OSCE PERMANENT COUNCIL: RESPONSE TO ROMANIAN FM

UNCLAS STATE 043655 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MO OSCE PGOV PREL RO SUBJECT: OSCE PERMANENT COUNCIL: RESPONSE TO ROMANIAN FM DIACONESCU ¶1. Post is authorized to make the following statement at the April 30 Permanent Council meeting in Vienna: Begin text: Thank you, Madam Chairwoman. We warmly welcome you to the Permanent Council, Foreign Minister Diaconescu. The United States and Romania have a close bilateral relationship, and we are pleased to work together with you constructively on a wide range of issues. Romania has been an important supporter of international efforts in Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq, and is an active, valued, and constructive participant in the Euro-Atlantic community. Romania remains a valuable OSCE partner, and has exhibited leadership not only by chairing the organization in the past, but also by hosting a variety of conferences, including an event focusing on combating discrimination and promoting mutual respect and understanding. Romania, as a European Union member state with a unique perspective on the EU's neighbors, has also been a valuable supporter of the European Union,s Eastern Partnership Initiative, and a strong proponent of efforts to encourage closer ties to Euro-Atlantic institutions. We note that recent events in Moldova have caused great concern for the Romanian public and government. We continue to encourage a constructive relationship between Moldova and Romania, and urge both sides to focus on productive dialogue and conclusion of ongoing bilateral treaty negotiations. The United States remains concerned about the situation in Moldova, as outlined by Ambassador Remler,s report to the Permanent Council on April 23. We call on the government to address concerns raised by opposition parties about problems with the voter lists in a cooperative and transparent manner. It is important that allegations of mistreatment of detainees be investigated, and High Representative Solana,s proposal to include the opposition and international community in such an investigation is example of how these allegations can be examined. We agree with the Foreign Minister that the OSCE is uniquely suited to play a central role in addressing and resolving the protracted conflicts which constitute a continuing question mark for European security. With its emphasis on comprehensive security in all three dimensions along with its broad base of participating States, the OSCE serves as an example of the importance of an integrated approach to European security. As we have heard a call for a renewed look at the arrangements dedicated to ensuring Europe,s security, the United States believes the OSCE should be the primary venue for any such discussion. Mr. Minister, the United States looks forward to continued close cooperation with Romania, and to building on an already solid foundation to deepen our bilateral relationship. Thank you again for joining us today. Thank you, Madam Chairwoman. CLINTON