OSCE chairman pledges "a special focus" on the conflicts, democracy...

Europe's main human rights and security body pledges a "special focus" on the conflicts, corruption, media freedom and other democratic challenges throughout the OSCE region, especially in the Caucasus, under the chairmanship of Switzerland, Didier Burkhalte, Swiss President and Foreign Minister stated in Washington, DC on Tuesday, February 25, TURAN's correspondent reports.
Speaking before the US Helsinki Commission, a congressional group that monitors human rights and international cooperation in 57 countries, the current OSCE chairman announced his upcoming travel to the South Caucasus, where he plans to bring up particularly the frozen conflicts into agenda.
"Nagorno-Karabakh is one of the most dangerous conflicts in Europe... One of my first meetings as Chairperson-in-Office was with the three co-chairs of the Minsk Group. I wish to emphasize at this point that both in Karabakh and in Georgia, US involvement at the highest political level would be helpful for our efforts," he said, adding that the stalemate in these protracted conflicts can "only be overcome with greater engagement and attention by international key players."
On Georgian conflict, the chairman mentioned that his Special Representative for the Southern Caucasus Amb. Angelo Gnadinger is co-chairing the Geneva International Discussions on the issue:  "These discussions are a unique, albeit fragile, platform to tackle the security and humanitarian aspects of the conflict. It is our hope that they will one day evolve into a forum that lays the ground for a settlement of the conflict."
During the testimony the Helsinki Commission members drew the chairman's attention to the escalated human rights violations in several OSCE countries, especially media attacks and corruption facts involved in the ruling leaders, suggesting the organizations' engagement to address to the problems.
"Switzerland's chairmanship comes at an important time in the development of an organization that operates on the basis of consensus and includes countries ranging from democracies to dictatorships," the Commission stated.
In his response, D. Burkhalte emphasized that the OSCE region is facing challenges ranging from backsliding on human rights in some countries to the political crisis and recent violence in Kiev.
On Ukraine, he stated, that presidential elections will be a crucial moment in the current transition period. "We expect the Ukrainian authorities to issue an early invitation for an ODIHR election observation mission: It is essential to support a fair and inclusive process of transition which does not marginalize any part of Ukraine or any community. Ukraine deserves full international attention and support. I am convinced that the OSCE has the necessary tools to assist Ukraine in this difficult phase."
Speaking on security challenges, he said conventional arms control and confidence- and security-building measures will also play a key role in joint efforts to strengthen military stability, transparency and predictability in the OSCE area: "We should also seek ways to ensure that unresolved territorial conflicts do not block progress on pan-regional arms control".
As for the democracy concerns, Switzerland will host a chairmanship event on human rights defenders in Bern, in June, he said. The Swiss Chairmanship will also put the issue of torture back on the agenda of the OSCE, he added. -25В-