27 June 2003
U.S. Supports OSCE Role in Meeting Security Threats
(Minikes closing remarks to review conference) (910) Dealing with modern threats to security requires a concerted effort by military forces, police, and customs authorities, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe is well-suited to assist in this effort, U.S. Ambassador Stephan Minikes said in closing remarks at the OSCE's first Annual Security Review Conference June 26 in Vienna. "The OSCE's comprehensive approach to security and its close working relationships with governments, NGOs and other actors give it the right mix of tools to be able to play a role in promoting this kind of intra-state and inter-state cooperation which will be key to combating old, current and new threats in the years to come," he said. Minikes, head of the U.S. Mission to the OSCE, acknowledged the significance of holding the first security review conference and highlighted four specific areas for follow-up: the adoption of common security features on travel documents, more controls on MANPADS (Man-portable Air Defense Systems), improved border security and control, and the destruction of ammunition stockpiles. Following are Minikes' remarks: (begin transcript) United States Mission to the OSCE Vienna June 26, 2003 CLOSING STATEMENT FIRST OSCE ANNUAL SECURITY REVIEW CONFERENCE Delivered by Ambassador Stephan M. Minikes Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It is our firm conviction that this first Annual Security Review Conference has accomplished the purpose we realistically expected it would. We have had some review of implementation of our commitments, we have had some give and take, and we have had heard some proposals from delegations and keynote speakers as to how we might refine our commitments or even consider new areas of security-related work which, provided the will for implementation exists, might improve security within and among OSCE participating states. We must recognize that this is the first time that this conference has been held. There will be matters to work out over time. But the fact that we have made a start is very significant and together with our partners from other European and Euro-Atlantic security organizations there is much to do to follow up. In response to some of the suggestions put forward by delegations and by some of our keynote speakers, we feel the potential exists for worthwhile follow up that we look forward to seeing mature into deliverables for the ministerial at Maastricht, along the following lines: First, travel document security: Several delegations have highlighted the invaluable service the OSCE has played, and can continue to play, in establishing norms and standards for participating States. We believe that the OSCE can make a significant contribution in terms of real security needs by deciding to adopt common security features on the travel documentation they issue to their citizens. Work in this area would make a significant, very real contribution to the war on terrorism, as well as to the fight against organized crime and illegal immigration, all issues many delegations have identified as threats to their own security and stability. Second, MANPADS (Man-portable Air Defense Systems): We share the concerns regarding MANPADS raised by our French colleagues and fully support addressing this issue in the OSCE. MANPADS have been singled out as requiring more controls, more accountability, better storage, and other unique requirements. Although this issue is already being addressed in other international organizations and institutions, we agree that the OSCE Document on Small Arms and Light Weapons can be the springboard for the OSCE to take additional steps to address MANPADS. Third, border control/border security: The German delegation very aptly noted that the OSCE can and should play a more active role in promoting border security and control by its participating States. We strongly support focusing the resources and expertise of this organization in that direction. The Strategic Police Matters Unit and the Anti-Terrorism Unit could work together in the area of training and capacity building to help participating States improve their own abilities to address this issue. And fourth, ammunition stockpile security and destruction: We believe some of the suggestions put forward in various working groups concerning security and perhaps ultimately destruction of stockpiles of ammunition and weapons also deserve attention. The threats we all face these days are not one that can be managed strictly by our militaries. They require a concerted effort by militaries, together with police and customs authorities. They require cooperation between civilian and military authorities. The OSCE's comprehensive approach to security and its close working relationships with governments, NGOs and other actors give it the right mix of tools to be able to play a role in promoting this kind of intra-state and inter-state cooperation which will be key to combating old, current and new threats in the years to come. In closing Mr. Chairman, we want again to thank the Dutch Chairmanship for its leadership and energy in organizing the conference. We also wish to thank the keynote speakers, the coordinators and rapporteurs and delegations for their participation. I said at the outset of the conference that our collective assessment of the usefulness of this meeting would determine its future. The assessment of the United States is that we have made a good start, and that it is our fervent hope that the road to the 2004 Annual Security Review Conference will be paved with the solid results achieved during the next twelve months. Thank you Mr. Chairman. (end transcript) (Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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