Remarks by OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic at the "Emperor-Otto Prize" award ceremony
held in Magdeburg:
Ministers Steinmeier and Burkhalter,
Minister-President Haseloff,
Mayor Trümper,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my great pleasure to accept the Emperor Otto Prize on behalf of the OSCE.

This is a very special honour since it is the first time that this prestigious award has been given to an international organization.

As the current Chairperson-in-Office I am deeply conscious of the fact that the recognition given to the OSCE today extends to each and every individual working on behalf of the Organization in diverse locations and often in
challenging circumstances. What unites them is their commitment to the fundamental principles that the OSCE stands for.

It so happens that this year we are marking the 40th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, the OSCE’s founding document. This milestone of European security initiated a process that helped to lessen tensions between the Eastern and
Western Blocs and to overcome the Cold War division in Europe. It also introduced a comprehensive security concept, adding economic and environmental concerns as well as human rights issues to the traditional political-military definition.

This concept of comprehensive security is one of the core strengths of the OSCE. It allows the Organization to address security challenges from many different angles. The wide-ranging expertise that the OSCE has developed over
the years, combined with its ability to deploy field operations for conflict prevention, crisis management, and post-crisis rehabilitation, are further defining features. Add the comprehensive membership of the OSCE to the picture and one easily understands why the Organization has been in the forefront of international efforts to manage the crisis in and around Ukraine.

The OSCE unites all key stakeholders, bringing together states of different military and political alliances as well as neutral states. Beyond its engagement in supporting critical steps for a resolution of the crisis in and around Ukraine, the OSCE offers the ideal framework for dialogue aimed at rebuilding trust and confidence and strengthening European security. On the basis of the principles of the Helsinki Final Act, the Paris Charter and many other OSCE
commitments, the Serbian OSCE Chairmanship is trying to foster such a dialogue, which will need to be taken forward by the German Chairmanship of the OSCE in 2016.

In this context, the Emperor Otto Prize is an additional incentive for us to continue our work, keep communication channels open, de-escalate tensions, and do everything that we can to restore peace and stability in our region. It offers us encouragement to make best use of the OSCE’s platform for inclusive dialogue and joint action in pursuit of a more secure and united Europe.

I am deeply grateful to the City of Magdeburg and the Emperor Otto Foundation for honouring the OSCE today.

Thank you.