News and press releases
News and press releases from the OSCE's global activities.
UNHCR urges OSCE states to distinguish between human trafficking and smuggling
Publishing date: 8 April 2003
VIENNA, 8 April 2003- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Ruud Lubbers urged the OSCE's 55 participating States on Tuesday to recognise the distinction between human trafficking and smuggling and said many refugees and asylum...
OSCE welcomes Afghanistan as new Partner for Co-operation
Publishing date: 4 April 2003
VIENNA, 4 April 2003- The OSCE, the world's largest regional security organization, has agreed to establish formal links, under its Partner for Co-operation scheme, with the Transitional Islamic State of Afghanistan, to assist that country meet...
OSCE's human rights office calls for sustained political process in Chechnya
Publishing date: 28 March 2003
WARSAW, 28 March 2003- The OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) yesterday called for a sustained political process in Chechnya. "Last weekend's referendum can only be considered a success if it is followed by a...
Tunisian Foreign Minister calls for "new synergy" to bolster OSCE's Mediterranean Partnership
Publishing date: 27 March 2003
VIENNA, 27 March 2003- The long-standing dialogue between the OSCE and its Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation requires fresh impetus adapted to the nature of the challenges facing the region, the Tunisian Foreign Minister, Habib Ben Yahia...
UN ODC Director stresses "power of partnership" with OSCE
Publishing date: 26 March 2003
VIENNA, 26 March 2003- Speaking at a special session of the OSCE Permanent Council, the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (ODC), Antonio Maria Costa, described both organizations as "logical partners"...
OSCE Permanent Council honours slain Serbian Prime Minister
Publishing date: 13 March 2003
VIENNA, 13 March 2003- The OSCE Permanent Council held a minute's silence on Thursday in honour of Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic, who was assassinated in Belgrade on Wednesday...
EBRD President urges OSCE participating States to support small business
Publishing date: 6 March 2003
VIENNA, 6 March 2003- The President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Jean Lemierre, urged OSCE participating States on Thursday to support small business, improve energy efficiency and encourage regional trade to...