In 1975 in Helsinki, world leaders got together to
sign a unique document that would revolutionize the
concept of comprehensive security. The Helsinki Final
Act was a historic triumph of cooperation over conflict,
bridging the gap between East and West and setting
the stage for the end of the Cold War.
Forty years later, it remains the defining document
that guides the work of the Organization for Security
and Co-operation in Europe. This publication includes a
historical timeline as well as spotlights on the different
entities that make up the Organization in 2015. 72 73 1972 1973 74 75 1974 1975 24 May, Helsinki 8 June, Dipoli Geneva 30 July - 1 August, Nixon and Brezhnev End of Multilateral Con- 2nd Stage of the CSCE Helsinki reach a compromise sultations that produced continues. The Confe- 3rd stage of the CSCE and agreement to hold two the “Final Recommen- rence is divided into 1st CSCE SUMMIT. Heads of separate sets of nego- dations of the Helsinki committees and working State or Government of 35 tiations: the CSCE is Consultations” groups according to 3 CSCE participating States* to deal with political dimensions (baskets): adopt and sign the Helsinki issues and the Mutual 3 - 7 July, Helsinki politico/military, econo- Final Act including: Balanced Force Reduc- 1st Stage of the CSCE mic and environmental, • Declaration on Principles tions (MBFR) talks in held at Ministerial level: and humanitarian Guiding Relations between Europe are to deal with 35 participating States Participating States and strategic military adopt the “Final Re- © LEHTIKUVA a Document on confiden- issues (SALT I) commendations of the ce-building measures and Helsinki Consultations” additional chapters on (the ‘Blue Book’) by con- Co-operation in the fields sensus, paving the way of Economics, of Science to the ‘Helsinki process’ and Technology and of the Environment, as well as on 22 November, Dipoli, 18 September, Geneva Co-operation in Humanitari- Helsinki Beginning of the 2nd an and Other Fields Beginning of Multila- Stage of the CSCE. • Questions relating to Se- teral Consultations on The Conference follows 30 June, Geneva curity in the Mediterranean holding a Conference on the agenda and proce- End of the 2nd Stage of and provisions providing for Security and dures prescribed by the the CSCE. Draft Final Act a follow-up to the Co-operation in Europe ‘Blue Book’ is ready Conference (CSCE)
October February Global oil crisis Nobel Prize winning writer Alexander Sol- 30 October, Vienna zhenitsyn is expelled Beginning of negotiations from the Soviet Union on Mutual Balanced May Force Reductions (MBFR) August United States and Soviet Watergate scandal Union sign Strategic provokes U.S. President Arms Limitation Talks Richard Nixon’s (SALT I) resignation
THE CONTENT OF THIS TIMELINE IS SELECTIVE AND DECISIONS TAKEN AT MAJOR EVENTS ARE NOT EXHAUSTIVE
6 *See Accession timeline p. 128 7 airmanship OSCE Chairmanship
THE BEGINNING The origin of the institution of the Chairmanship, and the post of the Chairperson-in-Office (CiO) lies with the Char- ter of Paris for a New Europe (1990). At the 1992 Helsinki Summit, the responsibilities of the CiO were defined as “the co-ordination of and consultation on current CSCE business.”
MANDATE The OSCE Chairmanship is held for one calendar year by the OSCE participating State designated as such by a decision of the Ministerial Council. The function of the Chairper- son-in-Office is exercised by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of that State.
The Chairmanship co-ordinates the decision-making process and sets the priorities for the activities of the OSCE during its year in office. It is supported by the executive structures © OSCE/Micky Kröll of the Organization. The CiO presides over Summits and the Ministerial Council. A member of the Chairmanship, generally the Permanent Representative, chairs the permanent Council. In order to provide work continuity and effectiveness over the years, the Chairmanship is assisted by the outgoing and incoming Chairmanships (the three form the OSCE Troika).
ACTIVITIES The activities of the Chairmanship include: chairing Summits, Ministerial Councils, the Permanent Council and subsidiary FACTS IN 2015 bodies; co-ordinating and consulting on current OSCE Chairing country: Serbia business; providing the Permanent Council with required Chairman-in-Office: Mr. Ivica Dačić, drafts, reports and overviews; providing the Permanent Coun- First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign cil with recommendations on specific issues; communicating Affairs of the Republic of Serbia views and decision of Summits, the Ministerial Council and the Permanent Council to the Secretariat, institutions and OTHER TROIKA MEMBERS field operations; representing the OSCE externally, in consul- Mr. Didier Burkhalter, former CiO (2014) and Head of the tation with participating States and with the assistance of Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland the Secretary General; appointing personal representatives Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, incoming CiO (2016) Federal and heads of field operations. Foreign Minister of Germany 76 77 1976 1977 78 79 1978 1979 9 March, Belgrade End of the Belgrade Follow-up Meeting (Concluding Document)
20 June - 28 July, Bonn Preparatory Meeting for the CSCE Scientific Forum
31 October - 11 December, Montreux 1st Meeting of Experts © CTK/DVORAK on the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes 15 June - 5 August, 4 October, Belgrade (Report) Belgrade Beginning of the Preparatory Meeting Belgrade Follow-Up 13 February - for the 1st CSCE Follow- Meeting to the CSCE 26 March, Valetta up Meeting (Decisions Experts Meeting on on the proceedings and Economic, Scientific and organizational modalities Cultural Co-operation of the Belgrade Follow- in the Mediterranean up Meeting) (Report)
Civil rights advocates June December and dissidents rally United States and Soviet Soviet Union invades around the Helsinki Final Union sign the SALT II Afghanistan Act and create groups, associations and NGOs to follow up the imple- mentations of Helsinki Final Act commitments undertaken by their national governments (Charter 77 in Czechos- lovakia, Helsinki Citizen © BILL FITZ-PATRICK Assemblies in the Soviet Union and the USA)
10 11 Secretary OSCE Secretary General
THE BEGINNING The post of the Secretary General was created by the 1992 Hel- sinki Summit declaration, in the midst of the CSCE institutio- nalization process, with the goal of representing and assisting the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in fulfilling his/her duties. The first Secretary General, Ambassador Wilhelm Höynck (Germany), was appointed in 1993.
MANDATE The Secretary General is appointed by the Ministerial Council for a term of three years, which may be extended for a second and final term of three years. The Secretary General‘s work combines political and managerial tasks. S/he acts as the representative of the Chairperson-in-Of- fice, supports him/her in all activities aimed at fulfilling the goals of the OSCE and participates in the meetings of the OSCE Troika. The Secretary General supports the process of politi- cal dialogue and negotiations among participating States. At the same time, the Secretary General is the Chief Administra- tive Officer of the OSCE and head of the OSCE Secretariat and ensures implementation of the decisions of the OSCE. S/he is responsible for presenting the Programme Outline and the Uni- © OSCE fied Budget Proposal to the Permanent Council and overseeing the management of OSCE field operations and institutions and co-ordinating their operational work.
