Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09STATE22953
2009-03-11 18:05:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Secretary of State
Cable title:
OSCE/PERMANENT COUNCIL: RESPONSE TO REPORT OF
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UNCLAS STATE 022953
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OSCE PREL ECON PGOV
SUBJECT: OSCE/PERMANENT COUNCIL: RESPONSE TO REPORT OF
COORDINATOR OF ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITIES
UNCLAS STATE 022953
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OSCE PREL ECON PGOV
SUBJECT: OSCE/PERMANENT COUNCIL: RESPONSE TO REPORT OF
COORDINATOR OF ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITIES
1. Post is authorized to present the following statement at
the March 12 Permanent Council meeting in Vienna.
Begin text:
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Svilanovic, thank you for your report and the 2009 Action
Plan. The Action Plan reminds us of the breadth of issues
touched on by the Second Dimension, and of the challenges the
OSCE faces in balancing the desires of 56 states as to what
the OSCE should be doing in this Dimension. The four
priorities you mention are of concern to all countries in the
OSCE region. Recent events, in particular the winter gas
crisis in Europe, the global economic crisis, and persistent
concerns over approaches to environmental challenges,
highlight the importance of the Second Dimension, and present
us with an opportunity to raise the level and visibility of
the OSCE's contributions to Economic and Environmental
Security.
A major issue that the OSCE cannot afford to ignore is the
implications of the global financial crisis for security in
our region. Stagnant or shrinking economies, failing banks,
rising unemployment, reduced government revenues, reverse
migration, dwindling remittances, and other effects increase
the risk of instability, especially in more fragile
countries. We need to act in concert to stabilize markets
and strengthen regulatory frameworks, uphold commitments to
keep markets open, and provide assistance to countries that
face difficult financial circumstances. International
consultation and coordination are essential to any effective
resolution of this crisis. The OSCE can play a facilitative
role, focusing on the implications for stability and
security, serving as a trip-wire for any destabilizing
trends, and discussing steps we might take together to
mitigate those implications.
Energy Security is a second issue to which we should devote
more attention in the OSCE, both now and in the long term.
The availability of energy supplies and the reliability of
distribution networks have profound implications for our
economy and for our security. We believe that the OSCE,
given its breadth of geographic responsibility and focus on
multi-dimensional aspects of security, can play a valuable
role in establishing common understandings and principles.
This should be done in line with its existing mandates and in
collaboration with the work of other international
organizations and agreements to be sure. We look forward to
a vigorous debate on how this Organization can enhance Energy
Security throughout the OSCE region.
Talking, however, is not a goal in and of itself. We should
also continue to seek tangible outcomes. Nor should we
abandon the traditional work of the OSCE that we believe can
yield solid benefits, such as promotion of the rule of law
and good governance, the work of our Missions to help put
into practice rules and regulations that improve the business
and investment climate and aid in the fight against
corruption, organized crime, and money laundering. We
applaud the Activity Plan's mention of this as a theme
running throughout OSCE activities in the Second Dimension.
Mr. Svilanovic, thank you again for your report and for your
contributions thus far to the OSCE's activities throughout
the region. Your fast start in the position is a credit to
your vision and the diligence and dedication of your staff.
The United States reiterates its support for the work of the
Office of Coordinator for Economic and Environmental
Activities, and we look forward to a productive year of
collaboration.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
End text.
CLINTON
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OSCE PREL ECON PGOV
SUBJECT: OSCE/PERMANENT COUNCIL: RESPONSE TO REPORT OF
COORDINATOR OF ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITIES
1. Post is authorized to present the following statement at
the March 12 Permanent Council meeting in Vienna.
Begin text:
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Svilanovic, thank you for your report and the 2009 Action
Plan. The Action Plan reminds us of the breadth of issues
touched on by the Second Dimension, and of the challenges the
OSCE faces in balancing the desires of 56 states as to what
the OSCE should be doing in this Dimension. The four
priorities you mention are of concern to all countries in the
OSCE region. Recent events, in particular the winter gas
crisis in Europe, the global economic crisis, and persistent
concerns over approaches to environmental challenges,
highlight the importance of the Second Dimension, and present
us with an opportunity to raise the level and visibility of
the OSCE's contributions to Economic and Environmental
Security.
A major issue that the OSCE cannot afford to ignore is the
implications of the global financial crisis for security in
our region. Stagnant or shrinking economies, failing banks,
rising unemployment, reduced government revenues, reverse
migration, dwindling remittances, and other effects increase
the risk of instability, especially in more fragile
countries. We need to act in concert to stabilize markets
and strengthen regulatory frameworks, uphold commitments to
keep markets open, and provide assistance to countries that
face difficult financial circumstances. International
consultation and coordination are essential to any effective
resolution of this crisis. The OSCE can play a facilitative
role, focusing on the implications for stability and
security, serving as a trip-wire for any destabilizing
trends, and discussing steps we might take together to
mitigate those implications.
Energy Security is a second issue to which we should devote
more attention in the OSCE, both now and in the long term.
The availability of energy supplies and the reliability of
distribution networks have profound implications for our
economy and for our security. We believe that the OSCE,
given its breadth of geographic responsibility and focus on
multi-dimensional aspects of security, can play a valuable
role in establishing common understandings and principles.
This should be done in line with its existing mandates and in
collaboration with the work of other international
organizations and agreements to be sure. We look forward to
a vigorous debate on how this Organization can enhance Energy
Security throughout the OSCE region.
Talking, however, is not a goal in and of itself. We should
also continue to seek tangible outcomes. Nor should we
abandon the traditional work of the OSCE that we believe can
yield solid benefits, such as promotion of the rule of law
and good governance, the work of our Missions to help put
into practice rules and regulations that improve the business
and investment climate and aid in the fight against
corruption, organized crime, and money laundering. We
applaud the Activity Plan's mention of this as a theme
running throughout OSCE activities in the Second Dimension.
Mr. Svilanovic, thank you again for your report and for your
contributions thus far to the OSCE's activities throughout
the region. Your fast start in the position is a credit to
your vision and the diligence and dedication of your staff.
The United States reiterates its support for the work of the
Office of Coordinator for Economic and Environmental
Activities, and we look forward to a productive year of
collaboration.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
End text.
CLINTON