Thursday, 04 December 2008. | |
Address to the Sixteenth Ministerial Council Meeting of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe by H.E. Mr. Vuk Jeremić Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Helsinki, 4 December 2008 |
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Mr. Chairman, Mr. Secretary General, Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Let me begin by acknowledging the numerous achievements of the Finish Chairmanship-in-Office. And allow me to add my thanks, Mr. Chairman, for your hospitality, as we gather to take stock of what we have accomplished, and what still needs to be done. I would also like to thank the outgoing member of the OSCE Troika, my dear friend Miguel Angel Moratinos for his notable efforts, and wish all success to Dora Bakoyannis in her capacity as the incoming Chairperson-in-office. Mr. Chairman, It is an honor and privilege to address the Sixteenth Ministerial Meeting of the OSCE in The OSCE represents a unique forum—at once pan-European and Trans-Atlantic—in which participating States can coordinate their positions in the context of the broader European security agenda. Its fundamental merit has been the establishment of principles and values expressed in political commitments that keep serving as a multi-dimensional framework for relations amongst its participating States. Mr. Chairman, This brings me to the fact that amongst participating States, the I must underline that a sustainable and dignified solution to these issues cannot be found without full restitution of, or compensation for, seized or destroyed property. The Mr. Chairman, In pursuit of fuller regional cooperation, the The Palić, Ohrid and Sarajevo Processes are perfect examples of how the OSCE can assist countries to solve issues that are by their very nature regional in scope—and that, as such, require solutions that are themselves regional. We do not believe that the Sarajevo Process—to which we attach particular importance—has been completed. This important regional question requires not only a regional answer, but also the continuing active involvement of the three international stakeholders to the Sarajevo Process: the UNHCR, the EU, and of course the OSCE. Mr. Chairman, I now turn to more geo-strategic considerations. My country believes that the OSCE can and should position itself to better respond to the growing number of challenges we all face. This ought to include engagement at the Heads of State level. Events of this past year in the OSCE space have made it clear that it is time for the participating States to engage each other in a frank and open dialogue about inclusive ways to bolster security in the 21st century. I believe it is our duty to forge ahead with ideas and proposals designed to strengthen the implementation of the basic principles of our Organization. All constructive initiatives which aim to bring us closer to such an achievement are laudable, and should to be encouraged. We acknowledge, in particular, the commendable efforts of Presidents Medvedev and Sarkozy to take the lead in proposing concrete steps in the direction of improving European security within the framework of the OSCE. The Mr. Chairman, 2008 has been the hardest year of The reasons are myriad. But the strategic cause lies in the conscious choice we made to respond diplomatically, and with maximal restraint, to the direct assault on our sovereignty and territorial integrity—in direct violation of our Constitution, the UN Charter, and the Helsinki Final Act, and against the will of the Security Council. Mr. Chairman, The way Through our actions and initiatives, we showed the region and the world that we are an indispensable anchor of stability and security in I give you two examples. Firstly: it is true that bilateral relationships have been burdened by the decisions of some countries to recognize UDI. However, we worked hard to compartmentalize the negative consequences that rose to the surface as a result of differences on Kosovo’s status. We opted for a non-confrontational approach. We turned to the law. On October 8th, the General Assembly of the United Nations supported An issue of such fundamental importance and complexity—passionately involving all at once identity, boundaries, communal rights, opposing historical narratives—has been steered clear of resorting to the force of arms for the first time in the history of our region. Mr. Chairman, The second example revolves around the fact that tremendous pressure was applied on the United Nations after UDI to commence the reconfiguration of the international presence in our southern province. Unfortunately, this process was set in motion without the approval of the This set the stage for a crisis of legitimacy. The Mr. Chairman, I am glad that reconfiguration has been finally set aright. After months of dialogue, the United Nations and The achievement is greatly significant: it creates the conditions to protect the well-being of Serbs and other endangered communities in Kosovo. And it cements the fact that the In the days and weeks to come, we expect to closely consult with the United Nations and the European Union on the implementation of the modalities and mechanisms of EULEX’s status neutral deployment in Kosovo. Mr. Chairman, In this context, I underscore Through the history of OMIK, the OSCE participating States have invested great efforts and resources to instill peace, stability and security into the fabric of Kosovo’s fractured and segregated society. We are all aware of the fact that this However, I must underline Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen, If there is one thing I would like you to take away from my remarks today, it is that We are confident that through the continued practice of a grand-strategy of partnership and engagement, With our heads held high and our sovereignty preserved, Thank you very much. |