Statement by Minister Ilves at the Ninth OSCE Ministerial Council Meeting in Bucharest
Toomas Hendrik Ilves, Foreign Minister of Estonia
The events of September 11 have changed the context in which the OSCE operates. Terrorist attacks have rendered the distinction between so-called "soft" and "hard" security risks obsolete. Security risks that used to be characterized as "soft security" issues have suddenly become "hard security issues". Looking at the history of the OSCE we see that the organisation has for years dealt with issues that we today perceive as means to prevent and suppress terrorism. This, in turn, places increased responsibility on the organisation.
In preparation for the Ministerial Meeting we took a fresh look at the tools that this organisation possesses to see where we could make an additional effort and how we could be more effective. The Bucharest Plan of Action adopted by this Council is good result of this review. The next important step now is the implementation of this plan and its follow-up. Here too, the spirit of co-operation and mutual understanding that we witnessed in negotiating the Action Plan, must prevail.
Various international organisations can contribute to the fight against terrorism. In this respect, the Platform for Co-operative Security acquires a special meaning for our interaction with the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the European Union, NATO and other organisations. The avoidance of duplication will ensure progress in our common endeavours.
Throughout this year the OSCE has been engaged in discussions about strengthening and reform. Estonia still believes that what we need is reshaping and not a radical reform. Previous documents and commitments form a solid basis. Any change should be based on continuity. We hope that from this year's Ministerial Council the OSCE emerges with a strengthened economic and environmental dimension. More focus on economic dimension was requested over and over by a number of participating States. We are glad if we can give a positive response to these requests. The strengthened economic and environmental dimension should put a special focus on sharing transition experience between States, especially on legislation and best practices. The improved investment climate and transparency will contribute to the well being of all members of a society. Future economic dimension activities should correspond to the expectations of countries in need.
Estonia had hoped to have agreement on the full reform package at this year's Ministerial Council. On the other hand, it is also true that any decision should be carefully weighed and that we should have a clear vision as to what serves our interests. These interests, in our understanding, are best described in two notions: first, a broad sense of ownership and second, dialogue. However, further discussions about the change of structure and working methods next year should not overshadow our main activities.
Through its separate statements, this Ministerial Council is able to register success in a number of issues. Important developments have taken place in Moldova. The 2001 deadline for withdrawal and destruction of CFE Treaty Limited Equipment has been met ahead of schedule. We hope that the same will be true about the 2002 deadline. Complete withdrawal in accordance with the Istanbul Summit Declaration will be a key to a comprehensive political settlement.
On the less positive side, the situation in Georgia is of increasing concern. We hope that next year will bring about positive developments regarding this and other outstanding issues. Estonia is confident that we shall all benefit from the new climate and work together to implement decisions taken by this Ministerial Council.
Finally, I would like to thank the Romanian chairmanship for guiding us through this year. At the beginning of 2001, Romania pledged to make dialogue the guiding principle of this year's work. The chair has kept its promise. In addition, the Romanian chairmanship has adopted approaches, similar to larger and more established international organisations. This has put our deliberations on a more solid basis of continuity and institutional memory. We have also been able to enjoy a culture of work based on respect, and an enormous degree of patience. We present our best wishes to Portugal, the incoming OSCE chairmanship for 2002.
The events of September 11 have changed the context in which the OSCE operates. Terrorist attacks have rendered the distinction between so-called "soft" and "hard" security risks obsolete. Security risks that used to be characterized as "soft security" issues have suddenly become "hard security issues". Looking at the history of the OSCE we see that the organisation has for years dealt with issues that we today perceive as means to prevent and suppress terrorism. This, in turn, places increased responsibility on the organisation.
In preparation for the Ministerial Meeting we took a fresh look at the tools that this organisation possesses to see where we could make an additional effort and how we could be more effective. The Bucharest Plan of Action adopted by this Council is good result of this review. The next important step now is the implementation of this plan and its follow-up. Here too, the spirit of co-operation and mutual understanding that we witnessed in negotiating the Action Plan, must prevail.
Various international organisations can contribute to the fight against terrorism. In this respect, the Platform for Co-operative Security acquires a special meaning for our interaction with the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the European Union, NATO and other organisations. The avoidance of duplication will ensure progress in our common endeavours.
Throughout this year the OSCE has been engaged in discussions about strengthening and reform. Estonia still believes that what we need is reshaping and not a radical reform. Previous documents and commitments form a solid basis. Any change should be based on continuity. We hope that from this year's Ministerial Council the OSCE emerges with a strengthened economic and environmental dimension. More focus on economic dimension was requested over and over by a number of participating States. We are glad if we can give a positive response to these requests. The strengthened economic and environmental dimension should put a special focus on sharing transition experience between States, especially on legislation and best practices. The improved investment climate and transparency will contribute to the well being of all members of a society. Future economic dimension activities should correspond to the expectations of countries in need.
Estonia had hoped to have agreement on the full reform package at this year's Ministerial Council. On the other hand, it is also true that any decision should be carefully weighed and that we should have a clear vision as to what serves our interests. These interests, in our understanding, are best described in two notions: first, a broad sense of ownership and second, dialogue. However, further discussions about the change of structure and working methods next year should not overshadow our main activities.
Through its separate statements, this Ministerial Council is able to register success in a number of issues. Important developments have taken place in Moldova. The 2001 deadline for withdrawal and destruction of CFE Treaty Limited Equipment has been met ahead of schedule. We hope that the same will be true about the 2002 deadline. Complete withdrawal in accordance with the Istanbul Summit Declaration will be a key to a comprehensive political settlement.
On the less positive side, the situation in Georgia is of increasing concern. We hope that next year will bring about positive developments regarding this and other outstanding issues. Estonia is confident that we shall all benefit from the new climate and work together to implement decisions taken by this Ministerial Council.
Finally, I would like to thank the Romanian chairmanship for guiding us through this year. At the beginning of 2001, Romania pledged to make dialogue the guiding principle of this year's work. The chair has kept its promise. In addition, the Romanian chairmanship has adopted approaches, similar to larger and more established international organisations. This has put our deliberations on a more solid basis of continuity and institutional memory. We have also been able to enjoy a culture of work based on respect, and an enormous degree of patience. We present our best wishes to Portugal, the incoming OSCE chairmanship for 2002.
© Estonian Foreign Ministry
- Islandi väljak 1
- 15049 Tallinn
- TEL (+372) 6 377 000
- General Info: vminfo@vm.ee
- Documents: post@vm.ee
- For consular and visa-related information:: konsul@vm.ee