FACTS IN 2015 Headquarters: Vienna Secretary General: Ambassador Lamberto Zannier (Italy) since 2011 Budget of the Office of the Secretary General: €10,045,000 (included in the overall Secretariat budget) 80 81 1980 1981 82 83 1982 1983 18 February - 3 March, Hamburg CSCE Scientific Forum (Report)
Madrid Follow-up Madrid Follow-up Meeting continues Meeting continues 25 October - (with interruptions) (with interruptions) 11 November, Helsinki Preparatory Meeting for the Conference on Confidence- and Securi- ty-Building Measures and Disarmament in Europe
8 September - 10 November, Madrid Preparatory Meeting for the 2nd CSCE Follow-up Meeting (Decisions) 9 September, Madrid 11 November, Madrid End of the Madrid Beginning of the Madrid Follow-up Meeting (Con- Follow-up Meeting © LUIS GARCÍA cluding Document)
January December Andrei Sakharov, a Polish Prime Minister Russian scientist and Wojciech Jaruzelski de- human rights activist, is clares a state of martial arrested in Moscow and August law to prevent dismant- exiled to Gorky Lech Wałęsa leads the ling of the communist first of many strikes at system by ‘Solidarność’ March the Lenin Shipyard in United States announces Gdansk, Poland its boycott of the 1980 Summer Olympics in September Moscow After weeks of strikes, the nationwide indepen- dent trade union ‘Soli- darność’ is established in Poland
14 15 OSCE
Office for Democ MILESTONES Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
1990: Office for Free Elections 1993: Hosted the first OSCE Human 2001: Published the first edition of established Dimension Implementation Meeting OSCE Human Dimension Commitments in Warsaw, Europe’s largest annual compilation. It has since been 1992: Name changed to Office for human rights and democracy updated twice – in 2005 and 2011 Democratic Institutions and Human conference. The 2015 meeting was Rights and mandate expanded the 19th occurrence 2008: Issued the report “Human Rights in the War-Affected Areas 1994: Establishment of Contact 1996: Published the first edition Following the Conflict in Georgia“ Point for Roma and Sinti Issues of the ODIHR Election Observation Handbook. It has been updated and 2014: Published the Guidelines on expanded over the years, and is the Protection of Human Rights currently in its 6th edition Defenders
THE BEGINNING Following the fall of the Berlin Wall, the former socialist States parties to the © Michael Forster Rothbart CSCE organized their first free elections in decades. To help promote democra- tic elections and their observation, in 1990 the CSCE agreed on the creation ACTIVITIES of an Office for Free Elections (OFE). In 1992, it became clear that elections in ODIHR provides support, assistance and expertise to partici- line with OSCE commitments and other international standards are only a part pating States and civil society in five broad areas: elections, of a democratic system, and the Office’s mandate was broadened significantly, democratization, human rights, tolerance and non-discrimina- and its name changed to the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human tion, and Roma and Sinti issues. The Office observes elections, Rights (ODIHR). This reflects one dimension – the Human Dimension – of the reviews legislation and advises governments on how to develop OSCE’s comprehensive approach to security, under which all OSCE participating and sustain democratic institutions, and supports civil society States have agreed that lasting security cannot be achieved without respect in developing greater capacity to aid in the development of for human rights and functioning democratic institutions. these institutions. It also conducts training programmes for government and law-enforcement officials and non-governmen- MANDATE tal organizations on how to uphold, promote and monitor human In addition to election observation, which remains one of the Office’s core rights, and to counter intolerance and discrimination. Through activities, in line with the Helsinki Document of 1992, ODIHR is mandated to its Contact Point for Roma and Sinti Issues, ODIHR advances the assist OSCE participating States to “ensure full respect for human rights and rights and participation in the political and economic life of fundamental freedoms, to abide by the rule of law, to promote principles of their societies for Roma and Sinti individuals and communities. democracy and … to build, strengthen and protect democratic institutions, as well as promote tolerance throughout society.” The Office also plays an FACTS IN 2015 important role in enhancing dialogue among States, governments and civil Headquarters: Warsaw society. It organizes the yearly OSCE Human Dimension Implementation Mee- Director: Michael Georg Link (Germany) since 2014 ting, three supplementary meetings and a seminar, which review governments’ Staff: 85 international and 67 local personnel progress and give NGOs a platform to freely voice their concerns. Budget: €15,995,200 84 1984 85 1985 17 January, Stockholm 7 May - 17 June, Ottawa Beginning of the Confe- Meeting of Experts on rence on Confidence- and Human Rights and Funda- Security-Building Mea- mental Freedoms sures and Disarmament in Europe 30 July - 1 August, Helsinki 10th Anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act (Verbatim Records) © CSCE/OSCE ARCHIVES PRAGUE
16 - 26 October, Venice Seminar on Economic, 23 April - 6 May, Ottawa Scientific and Cultural Preparatory Meeting for Co-operation in the the Human Rights and Mediterranean (Report) Fundamental Freedoms Expert meeting
21 March - 30 April, Stockholm Conference Athens 21 November - on Confidence- and 15 October - Meeting of Experts on 4 December, Budapest Security-Building 25 November, Peaceful Settlement of Preparatory Meeting of Measures and Disar- Budapest Disputes the CSCE Cultural Forum mament in Europe CSCE Cultural Forum continues
May Soviet Union announces that it will boycott the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles
March Mikhail Gorbachev succeeds Konstantin Chernenko as leader of the Soviet Union
18 19 esentative OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media MILESTONES KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
1996: Lisbon Summit decision to Since 1998: Award-winning Since 2001: Legal analyses and establish Representative on Freedom campaigns across the OSCE region to recommendations on existing and of the Media (RFOM) fight impunity from prosecution for proposed legislation related to those who commit crimes against free media and free expression 1997: Adoption of Decision No. journalists issues such as defamation, 193 of the Permanent Council digitalization, broadcasting, public establishing the Mandate of the Since 1999: Regular media service broadcasting and access to RFOM conferences and two major information for participating States conferences “Internet 2013 – provided by renowned experts across 1998: Freimut Duve appointed Shaping policies to advance media the OSCE region Representative freedom” and “Journalists’ Safety, © OSCE/Micky Kröll Media Freedom and Pluralism in Since 2012: Specialized courses 2004: Miklós Harasti appointed Times of Conflict” (2015) both of (master classes) for government Representative which resulted in recommendations authorities, regulators, journalists MANDATE on the issues to the participating and civil society representatives The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media has an early warning func- 2010: Dunja Mijatović appointed States on such topics as self-regulation, tion and provides rapid response to serious non-compliance with regard to Representative access to information, the digital free media and freedom of expression. The OSCE participating States consider Since 1999: Publications on media switchover and other broadcast- freedom of expression a fundamental and internationally recognized human issues, including the “2013 Social related issues right and a basic component of a democratic society. Free media is essential Media Guidebook,” The Online Media to a free and open society and accountable governments. The Representative Self-Regulation Guidebook,” “The 2014: Expert meetings to map out is mandated to observe media developments in the participating States and Guide to