GUIDANCE FOR OSCE BRIEFING TO UN SECURITY COUNCIL

UNCLAS STATE 018259


E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: UNSC PREL GG
SUBJECT: GUIDANCE FOR OSCE BRIEFING TO UN SECURITY COUNCIL
FEBRUARY 27 2009


1. (U) This is an action request: USUN is instructed to
draw from the points below during the OSCE briefing to the UN
Security Council scheduled for February 27, 2009.


2. (U) Begin points:

I would like to welcome the Chairwoman-in-Office and thank
her for her comprehensive overview of the priorities for the
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)
under Greece,s leadership. We appreciate the creative and
assertive role that you have taken upon assuming the
Chairmanship and we welcome your emphasis on the
multi-dimensional aspects of security.

The strength and effectiveness of the OSCE comes from its
comprehensive definition of security as encompassing human,
economic, military and political dimensions. It is therefore
fitting that we acknowledge the full range of OSCE
activities, including counterterrorism and the important role
played by the OSCE in promoting the peaceful resolution of
conflicts in places such as Eastern Europe and the Caucasus.

We also need to acknowledge the important role the OSCE has
played in strong democratic institutions which form the
backbone of security in the OSCE region. This work includes
the development of the rule of law, such as border management
projects, developing legislative transparency, assisting in
the reform of criminal justice and detention systems, and the
provision of election related assistance. The UN and the
OSCE need to look for opportunities to broaden cooperation
and enhanced dialogue in these areas especially. The OSCE,s
well developed institutional experience can complement
efforts of the UN to develop the institutional capacity of
governments that will help to ensure regional security and
stability.

For example, the Chairwoman cited efforts in Central Asia to
establish border management projects. We hope that the OSCE
will work to ensure that these projects continue, in addition
to bolstering the OSCE,s important work in the Human
Dimension in Central Asia. The OSCE should also implement
fully and expeditiously two critical border security projects
within Afghanistan. We might also look for ways to leverage
more of the OSCE,s experience in the conduct of elections in
the region. Here I am thinking in particular of Afghanistan,
where we should continue to consider how the OSCE might help
in the conduct of the upcoming presidential elections.

The OSCE,s work in Kosovo merits mention. Kosovo is making
strong progress as the newest member of the international
community. Independent Kosovo poses a changed operating
environment for the OSCE, to which it must adjust. The OSCE
has played a valuable role in assisting Kosovo,s development
through capacity-building, assistance with elections, and
monitoring of human rights and the protection of ethnic
minorities. We hope that OSCE,s important work in Kosovo
will continue, as UNMIK,s downsizing and transition
progresses and other international organizations such as
EULEX and the ICO have assumed a leading role in engagement
in Kosovo.

In Georgia, the OSCE mission continues to contribute to the
search for the establishment of a durable and lasting
resolution to the conflict. In order to properly address key
security and humanitarian concerns on the ground, however,
the current OSCE presence in Georgia must be bolstered by
additional monitors who are empowered to patrol and
investigate incidents throughout Georgia, including the South
Ossetia region. The harassment and detention of OSCE
monitors must also stop. We strongly commend the efforts of
the Chairwoman to find a compromise approach that would
create a framework for the OSCE to continue its important
work there. We also expect Russia to abide by the terms of
the ceasefire, which calls for the return of Russian forces
to positions held prior to the conflict. Finally, we
strongly support the Co-Chairs of the Geneva discussions,
which include both the OSCE and the UN, in calling for
another round of talks to discuss urgent security issues,
including the non-use of force, in March or April. The
security situation in Georgia remains dangerous, so there is
no excuse for delay.

(IF RAISED -- The OSCE's place in the European security
architecture is unique. As the only framework that includes
all concerned countries, the OSCE is the appropriate venue
for discussions on pan-European security. The United States
welcomes discussions about ways to improve security and to
manage crises in Europe.)

There are other opportunities for enhanced cooperation, as
well, in areas such as the human and security implications of
climate change, gender equality, freedom of religion, freedom
of expression and assembly, the protection of human rights
defenders, the reform of criminal justice systems in the OSCE
region, anti-trafficking in persons, and the provision of
election-related assistance. We look forward particularly to
reviewing the implementation of the human dimension
commitments by participating States in the upcoming Human
Dimension Implementation Meeting in Warsaw.

Again, I would like to thank the Chairwoman, Ms. Bakoyannis
for her efforts and offer the full support of the United
States.

Thank you.


CLINTON