OSCE PERMANENT COUNCIL: STATEMENT ON CIO PERSONAL

UNCLAS STATE 091691 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV OSCE PREL SUBJECT: OSCE PERMANENT COUNCIL: STATEMENT ON CIO PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE,S REPORT ON DAYTON ACCORDS ARTICLE IV IMPLEMENTATION ¶1. (U) Post is authorized to present the following statement at the September 3 Permanent Council meeting in Vienna. Begin text: Thank you, Madam Chairwoman. General Periotto, we welcome your update on Article IV implementation and congratulate the Parties for their dedication and professionalism in fulfilling their obligations under the Agreement. Their full and constructive participation is proof of their sincere commitment to ensuring lasting peace and stability for the region. This participation can also be an important component supporting comprehensive Euro-Atlantic integration. The implementation of the Agreement continues on an extremely positive course with the successful execution of well over 600 inspections, the continued downsizing of the Parties, military manpower, and the inclusion of Montenegro as a Party to the Agreement. These achievements demonstrate unequivocally the ongoing commitment by the Parties to the success of the Agreement. We look forward to the continued successful implementation of the Article IV Agreement, and fully affirm our support for the Personal Representative and his staff to make this possible. The continued presence of the international community remains important. We strongly support the Personal Representative,s proposal to work with the Parties to gradually strengthen the Parties, ownership of the Agreement and we commend the Parties, commitment to take on these responsibilities, with the eventual goal of full autonomy. We stand ready to provide appropriate support in working toward these goals. General Periotto, we again thank you for your report and for the work of your office and staff and look forward to continued progress in implementing the goals you have just clearly described. Thank you, Madam Chairwoman. CLINTON