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10.9.2004 Introductory remarks by Mr Ivo Vajgl, Minister for Foreign Affairs
of the Republic of Slovenia Excellencies, First of all, allow me to congratulate Prof. Dr. Anton Bebler for organising today's round table discussion. In 2005, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe will celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act. Significant changes have taken place since that first day of August 1975, when the objective of promoting better relations among themselves and ensuring conditions in which their people can live in true and lasting peace free from any threat to or attempt against their security was reaffirmed by the participating States. After thirty years, the objectives - in their essence - remain the same. Although the relations and living conditions have since then been improved, threats and challenges to security have become more complex than ever. Today's reality urges the international community to effectively respond to these challenges. To paraphrase the well known words: "No state or international organization is an island" - none of them can meet the risks facing the modern security environment on its own. Thus we can all agree that a comprehensive and inclusive, rather than exclusive, approach must be taken to this issue. Slovenia believes that the OSCE is one of the main pillars of the international security architecture, along with the UN, EU, Council of Europe and NATO. The Organization's flexibility, broad membership and various activities in the field, together with its unique comprehension of security, could be a substantive asset and an important contribution to joint endeavours towards achieving true and lasting peace envisaged by the Helsinki Final Act. With its mandate in conflict prevention, crisis management and post-conflict rehabilitation the OSCE is unique between all the international organisations. The need for an improved coherence between the OSCE and other international organizations is a fact and cannot be disputed. Enhanced co-operation, which has to be built between all partners on an equal footing, should be directed towards achieving synergy, complementarity and avoiding duplication. I believe that this is our shared objective. It has to be of paramount importance to the OSCE and other organizations to make a move beyond just general understanding, political declarations and documents. These efforts should continue after the media lights are gone. Slovenia acknowledges positive steps taken so far in implementing the commitments undertaken We nevertheless believe that there still remains much to be done in achieving greater synergy between international organizations. During its chairmanship, the Republic of Slovenia will appeal to all participating States and international organisations to push even harder for a closer and more effective cooperation in the field - where it matters the most. Today's round table discussion organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Euro-Atlantic Council of Slovenia is a step forward in this direction. It is a valuable opportunity to exchange views that will be useful not only to Slovenia as the next Chairman-In-Office but to the Organisation as a whole. I wish the round table all the best and to all the participants fruitful discussions and safe trip back home. Celotno besedilo govora si lahko preberete tukaj:
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