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