Azerbaijan, Baku, Dec. 8 /Trend/
The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Audronius Ažubalis, highlighted the progress achieved at the Vilnius Ministerial Council and urged the 56 OSCE participating States to build on the decisions taken and address the challenges raised at the meeting, which concluded today.
Ažubalis emphasized the need to build on momentum to address protracted conflicts in the region: "I am particularly proud that the Transdniestrian settlement process is back on track, with the resumption of official talks. I am hopeful that we will be able to achieve further progress here, as well as in the South Caucasus, through the Geneva Discussions and the Minsk Group. I firmly believe that the recent progress in the Transdniestrian settlement process, after some six years, gives us reason to hope and to redouble our efforts."
The OSCE Foreign Ministers took decisions on enhancing OSCE capabilities in early warning, early action, dialogue facilitation and mediation support, and post-conflict rehabilitation. Decisions were also taken on addressing transnational threats, promoting equal opportunity for women in the economic sphere, strengthening the transport dialogue, the role of the OSCE in facilitating UN Security Council Resolution 1540, dealing with small arms and light weapons and conventional ammunition, and on issues relevant to the Forum for Security Co-operation. A declaration on combating all forms of human trafficking was agreed.