the Digital Switchover,” the legal and practical challenges to advocate and promote full compliance with the Organization’s principles “Commitments,” “Freedom of with Open Journalism. Launching and commitments in respect of freedom of expression and free media. Expression on the Internet” and a project to address digital threats “Safety of Journalists Guidebook” and abuse of female journalists ACTIVITIES online The Representative observes media developments as part of an early warning function and helps participating States abide by their commitments to free- Since 2014: Communiqués as dom of expression and free media. This includes efforts to ensure the safety specific statements of policies of journalists; assist with the development of media pluralism; promote decri- reflecting the position of the minalization of defamation; combat hate speech while preserving freedom Representative on matters of cross- of expression; provide expert opinions on media regulation and legislation; region concern promote online media freedom; and assist with the relevant to the Mandate aspects of the process of switching from analogue to digital broadcasting. The Representative also holds annual regional media conferences. THE BEGINNING Recognizing the crucial importance of the free flow of information in reducing tensions and maintaining peace and FACTS IN 2015 stability, signatories of the Helsinki Final Act in 1975 resovled to act in conformity with the Universal Declaration Representative: Dunja Mijatović (Bosnia and Herzegovina) since 2010 of Human Rights and, in particular, to co-operate in the field of information and improve access to information and Headquarters: Vienna the working conditions of journalists. The Office of the Representative on Freedom of the Media was established in Staff: 15, 12 International and 3 Local (not including Representative) 1997 to ensure implementation of the OSCE‘s media freedom principles and committments. Budget: €1.482 million 86 1986 87 88 1987 1988 2 - 15 April, Bern Vienna Follow-up Preparatory Negotiations Meeting continues for the Meeting of Ex- perts on Human Contact
15 April - 27 May, Bern 19 September, Vienna Follow-up Meeting of Experts on Stockholm Meeting continues Human Contacts End of the Conference on Confidence‑ and Security‑Building Mea- sures and Disarmament in Europe (Stockholm CSBMs Document)
© CSCE/OSCE ARCHIVES PRAGUE
23 September - 4 November, Vienna Stockholm Document 7 October, Vienna Beginning of the Vien- enters into force with Preparatory Meeting na Follow-up Meeting the first on-site inspec- for the 3rd Follow-up tions of military forces Meeting in the field
October October U.S. President Ronald Thousands of Latvians Reagan and Soviet demonstrate in the ca- leader Mikhail Gorbachev December pital, Riga, for indepen- meet in Reykjavik, Ice- The Intermediate-Range dence from the Soviet land, to continue discus- Nuclear Forces Treaty is Union sions about scaling back signed in Washington, their intermediate mis- D.C. by U.S. President sile arsenals in Europe, Ronald Reagan and but the talks end with Soviet leader Mikhail no agreement Gorbachev December Soviet dissident Andrei 26 April Sakharov returns to Mo- Chernobyl Nuclear Power scow after almost seven Plant accident years of internal exile
22 23 High Commissi OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities MILESTONES KEY ACHIEVEMENTS 1992: High Commissioner on 1996: First set of HCNM 2012: Published “The Ljubljana National Minorities (HCNM) Recommendations published; Guidelines on Integration of Diverse established at the Helsinki Summit currently, there are seven sets of Societies“ Recommendations and Guidelines 1993: First High Commissioner Max on a range of topics related to the 2012: Intensified activities in van der Stoel (The Netherlands) activities and expertise of the HCNM Ukraine, including Crimea, in an takes office effort to address rising tensions and 2008: Published “The Bolzano/ alerted the international community 2000: Second High Commissioner Bozen Recommendations on National to the deteriorating situation; in Rolf Ekéus (Sweden) takes office Minorities in Inter-State Relations“ 2014, deployed a Human Rights Assessment Mission together with 2001: The Max van der Stoel 2009: Began multi-partner process to ODIHR Award, a biennial prize of €50,000, establish the Bujanovac department is established by the Ministry for of economics, a branch of the 2014: HCNM started to assist the Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands University of Novi Sad’s Faculty of authorities in Moldova to develop an to honour its eponym and highlight Economics in Subotica. In 2015, integration strategy issues related to national minorities the first students graduated and permanent premises were opened 2015: HCNM has been working 2007: Third High Commissioner Knut intensively through quiet diplomacy Vollebæk (Norway) takes office 2010: Issued Early Warning in to support the authorities in © OSCE/Micky Kröll relation to the inter-ethnic violence the former Yugoslav Republic 2013: Fourth and current High in Kyrgyzstan, where more than of Macedonia to lower tensions Commissioner Astrid Thors (Finland) 400 people were killed, tens of and avoid violence, including by ACTIVITIES takes office thousands were temporarily displaced encouraging inter-ethnic dialogue, The HCNM gets involved in a situation if, in his/her judge- and thousands of households were political dialogue and integration ment, there are tensions involving national minorities which destroyed policies could develop into a conflict. Much of the day-to-day work is in identifying and addressing causes of ethnic tensions and conflicts. The High Commissioner addresses the short-term THE BEGINNING triggers of inter-ethnic tension or conflict and long-term Ethnic conflict and tensions between majority and minority groups are structural concerns. If a participating State is not meeting critical sources of large-scale violence. This was evident in the early 1990s, its political commitments or international norms, the High when fighting raged in South-Eastern Europe, and violent clashes erupted Commissioner will assist by providing analysis and recommen- in several parts of Central Asia and the Caucasus. The heads of State or dations. Based on the institution’s unique experience, the Government, meeting at the 1992 Summit in Helsinki, responded to this HCNM publishes thematic Recommendations and Guidelines challenge by creating an unprecedented instrument of conflict preventi- that give advice on common challenges and best practice. The on, the High Commissioner on National Minorities. The High Commissioner High Commissioner also provides structural support through works in complete confidentiality in a process of quiet diplomacy. small collaborative projects that aim to achieve sustainability through increasing local ownership. MANDATE The mandate of the HCNM is to provide early warning and, as appropriate, FACTS IN 2015 early action at the earliest possible stage in regard to tensions involving Headquarters: The Hague national minority issues which have not yet developed beyond an early High Commissioner: Astrid Thors (Finland) warning stage, but, in the judgement of the High Commissioner, have the Staff: 18 international and 12 local personnel potential to develop into a conflict within the OSCE area. Budget: €3,407,600 89 1989 19 January, Vienna End of the Vienna Follow-up Meeting (Concluding Document), provisions for: • Human dimension defined • Vienna Mechanism [on exchange of information on questions relating to the human dimension] © CSCE/OSCE ARCHIVES PRAGUE 9 March, Vienna 30 May - 23 June, Beginning of the Vienna Paris meeting of the Confe- 1st Meeting of the Con- rence on Confidence‑ ference on the Human and Security‑Building Dimension 16 October - Measures and Disarma- 3 November, ment in Europe Sofia, Vienna Meeting on the Pro- tection of the Environ- ment (Report)
