Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09STATE57259
2009-06-03 19:55:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Secretary of State
Cable title:
OSCE PERMANENT COUNCIL: RESPONSE TO THE
how-toVZCZCXRO9769 PP RUEHAST RUEHDBU RUEHFL RUEHLA RUEHMRE RUEHPOD RUEHROV RUEHSK RUEHSR DE RUEHC #7259 1542007 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P R 031955Z JUN 09 FM SECSTATE WASHDC TO RUEHVEN/USMISSION USOSCE PRIORITY 1034 INFO ORG FOR SECURITY CO OP IN EUR COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS STATE 057259
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OSCE PGOV PREL PHUM
SUBJECT: OSCE PERMANENT COUNCIL: RESPONSE TO THE
SECRETARY GENERAL ON THE ALLIANCE OF CIVILIZATIONS
(U) Post is authorized to present the following statement at
the Permanent Council in Vienna on June 4.
Begin text:
Thank you, Madam Chairwoman.
The United States has studied with great interest the
Secretary General,s ideas on possible next steps for
collaboration between the OSCE and the Alliance of
Civilizations.
The United States supports the goals of the Alliance of
Civilizations to improve understanding and respect among
various religious communities and cultures, and to help
counter forces that fuel polarization and extremism. We
believe there is value in an ongoing dialogue among cultures
and religions, encouraging mutual understanding and
tolerance. In our view the OSCE has made a positive
contribution in this regard in the past, and should continue
to do so in the future.
As the Secretary General noted in his report, the OSCE has
developed a broad range of principles, structures,
mechanisms, and activities that substantially go in the same
direction as the Alliance,s goals and activities. We
believe there is merit in inviting the Alliance of
Civilizations to participate in and observe OSCE events on
tolerance and non-discrimination, freedom of religion and
media freedom. We do not, however, support the establishment
of an institutional structure or formal partnership between
the OSCE and the Alliance of Civilizations.
In light of our active and principled support for interfaith
and intercultural dialogue, the United States will continue
to follow with interest the progress of the Alliance of
Civilizations in establishing a successful track record in
this important area. We welcome efforts to identify where
the activities of the OSCE and the Alliance of Civilizations
can usefully be aligned to further serve these goals.
Thank you, Madam Chairwoman.
CLINTON