Check against delivery
Thank you, Mr Chairman,
First of all I would like to thank
you for the excellent work you have done as Chairman-in-Office.
I would like to thank both the
Permanent Council and the ODIHR for their comprehensive efforts
regarding reform of the OSCE. I hope we can now put the discussions
on our internal structures behind us, and redirect our energy to
the OSCE’s core purpose.
The panel report stresses the need
for the OSCE to set priorities in its work. I fully agree. The OSCE
cannot deal with all issues.
We need to focus on core tasks if
we are to have an impact. Norway believes that the OSCE should
concentrate on four priority areas.
Firstly, conflict prevention and
resolution.
In Kosovo, we are entering a
critical period in the process of deciding its future status. The
OSCE will have a key role to play in implementing a status
settlement. I see two main areas where the OSCE can make a unique
contribution. First of all, building good governance – the OSCE
should continue its work to create stronger and more competent
institutions able to deliver services to the entire population. And
second, monitoring and improving respect for human rights,
particularly in the relations between ethnic communities in
Kosovo.
The OSCE has unique field
experience and expertise in the western Balkans. It must now make
full use of its ears and eyes on the ground in Kosovo to insure the
peaceful implementation of the future status settlement.
The fragile situation that is
impinging on the territorial integrity and sovereignty of member
states cannot be permitted to continue. In particular, Moldova has
the right to develop without the presence of foreign troops on its
territory against its will. And Georgia has the right to choose
orientation towards Europe without interference from abroad. Other
frozen conflicts still remain unsolved in the OSCE area. They
prevent social and economic development, and they represent threats
to regional security. Proposals for solutions are on the table.
Looking towards our next-door
region in Asia, we need a stronger and better coordinated
engagement to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan. Several of
the countries present here today are neighbours to Afghanistan and
are particularly vulnerable to instability and terrorism in
Afghanistan, as well as to the trafficking of drugs.
The OSCE has a role to play in
bringing its members together in combating these destructive and
illegal activities, and thereby helping to create a more stable
Afghanistan.
Mr Chairman,
Let me underline another issue of
importance: the integration of women into conflict prevention and
conflict management in the political-military dimension in the
OSCE.
Women’s role in confidence building
and conflict resolution must be recognised and built upon. And we
must step up our efforts to implement UNSCR 1325.
Secondly, institution building and
the rule of law are prerequisites for stability and democracy. We
need to maintain our focus on respect for human rights, freedom of
the press and freedom of association. When these rights are
neglected, our common values suffer. We must react and speak out
when this happens.
The OSCE needs to take an
integrated approach that encompasses the civilian police, the
public prosecutor’s office, the courts, the prison system and
border control.
A well functioning criminal justice
system is key in the fight against organised crime, including
trafficking in drugs and human beings.
We must continue our comprehensive
and proactive strategy for combating human trafficking. Up to now,
human trafficking has mainly been linked with sexual exploitation
and forced prostitution, but the focus must also be directed at
trafficking for forced labour.
Forced and bonded labour is a
growing phenomenon in our part of the world too. The OSCE must take
a leading role here as well.
Thirdly, our common commitment to
building democracy is one of the core OSCE values.
Our common principles and
commitment in relation to the human dimension have to be fully
implemented.
I have full confidence in the way
the ODIHR monitors elections. It must be allowed to continue to do
so in an independent, impartial and effective way.
Fourthly – and finally – Mr
Chairman, we must, as a security organisation, be able to respond
to new threats to security. We need to focus on the environmental
aspects of security.
Our security is threatened by both
climatic change and other environmental problems. Energy is key and
an aspect of security that is very much on all our minds. This is
an issue where we have much to gain from sharing experience and
perspectives – whether we are situated in the High North, by the
Black Sea or by the Caspian Sea.
Mr Chairman,
Norway welcomes Kazakhstan’s
candidacy for the OSCE 2009 Chairmanship. We consider this
candidacy to be an indication of Kazakhstan’s commitment to the
OSCE and its determination to fully comply with OSCE standards and
values. We encourage Kazakhstan to implement its programme for
democratic reforms in full.
Mr Chairman,
Let me finally assure our Spanish
colleague, Mr Miguel Moratinos, that he has Norway’s full support
as he assumes the important role as OSCE Chairman-in-Office for
2007. Your programme inspires us to lend you all our efforts in the
year to come.
Thank you.
