Maris Riekstins: European security dialogue should promote trust between countries

On 27 – 28 June, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins took part in a meeting of foreign ministers from the participating States of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) on the island of Corfu, Greece. During the meeting, the ministers discussed topical issues of security policy, spanning the three OSCE dimensions - the politico-military, the economic and environmental, and the human dimension. Among other topics, the ministers also discussed Russia's decision to veto the extension of the mandate for the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia that also leaves an impact on the European security debate.

When speaking about the future security in Europe, Foreign Minister Riekstins emphasised that the most essential was to restore the broken confidence between countries. "To this end, the countries should clearly demonstrate political will to honour current commitments which is the main prerequisite for tackling security challenges in Europe." 

In his address, Minister Riekstins also noted that the capability of the OSCE to achieve resolution of frozen conflicts would be a solid foundation for restoring confidence between the countries.  There must be a will to reach a compromise on such issues as a continued presence of the OSCE mission in Georgia," Mr Riekstins underlined.

The meeting of the OSCE foreign ministers was held on the initiative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis.

(end of text)