Warsaw Pact dismantled 2 February, Vienna October 9 November December End of negotiations - After 18 years in power, Fall of the Berlin Wall Deposed Romanian Mutual and Balanced the Communist leader President and Commu- Force Reductions (MBFR) of East Germany, Erich nist party leader Nicolae Honecker, steps down Ceauşescu, and his wife February Elena are executed Soviet Union pulls its November troops out of Afghanistan Entire leadership of 9 March, Vienna the Communist Party in Beginning of the nego- Czechoslovakia resigns to tiations on the Treaty make way for democratic on Conventional Armed changes Forces in Europe (CFE) including 23 members of NATO and the Warsaw © SUE REAM
Pact
26 27 arliamentary As OSCE Parliamentary Assembly
MILESTONES KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
1990: Call for creation of CSCE 1993-ongoing: Organized more than 2005: Published “The Future of the Parliamentary Assembly in Charter of 140 election observation missions OSCE,” a report urging OSCE reform Paris for a New Europe that have deployed some 5,000 based on the conclusions of a parliamentarians colloquium held jointly by the OSCE 1991: Parliamentary Assembly (PA) Parliamentary Assembly and the established 1995-ongoing: Employed some 250 Swiss Institute for World Affairs in young professionals from across the Washington, D.C. 1992: First formal session of the OSCE area in the OSCE PA Research Parliamentary Assembly Fellowship Programme 2014-2015: Organized the Helsinki +40 Project, a series of seminars 1993: First election observation 1995: Initiated campaign to geared towards reaffirming the mission of the Parliamentary establish the OSCE Representative Organization’s institutional and Assembly (to the Russian on Freedom of the Media, endorsed conceptual framework in the spirit Federation) by the OSCE Lisbon Summit the of the Helsinki Final Act; published following year; also began pushing Final Report based on seminars’ 1993: International Secretariat set for the creation of the Office of the conclusions up in Copenhagen Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities Ongoing: Leads efforts for OSCE 2003: Vienna Liaison Office opened reform and initiates debates on the 2000-ongoing: Launched News from OSCE in national parliaments; has © Ilgar Jafarov Copenhagen, a one-page newsletter operated within approved budget providing up-to-date information and with positive audits from from the OSCE PA International outside independent auditors for Secretariat more than 20 years ACTIVITIES The PA activities are channelled into the three OSCE dimensions through three General Committees. The committees work on the THE BEGINNING preparation of a Final Declaration, adopted yearly at the Annual In 1990, CSCE participating States agreed on the creation of a Parliamen- Session, which guides the Organization’s priorities and future tary Assembly, made up of members of the OSCE national parliaments, to activities. The PA provides political leadership to OSCE election give parliamentarians a voice in the Organization and enhance its democra- observation, engages in parliamentary diplomacy and has been tic legitimacy. The PA is the longest standing continuous OSCE structure. actively involved in the Helsinki +40 process, organizing a se- ries of seminars examining the past, present and future of the MANDATE Organization in partnership with prominent think tanks. The mandate of the Parliamentary Assembly includes the following respon- sibilities: to assess the implementation of the objectives of the OSCE; to FACTS IN 2015 discuss subjects addressed in Ministerial Councils and Summits; to develop Headquarters: Copenhagen and promote mechanisms for the prevention and resolution of conflicts; President: Ilkka Kanerva (Finland) since 2014 to support the strengthening and consolidation of democratic institutions Secretary General: R. Spencer Oliver (United States) since 1992 in the OSCE participating States; and to contribute to the development of Staff: 14 international and 5 local personnel, based in Copen- the OSCE’s institutional structures and foster relations and co-operation hagen and Vienna, plus a rotating team of research fellows between them. Budget: EUR 3,030,000 90 1990 24 September - 19 October, Palma de Mallorca Meeting on the Mediter- ranean (Report)
1 - 2 October, 19 - 21 November, Paris New York 2nd CSCE SUMMIT. Meeting of Ministers of 35 CSCE participating Foreign Affairs States sign the Charter 3 December, Vienna Vienna meeting of the 5 - 29 June, of Paris for a New 1st Meeting of the Con- Conference on Copenhagen 17 November, Vienna Europe including a de- sultative Committee of Confidence‑ and Secu- 2nd Meeting of the Con- Negotiations on Con- claration on: the Conflict Prevention rity‑Building Measures ference on the Human fidence- and Securi- • “A new era of de- Centre and Disarmament in Dimension (Copenhagen ty-Building Measures mocracy, peace and Europe continues Document) result in the adoption unity” marking the end of the 1990 Vienna Do- of the cold War 16 January - 19 March - 11 April, cument; Risk Reduction • Institutionalization 5 February, Vienna Bonn Mechanisms: process of the CSCE 1st Seminar on Military Conference on Economic • Mechanism for Con- Doctrine Co-operation sultation and Coopera- (Document) tion as regards Unusual Military Activities • Mechanism for Co-operation as regards Hazardous Incidents of a Military Nature • Voluntary Hosting of Visits to Dispel Concern about Military Activities
© FRENCH MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ARCHIVES
9 December 7 February 11 March 1 July 19 November, Paris Slobodan Milošević Central Committee of the Lithuania becomes first West and East Germany Adoption of the Treaty becomes President of Soviet Communist Party state to declare indepen- merge their currencies on Conventional Armed Serbia agrees to give up its dence from the Soviet and economies Forces in Europe (CFE) monopoly on power Union by 22 CSCE participating States on the margins of 13 February 15 March 1 June 3 October the CSCE Summit in Paris Agreement is reached Mikhail Gorbachev is U.S. President George East and West Germany on a two-stage plan to elected as the first Presi- H. W. Bush and Soviet re-unify 24 November, Vienna reunite Germany dent of the Soviet Union President Mikhail Gorba- 1st meeting of the Joint chev sign a treaty to end 5 October Consultative Group on 20 May chemical weapons Mikhail Gorbachev is the Treaty on Conven- First post-communist production and start de- awarded the Nobel tional Armed Forces in presidential and parli- stroying their stockpiles Peace Prize Europe (CFE) amentary elections are held in Romania
30 31 manent Council OSCE Permanent Council
MILESTONES
1992: Establishment of the Council 1999: Establishment of a 2006: Establishment of a three- of Senior Officials Vienna Group Preparatory Committee, under the committee structure representing Permanent Council’s direction the three OSCE security dimensions: 1993: Institutionalization of the Security, Economic and Environmental, Council of Senior Officials Vienna 2001: Establishment of the and Human Dimension Group as the Permanent Committee Economic and Environmental Sub- Committee 1994: Permanent Committee is renamed the Permanent Council
THE BEGINNING The need for a permanent body for consultations on day-to-day operational matters arose when the CSCE became involved in conflict prevention and crisis managements in the 1990s. Taking advantage of the permanent presence in Vienna of State representatives involved in arms negotiations, the Foreign Ministers decided at their Council meeting in December 1992 to form a Vienna Group of the Committee of Senior Officials (CSO). The CSO had been meeting in Prague as the CSCE’s regular consultative body since 1990 and exercising © OSCE/Micky Kröll decision-making authority since January 1992. The Vienna Group of the CSO was institutionalized as the “Permanent Committee” by the Ministers at their Negotiating process 1993 Council meeting in Rome. As time went on, the Permanent Committee In the Plenary Meetings of the Permanent Council, the delega- increasingly took over the functions of the CSO, to which it was responsible. tions participate in dialogue related to all three dimensions of When the CSCE was renamed the Organization for Security and Co-operation security - the human, the politico-military and the in Europe in 1994, the Permanent Committee was renamed the Permanent economic-environmental. Each delegation has an equal right to Council. raise an issue for discussion.
