Ukraine starts its OSCE chairmanship

Starting on January 1, 2013, Ukraine assumes the chairmanship of the 57-member Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the Kyiv Post reports.

During its chairmanship, Ukraine will make every effort to settle protracted conflicts, strengthen control over conventional arms and the fight against human trafficking, reduce the impact of the energy sector on the environment and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, the Foreign Ministry's press service quoted Foreign Minister Leonid Kozhara as saying.

The minister noted the role of Ukraine as one of the mediators and guarantors of the Trans-Dniestrian conflict settlement and the significant achievements in this process made in 2012. He stressed the need to further address the settlement of this and other protracted conflicts in the OSCE.

"We should give a new impetus to the negotiations within the existing format and prevent any escalation of the conflict. The resolution of protracted conflicts must remain the highest priority for the OSCE and all participating states," Kozhara said.

Adapted from: Vestnik Kavkaza