Ukraine in the OSCE will try to resolve long-standing conflicts - MFA

During the presidency of the OSCE in 2013, Ukraine will make all efforts to resolve protracted conflicts, strengthen the conventional arms control, anti-trafficking, reduce the impact of energy on the environment and the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms. This was stated by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, the OSCE Chairman Leonid Kozhara to mark the start of Ukraine's chairmanship in the Organization, reports UNN referring to the press service of the Foreign Ministry.

The Minister noted the role and importance of Ukraine as one of the mediators and guarantors of the Transnistrian settlement, congratulating good achievements in this process over the last year. He stressed the need to further address this and other protracted conflicts in the OSCE area.

«We must give new impetus to the negotiation process in the existing format and to prevent the escalation of the conflict. Decision protracted conflicts should be the main priority of the OSCE and its participating States,» - said Leonid Kozhara.

As noted by the OSCE Chairman, Ukraine to give priority to the consolidation of efforts of member countries in the field of arms control and confidence-building measures and security to increase military stability in the OSCE area.

Another priority of the presidency of Ukraine is energy security, particularly in the context of reducing the environmental impact of energy activities.

Ukraine during the presidency to devote considerable attention to the fight against human trafficking, the protection of freedom of speech, as well as to initiate a number of other activities in the human dimension of the OSCE.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, the OSCE Chairman Leonid Kozhara noted that in the interest of the OSCE constructive involvement of non-governmental organizations and the scientific community to the main initiatives of the Organization in all dimensions.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, the OSCE Chairman Leonid Kozhara officially unveil the priorities of Ukraine's chairmanship of the OSCE in the OSCE Permanent Council on January 17 in Vienna.

Adapted from UNN