MANDATE Decision-making process The Permanent Council is the principal decision-making body for the day-to- OSCE decisions are taken by consensus. This means that there is day operational work of the OSCE between meetings of the Ministerial Council. no voting on issues, the Chairman rather seeks approval from all The Permanent Council convenes weekly in Vienna to discuss developments in delegations. In the case of one or more delegations opposing a the OSCE area and to make appropriate decisions. decision, the issue goes back into negotiation. If all delegates agree, the decision becomes politically binding for all participa- DELEGATIONS ting States. The Permanent Council is formed by the delegates of the 57 participating States. The OSCE‘s 11 partner States may attend as observers. A delegation to FACTS IN 2015 the Permanent Council consists of a team of diplomats of the participating Headquarters: Vienna State led by a permanent representative. Chaired by: Ambassador Vuk Žugić (Serbia) 91 Chairmanship Germany
1991 2 - 3 April, Madrid Final Resolution concer- ning the establishment of the CSCE Parliamen- tary Assembly is ad- opted (Madrid Document) 10 September, Moscow 1st Additional CSCE Ministerial Meeting con- vened in parallel to the 3rd Human Dimension Conference (Journal*) 22 - 24 May, Prague 2nd Meeting of the 10 September - 28 January, Committee of Senior 4 October, Moscow Vienna Officials adopts staff 3rd Meeting on the Con- 1st Meeting of the rules and common finan- ference on the Human Committee of Senior cial procedures Dimension (Moscow Officials adopts a set of Document): provisions to assure the 28 May - 7 June, • Moscow Mechanism entry into operation of Cracow complementing and the: Symposium on Cultural strengthening the 1989 • CSCE Secretariat in Heritage (Document) Vienna Mechanism Prague © CSCE/OSCE ARCHIVES PRAGUE 14 - 18 January, • Conflict Prevention 17 - 20 June, 8 - 18 October, Vienna Centre in Vienna Berlin 1 - 19 July, Vienna Recommendations of • Office for Free Elec- 3rd Meeting of the Geneva CSCE Seminar on Mili- the Ad Hoc Group of Ex- tions in Warsaw Committee of Senior Expert Meeting on tary Doctrine 22 - 24 October, perts on administrative, Officials adopts separate National Minorities Prague financial and person- March, Warsaw, Prague, budgets for each insti- (Report) 4th Meeting of the Com- nel arrangements for Vienna tution mittee of Senior Offici- the CSCE institutional Appointments of the 3 - 4 July, als decides to dispatch structures Directors of the: 19 - 20 June, Berlin Prague a CSCE Human Rights • Office for Free Elec- 1st CSCE Council of 1st Emergency Meeting Rapporteur Mission to 15 January - tions: Luchino Cortese Ministers of Foreign of the Committee of Se- Yugoslavia 8 February, (Italy) Affairs. Summary of Con- nior Officials to consult Valletta • CSCE Secretariat: Nils clusions* adopted: on co-operation in the 4 - 15 November, 3rd Meeting of Experts Eliasson (Sweden) • A politico military situation in Yugoslavia Oslo on the Peaceful Sett- • Conflict Prevention Emergency Mechanism (followed by 4 additio- Seminar of Experts on lement of Disputes Centre: Bent Rosenthal • Statement on the situ- nal emergency meetings, Democratic Institutions (Report) (Denmark) ation in Yugoslavia all in 1991) (Report)
15 February Throughout the year, 1 July 18 August 8 December Visegrád Agreement, post-Soviet states de- Warsaw Pact is officially Soviet President Mikhail Leaders of Russia, Belarus, establishing regional clare their independence dissolved Gorbachev is put under and Ukraine sign an agree- co-operation to move to- house arrest while vaca- ment ending the Soviet ward free-market systems From 1991 to 1992, Repu- tioning in Crimea. Union and establishing the and advance co-operati- blics within the Socia- The attempted coup fails Commonwealth of Inde- on with one another, is list Federal Republic of in less than 72 hours pendent States signed by the leaders of Yugoslavia declare their 12 June Czechoslovakia, Hungary independence (Slovenia, Boris Yeltsin is elected 27 November 25 December and Poland Croatia, Macedonia, Bos- President of Russia United Nations Security Mikhail Gorbachev resigns nia-Herzegovina) Council unanimously as President of the Soviet adopts Resolution 721, Union 31 March opening the way for the Albania holds first establishment of pea- 31 December multi-party elections cekeeping operations in Soviet Union officially Yugoslavia ceases to exist
34 *See Accession timeline p. 128 35 rum for Securit OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation MILESTONES KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
1992: Forum for Security 2001 onwards: Since the start Since 2010: 14 participating Co-operation established of the exchange of information States have adopted National on small arms destruction, OSCE Implementation Action Plans on participating States destroyed over UNSCR 1540 (2004) 15 million small arms and light weapons 2010-2015: 619 inspections and 433 evaluation visits were 2003-2014: OSCE participating conducted by OSCE participating States supported 21 small arms and States under the Vienna Document conventional ammunition projects on Confidence- and Security- by contributing EUR 23 million, Building Measures promoting including the largest project in military transparency, predictability the OSCE history on the disposal and stability of 16,000 tonnes of rocket fuel component in Ukraine
© OSCE
THE BEGINNING ACTIVITIES At the 1992 Helsinki Summit of the Conference on By promoting military transparency and dialogue, the Security and Co-operation in Europe, the participating Forum works to increase military security and stability in States approved the creation of a Forum for Security and Europe and covers some of the most fundamental politi- Co-operation. co-military agreements of the OSCE participating States. It helps implement landmark confidence and security-buil- MANDATE ding measures to regulate the exchange of military infor- The Forum for Security Co-operation aims to tackle mation and mutual verification between states, as well as politico-military security risks ranging from traditional the Code of Conduct, a key document ensuring the de- security threats between and within states, to addres- mocratic control of security forces. The Forum also deve- sing some transnational threats such as the trafficking lops norms and provides practical assistance to address of weapons, including weapons of mass destruction. the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons and stockpiles of conventional ammunition; deals with non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; and oversees the regular contact, co-operation, and sharing of military information among the participating States.
