure the safety of the OSCE election personnel.
Ministers underlined that elections are an integral part of the peace process. They declared their full support for the High Representative as the final authority on the civilian implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement.
Ministers welcomed the appointment by the Chairman-in-Office of the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE, Mr. Javier Ruperez, as OSCE Coordinator of the Monitoring of the elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina. President Ruperez will make an assessment of the elections based on reports from the international monitors.
Ministers noted with satisfaction the request from the governments of Serbia and of Montenegro (Federal Republic of Yugoslavia) to monitor presidential and Parliamentary elections. They encouraged OSCE participating states to contribute to the monitoring efforts. Ministers urged the government of the FRY to continue and strengthen its efforts towards democratization and reform. They discussed modalities for further OSCE support to this end. They expressed their hope for the broadest possible participation in the democratic process.
Ministers welcomed the decision on an enhanced OSCE role in Croatia. The welcomed progress in the process of two-way return of refugees but noted with concern that constraints and obstacles still remain.
Ministers expressed their continued concern over developments in Belarus. They noted with disappointment that the government of Belarus has not yet replied to the offer from the Chairman-in-Office of OSCE assistance towards a democratic form of government. They urged the government of Belarus to live up to its earlier positive reaction to this offer. Ministers expressed their continued support for the complementary efforts undertaken by the European Union.
Ministers noted with satisfaction developments in Albania. After elections a process of reconciliation and reform has been initiated. They confirmed the OSCE's willingness to contribute to this process and to continue to provide a coordinating framework for the full international effort.
The Chairman-in-Office informed the Troika of his recent visit to Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Georgia. Ministers acknowledged that the OSCE plays an important role in integrating the new independent states into the family of democratic nations. They welcomed the proposals of the Chairman-in-Office to enhance assistance by the OSCE to this end.
The Ministers discussed prospects for the Copenhagen Ministerial to be held on 18-19 December. They expressed their desire to see progress on a Security Model for the 21st Century. The goal: To enhance the security of all OSCE states by promoting solidarity and joint cooperative action within the OSCE and through a closer co-operation between security organizations in Europe. They noted that also regional organizations have a role to play to this end. Ministers reaffirmed their support for the OSCE budget reform proposed by the Chairman-in-Office.
Ministers confirmed that the OSCE will continue the preparations for local elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina to be held on 13-14 September 1997. They stressed the need for full co-operation from the parties and their support for those endeavouring to implement the Dayton Peace Agreement. They expressed their concern over developments in Republika Srpska. The OSCE through its Mission is closely monitoring the situation. The Mission is in constant contact with other organizations on the ground, including SFOR. Ministers strongly appealed to the parties to ensure the safety of the OSCE election personnel.
Ministers underlined that elections are an integral part of the peace process. They declared their full support for the High Representative as the final authority on the civilian implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement.
Ministers welcomed the appointment by the Chairman-in-Office of the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE, Mr. Javier Ruperez, as OSCE Coordinator of the Monitoring of the elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina. President Ruperez will make an assessment of the elections based on reports from the international monitors.
Ministers noted with satisfaction the request from the governments of Serbia and of Montenegro (Federal Republic of Yugoslavia) to monitor presidential and Parliamentary elections. They encouraged OSCE participating states to contribute to the monitoring efforts. Ministers urged the government of the FRY to continue and strengthen its efforts towards democratization and reform. They discussed modalities for further OSCE support to this end. They expressed their hope for the broadest possible participation in the democratic process.
Ministers welcomed the decision on an enhanced OSCE role in Croatia. The welcomed progress in the process of two-way return of refugees but noted with concern that constraints and obstacles still remain.
Ministers expressed their continued concern over developments in Belarus. They noted with disappointment that the government of Belarus has not yet replied to the offer from the Chairman-in-Office of OSCE assistance towards a democratic form of government. They urged the government of Belarus to live up to its earlier positive reaction to this offer. Ministers expressed their continued support for the complementary efforts undertaken by the European Union.
Ministers noted with satisfaction developments in Albania. After elections a process of reconciliation and reform has been initiated. They confirmed the OSCE's willingness to contribute to this process and to continue to provide a coordinating framework for the full international effort.
The Chairman-in-Office informed the Troika of his recent visit to Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Georgia. Ministers acknowledged that the OSCE plays an important role in integrating the new independent states into the family of democratic nations. They welcomed the proposals of the Chairman-in-Office to enhance assistance by the OSCE to this end.