Astana calls to conduct OSCE summit in 2010

“The 10-year interval since the last OSCE summit is an illustration of the fact that the consensus base is in stagnation, if not in crisis. In this regard, we call upon the OSCE participating States to support Kazakhstan’s initiative urging the convening of a summit in 2010,” he said.

He noted such a meeting of OSCE leaders would afford an opportunity to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, the 20th anniversary of the Charter of Paris and the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II.

“The agenda of the summit could include topical security issues in the OSCE area of responsibility, as well as the situation in Afghanistan and issues relating to tolerance,” Nazarbayev said
“Now is the time when the leaders of the OSCE participating States should demonstrate their political will and focus on solutions to the difficult challenges facing our nations”.

President of Kazakhstan pointed out a summit would not only give a powerful impetus to adapting the OSCE to modern challenges and threats, but would also increase the confidence and respect enjoyed by the Organization itself among the peoples.

“Finally, it is the direct responsibility of the Heads of State or Government to work towards strengthening security and co-operation for the benefit and prosperity of the people who elect them,” he said.
Nazarbayev noted the OSCE is an organization that cannot be replaced. According to him, its stagnation or disappearance would create a volatile vacuum in the Euro-Atlantic area.

Kazakh leader suggested declaring August 1st, the day of the signing of the Helsinki Final Act, to be OSCE Day.

Kazakhstan` Nazarbayev assured that his country as the holder of the OSCE Chairmanship is firmly committed to the fundamental principles and values of the OSCE.

/AzerTac/