FACTS IN 2015 Chairmanship rotates every four months: Mongolia, Monte- negro and Norway chaired the Forum in 2015 92 Chairmanship Czechoslovakia
1992 13 - 14 March, Helsinki 8th Meeting of the Com- mittee of Senior Officials adopts recommendations to create a conference to deal with the conflict in Nagorno- Karabakh and decides to hold an 6 - 12 May, Prague 2nd Emergency Meeting of the Committee of Se- nior Officials to consult on co-operation and con- sultation in relation to 3 - 5 July, Budapest 1st Annual Session of the CSCE Parliamentary Assembly (Declaration)
8 July, Helsinki End of the Helsinki Follow-up Meeting 13 - 14 August, Prague 15th Meeting of the Com- 5 - 7 November, Prague 17th Meeting of the Com- mittee of Senior Officials reaches a decision on the mandate of a Personal additional Meeting of the the situation in Bosnia mittee of Senior Officials Representative of the Council of Minsters and Herzegovina 9 July, Helsinki leads to establishment of CSCE Chairman-in-Office 14th Meeting of the a CSCE mission in Kosovo, for Georgia and agrees 13 December, 19 & 23 - 24 March, 17 - 21 May, Valletta Committee of Senior Of- Sandžak and Vojvodina* on the modalities for Stockholm Helsinki Mediterranean Seminar ficials runs in conjunc- CSCE Missions of long 18th Meeting of the Com- 9th Meeting of the Com- (Report) tion with the Summit to 16 - 18 September, duration to Kosovo, mittee of Senior Officials 8 - 10 January, Prague mittee of Senior Officials discuss current issues Prague Sandžak and Vojvodina reaches a decision on the 5th Meeting of the recommends several 18 - 21 May, Helsinki 16th Meeting of the Com- and a CSCE Spillover Mo- mandate of a Personal Committee of Senior 27 - 28 February, countries be admitted at 11th Meeting of the Com- 9 - 10 July, Helsinki mittee of Senior Officials nitor Mission to Skopje Representative of the Officials decides to alter Prague the Council mittee of Senior Officials 3rd CSCE Summit. decides on a Mission to CSCE Chairman-in-Office the scale of distribution 7th Meeting of the adopts a text on the 52 CSCE participating Skopje and a Sanctions 9 - 11 November, for Estonia and agrees and adopts a common Committee of Senior 24 March, Helsinki “Situation in the Left- States* adopt a final do- Assistance Mission to Vienna on the modalities for a approach to the Officials adopts a text 2nd Additional CSCE Bank Dniestrian Areas of cument: The Challenges assist with sanctions 2nd Annual Implementa- CSCE Mission to Georgia eventual participation of on the interim report on Council of Ministers. the Republic of Moldova” of Change: against the Federal Re- tion Assessment Meeting new States in the CSCE the situation in Nagorno- Summary of Conclusions* • High Commissioner public of Yugoslavia, as 14 - 15 December, Karabakh and decides to adopted, including: 8 - 11 June, Helsinki on National Minorities well as modalities for a 16 - 20 November, Stockholm 27 - 30 January, Prague send a follow-up mission • Establishment of a 12th Meeting of the established and specific CSCE Mission to Moldova Warsaw 3rd CSCE Council of 6th Meeting of the to Yugoslavia Conference on Nagor- Committee of Senior mandate laid out 1st Human Dimension Ministers. Summary of Committee of Senior no-Karabakh under the Officials adopts a set of • Forum for Security 22 September, Vienna Seminar on Tolerance Conclusions adopted, Officials agrees on a 4 March, Vienna auspices of the CSCE (to decisions related to the Co-operation and the 1st Meeting of the including: draft letter of accession Negotiations on Confi- take place in Minsk) situation in Bosnia and Economic Forum esta- Special Committee of the • Shaping of a New Euro- to the CSCE dence- and Security-Buil- Herzegovina blished with task to Forum for Security and pe – the Role of the CSCE ding Measures result in 24 March, Helsinki follow up on the Vienna Co-operation • Decision on the manda- 30 - 31 January, Prague adoption of the Vienna Beginning of the Helsin- 29 June, 3 & 6 - 8 July, Document te and appointment of a 2nd CSCE Council of Document 1992 that ki Follow-up Meeting Helsinki • Provisions made for 30 September - CSCE Secretary General Ministers. Summary of broadens the scope of in- 13th Meeting of the conflict prevention and 5 October, Croatia • Appointment of the Conclusions* adopted, formation exchange and 29 April - 1 May, Committee of Senior Offi- crisis management, in- Rapporteur Mission on 1st High Commissioner including: verification and brings in Helsinki cials decides to dispatch cluding fact-finding and War Crimes under the on National Minori- • Prague Document on new communication mea- 10th Meeting of the Com- a Fact-Finding Mission rapporteur missions and Moscow Human Dimensi- ties, Max van der Stoel Further Development of sures and mechanisms mittee of Senior Officials to the Georgian-Osse- CSCE peacekeeping on Mechanism deployed (Netherlands) CSCE Institutions and adopts a declaration on tian region and agrees • Office for Free Elec- • Decision on Peaceful Structures 10 - 20 March, Helsinki Bosnia and Herzegovina to suspend the former tions becomes Office for 12 - 23 October, Geneva Settlement of Disputes • Declaration on Preparatory Meeting of and a text on a Monito- Socialist Federal Repu- Democratic Institutions Meeting of Experts on (Annex: Convention on Non-Proliferation and the 4th Follow-up Mee- ring Mission to Nagorno- blic of Yugoslavia using and Human Rights, with the Peaceful Settlement conciliation and arbitra- Arms Transfers ting (Decisions) Karabakh* ‘consensus minus one’ extended mandate of Disputes (Report) tion within the CSCE)
24 March, Helsinki 1 May 5 July, Helsinki 10 July, Helsinki 3 November Signing of the Treaty on An opposition rally in Extraordinary Confe- Signing of the Conclu- Bill Clinton elected Open Skies that sets the Dushanbe, Tajikistan rence of the States ding Act of the Nego- President of the United framework for a regime marks the beginning of Parties to the Treaty on tiation on Personnel States of observation flights increasingly violent con- Conventional Armed Strength of Conventi- over the territory of CSCE frontations between go- Forces in Europe onal Armed Forces in 25 November participating States vernment and opposition Europe (CFE-1A) Federal Assembly of supporters, spiralling Czechoslovakia votes to 5 April into a civil war which 20 July split the country into Siege of Sarajevo begins will last until 1997 Václav Havel resigns as the Czech Republic and President of Czechoslo- Slovakia, with effect vakia © AFP/JEAN-LOUP GAUTREAU from 1 January 1993
38 *See Accession timeline p. 128 39 OSCE
artners for Se Partners for Security and Co-operation
MILESTONES
