NEWS

On December, 4-5 the delegation of Kazakhstan under the chairmanship of the Minister of foreign affairs M.Tazhin participated in the 16^th OSCE Ministerial Conference held in Helsinki, Finland

On December, 4-5 in Helsinki (Finland) the 16^th OSCE Ministerial Conference was held with the participation of the delegation of Kazakhstan under the chairmanship of the Minister of foreign affairs M.Tazhin.

In his speech the Head of foreign Ministry underlined that the OSCE must adjust to the changed international situation, preserve its influence and become a renewed platform for dialogue consolidating the Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian areas.

According to the Minister today the main topic on our agenda is the Organization’s relevance and its ability to adjust to modern realities. “It is important for us to take a decision as to whether the OSCE can become a real instrument in ensuring the principle of common and comprehensive security or whether it exists as a mute player on the global security scene”, said M.Tazhin.

Today it becomes necessary to relieve the Organization from the accusations of selectivity and application of double standards. Apparently, measures being undertaken to increase its effectiveness are not sufficient. In this link, the Minister continues, “it is important to continue improving the existing OSCE instruments, including field missions”.

The Minister also expressed the support to the initiative of Russia to elaborate a document on European security.  “The OSCE is good platform to tackle the issues of consolidating common security architecture in the Euro-Atlantic”, the Minister noted.

All abovementioned, in Minister’s opinion, indicates the utility of the meeting on top level for the negotiations on the future of European security.

In consideration of that fact that international situation has changed recently, “it is crucially important to overcome a lack of understanding and ensure uniformity in interpretation of international norms, creating an environment for the development of optimal confidence measures, which are essential for strengthening cooperation in the OSCE area”.

The Head of the Minister of foreign affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan declared that the main object of our country’s Chairmanship “will focus on preserving and strengthening the OSCE as the largest regional security forum – open for an equal dialogue on the basis of development of all three dimensions of the Organization”. The Minister also mentioned the fact of elaboration and adoption of the state program “Path to Europe” by Kazakhstan to develop an agenda and strategy for our future OSCE Chairmanship.

On the eve of the conference M.Tazhin held several meetings within the framework of “Quintet” of Ministers of foreign affairs of OSCE Chairman-in-Office and Head of State-members of Organization of collective security treaty.

Date of issue: 2008-12-04