1975: Adoption of the Helsinki 1995: The introduction of the term 2003: Adoption of the Maastricht Final Act, including a chapter on “Partners for Co-operation” cements OSCE Strategy to Address Threats to “Questions relating to security and the relationship with Japan and the Security and Stability in the 21st co-operation in the Mediterranean” Republic of Korea, and paves the Century way for other Asian countries to join 1992: The participating States 2004: Establishment of the OSCE- declare the CSCE to be a regional 1999: Adoption of the Platform for Council of Europe Coordination arrangement in the sense of Chapter Co-operative Security on the OSCE’s Group to discuss co-operation in VIII of the Charter of the United interaction with other international, priority areas Nations regional and sub-regional organizations and institutions in 2007: Establishment of the 1994: Establishment of the Contact the OSCE area Partnership Fund to support Group with the Mediterranean practical co-operation activities Partners for Co-operation 2003: Establishment of the Contact with the Mediterranean and Asian Group with the Asian Partners for Partners for Co-operation Co-operation
© UN Photo
THE BEGINNING The relationship between the OSCE and its Partners for Co-operation dates back to the Helsinki Final Act which recognized that “the process of improving security should not be confined to Europe but should extend to other parts of the world”. This is why non-participating states were invited to attend meetings of the CSCE process. In the 1990s, the CSCE/OSCE formalized its Partnership both with Mediterranean and Asian states, which currently include Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia, and Afghanistan, Australia, Japan, Republic of Korea, and Thailand. ACTIVITIES The OSCE provides a forum for regular dialogue in which Similarly, contacts between the CSCE and other organizations had already been established in the early stages of the participating States and Partners share their views and the Helsinki Process. The adoption of the Platform for Co-operative Security in 1999 significantly broadened the experiences in areas across the three dimensions of secu- OSCE’s external co-operation and helped establish a large network of interaction with other organizations. rity. This political dialogue then translates into practical co-operation and joint projects in the politico-military, MANDATE economic and environmental, and human dimensions. The interlinkage between European security and the broader context of world security has been underscored in a number of OSCE documents. As a result, the OSCE Secretariat has been tasked with developing the relationship The OSCE Secretariat also works with other internatio- with the Partners for Co-operation and other organizations. With this, it has an advisory and support role for the nal and regional organizations in crafting co-ordinated OSCE Chairmanship, the Secretary General, and the Chairmanships of the Mediterranean and Asian Contact Groups. responses to common security challenges, and maintaining frameworks for information exchange. 93 Chairmanship Sweden
1993 16 - 18 March, Prague 20th Committee of Senior Officials and 1st Econo- mic Forum (Economic Forums will take place annually from this point 17 - 21 May, Valletta Mediterranean Seminar (Chairman’s summary) 27 September - 1 October, Montreal Seminar on Sustainable Development of Boreal and Temperate Forests 25 November, Rome 49th meeting of the Special Committee of the Forum for Security Co-operation adopts the 30 November - 1 December, Rome 4th CSCE Council of Ministers. Summary of Conlusions adopted, including: • Declaration on the CSCE and the New Europe on) 29 June - 1 July, (Report) 1st series of the Pro- – Our Security is Indivi- 15 June, Vienna Prague gramme for Immediate sible 25 April, Chisinau Appointment of the 1st 22nd Committee of 7 October, Vienna Action: • Appointment of Audrey Deployment of the CSCE/OSCE Secretary Senior Officials adopts a 31st meeting of the Com- • Stabilizing Measures Glover (United Kingdom) 13 - 18 January, 3 - 4 February, Prague Mission to Moldova General, Ambassador text on problems related mittee of Senior Officials for Localized Crisis Situ- as the 2nd Director of Federal Republic of 19th Committee of Senior Wilhelm Höynck to the laws on local Vienna Group drafts the ations Office of Democratic Yugoslavia (Serbia Officials adopts the ter- 26 - 28 April, Prague (Germany) elections and relations terms of reference for • Principles Governing Institutions and Human and Montenegro) ms of reference for the 21st Committee of Senior between Russia and the CSCE Mission to Conventional Arms Trans- Rights "CSCE mission to CSCE Mission to Estonia, Officials adopts the Estonia with regard to Latvia fers • Decision on CSCE’s inspect alleged places acknowledges the report attached text on CSCE citizenship issues • Programme of Military Legal Capacity and Pri- of detention in the of the "CSCE mission to preventive diplomacy and 8 November, Vienna Contacts and Co-opera- vileges and Immunities Republics of Serbia and inspect alleged places peacekeeping instru- 6 - 9 July, Helsinki Last Meeting of the Con- tion • Decision to establish a Montenegro" of detention in the ments and agrees that 2nd Annual Session of sultative Committee of • Defence Planning CSCE Mission to Tajiki- Republics of Serbia and the CSCE Rapporteur Mis- the CSCE Parliamentary the Conflict Prevention stan 18 January, Vienna Montenegro" (Federal sion under the Moscow Assembly (Declaration) Centre 27 November - • Decision to move 1st Meeting of the Com- Republic of Yugoslavia), Mechanism on the Human 1 December, Rome the CSCE Secretariat to mittee of Senior Offici- and adopts a text on Dimension of the CSCE to 21 - 25 September, 25 November, Vienna 24th Committee of Vienna. It will include als Vienna Group* the establishment of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Prague Last Meeting of the Com- Senior Officials decides departments for con- CSCE Mission to Moldova and Croatia need not be 23rd Committee of Se- mittee of Senior Officials to relocate the CSCE ference services, admi- pursued further © OSCE/BOBO nior Officials decides to Vienna Group (re-named Secretariat to Vienna and nistration and budget, 5 February, Tallinn establish a CSCE Mission to Permanent leave an office in Prague, Chairman-in-Office Deployment of the CSCE 26 & 28 - 29 April, to Latvia Committee) the Secretary General is support and encompass Mission to Estonia with Prague to initiate the establish- the Conflict Prevention offices in Jõhvi and 3rd Emergency Meeting 27 September - ment of a single organiz- Centre Norva of the Committee of Se- 15 October, Warsaw ational structure nior Officials on reported 1st Human Dimension 9 December, Vienna aggressions of Armenia Implementation Meeting 1st meeting of the Per- against Azerbaijan manent Committee
26 January 26 February 1 November Václav Havel elected In New York City, a bomb Maastricht Treaty takes President of the Czech at the World Trade Center effect, formally esta- Republic kills six and injures over blishing the European 3 January a thousand Union In Moscow, outgoing U.S. President George H. W. Bush and Russian President Boris Yeltsin sign the second Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START II)
42 *See Accession timeline p. 128 43 Office of the MILESTONES
1992: Armenia and Azerbaijan KEY ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2014
Continued to support the CiO and Met the authorities in Baku and Yerevan join the CSCE; the CSCE takes Co-chairs of the Minsk Group from and the so-called authorities in Nagor- up a mediating role for finding France, Russian and the United no-Karabakh on a regular basis, and assi- a settlement to the conflict States in facilitating dialogue bet- sted in the organization of visits to the ween the sides region by the CiO and by the Co-chairs 1994: Ceasefire agreement signed Supported the Co-chairs in organi- Maintained contact with other organiz- zing meetings between the Presi- ations such as the International Com- 1995: The Minsk Conference dents, as well as meetings with the mittee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the and the Minsk Group is foreign ministers United Nations High Commissioner for established; appointment of Refugees (UNHCR), and with media as Personal Representative of the Supported the Co-chairs in their relevant Chairperson-in-Office (CiO) on crossings of the Line of Contact and the conflict Armenian-Azerbaijani border Visited the front lines twice a month, with the support and assistance of the Reported on developments of re- relevant authorities levance to the settlement process, through meetings, informally and Local commanders made direct contact through bimonthly activity reports, using OSCE radio equipment © Peter Svedberg which were circulated by the CiO to all participating States Sides continued to acknowledge the role of OSCE monitoring exercises in helping Conducted monitoring exercises, minimize the risk of escalation. When ACTIVITIES including 17 on the line of contact escalation occurred, the Personal Repre- Confidence-building measures to facilitate the peace process form an and 7 on the border; submitted sentative was able work effectively with important part of the Personal Representative‘s work, as there is no monitoring exercises reports senior officials to help reduce tensions official contact between the sides outside the formal negotiations for- mat. The Personal Representaive has helped with the return of priso- THE BEGINNING ners of war and promoted direct contacts between the sides, including The active phase of the military conflict ended on 5 May 1994, when the sides signed a ceasefire. In 1995, the CiO a visit of Azerbaijani journalists to Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. appointed a Personal Representative. The Personal Representative and team conduct regular monitoring on both sides of the Line of Contact and on the border between Armenia MANDATE and Azerbaijan, on several occasions being instrumental by interve- The Personal Representative of the CiO is mandated to represent the OSCE Chairman-in-Office in issues related to ning to reduce tension and stabilize the situation when cease-fires the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, assist the CiO in achieving an agreement on the cessation of the armed conflict and were violated and the situation intensified along the front lines. in creating conditions for the deployment of an OSCE peace-keeping operation, in order to facilitate a lasting com- prehensive political settlement of the conflict in all its aspects; report on all aspects of his activities to the CiO of FACTS IN 2015 the OSCE, report through the CiO to the Co-Chairmanship of the OSCE Minsk Conference and, as appropriate, to the Personal Representative: Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk (Poland) Minsk Group, and receive instructions from the CiO; assist the Co-Chairmanship at its request; assist the High-Level since 1996 Planning Group in planning an OSCE peace-keeping operation in accordance with the Budapest Summit Decisions; Headquarters: Tbilisi assist the parties in implementing and developing confidence-building, humanitarian and other measures facilita- Total staff: 17 (of which 6 international staff) ting the peace process, in particular by encouraging direct contacts; and co-operate, as appropriate, with repre- Total budget for 2015: EUR 1.2m sentatives of the United Nations and other international organizations operating in the area of conflict. 94 Chairmanship Italy
1994 28 - 30 November & 1 December, Budapest 4th and last Emergency 5 - 6 December, Budapest 4th CSCE Summit. 51 CSCE participating States* adopt the docu- ment “Towards a Genuine Partnership in a New Era“ and a Decla- Meeting of the Commit- ration on Baltic Issues, tee Senior Officials on as well as agree to: the situation in Bihać in • Develop the capabilties © OSCE 14 - 16 September, Bosnia and Herzegovina of the CSCE in conflict 13 - 15 June, Prague Prague prevention and crisis 27th Committee of Senior 28th Committee of Senior 1 December, Warsaw management Officials adopts a text Officials adopts the pre- Re-appointment of • Rename CSCE to OSCE on developments in liminary organizational Audrey Glover (United the Republic of Crimea framework and other Kingdom) as Director of 19 February, Dushanbe (Ukraine) and reminds all modalities for the CSCE the Office for Democra- Deployment of the OSCE participating States con- Budapest Summit tic Institutions and Mission to Tajikistan cerned by the implemen- 4 - 8 July, Vienna Human Rights tation of the withdrawal 3rd Annual Session of 10 October, Budapest 2 - 4 March, Prague of foreign troops from the CSCE Parliamentary Beginning of the Buda- 3 December, Budapest 25th Committee of the territories of the Bal- Assembly (Declaration) pest Review Conference 91st Plenary Meeting of Senior Officials ack- tic States to fulfil their the Special Committee nowledges progress commitments 9 - 14 August, Crimea, 18 - 19 November, of the Forum for made by Latvia and the Ukraine Prague Security Co-operation Russian Federation to- 30 June, Vienna A preliminary Mission 29th and last Committee adopts the 2nd series wards an agreement on Appointment of a to Ukraine leaves to sup- of Senior Officials (this of the Programme for the military installation Representative to the port the work of experts body will be renamed to Immediate Action: in Skundra and adopts Joint Committee on the reporting on the situati- Senior Council at upco- • Global exchange of a text on promotion of Skrunda Radar Station on in Crimea ming Summit) military information free media • Principles governing 25 August, Vienna 28 November, Budapest non-proliferation 15 - 17 March, Prague Permanent Committee 43rd and last meeting of • Code of Conduct on 15 December, Vienna 26th Committee of drafts the Terms of the Permanent Commit- Politico-Military Aspects 1st Meeting of the Senior Officials (and 2nd Reference for the CSCE tee of Security Permanent Council Economic Forum) Mission to Ukraine
14 January 30 April, Riga 6 - 8 June U.S. President Bill Clin- Agreement on the Legal Ceasefire negotiations ton and Russian Presi- Status of the Skrunda for the Yugoslav War dent Boris Yeltsin sign Radar Station signed begin in Geneva. The the Kremlin accords between Latvia and participants agree to Russia stop hostilities for one 5 February month, but fighting A mortar shell kills 68 12 May breaks out again after and wounds about 200 in Armenia and Azerbaijan, only a few days a Sarajevo marketplace the parties to the con- flict over Nagorno-Kara- 6 March bakh, agree to observe Referendum in Moldova an informal ceasefire results in the electorate voting against possi- 11 December ble reunification with © MIKHAIL EVSTAFIEV First Chechen war begins Romania
46 *See Accession timeline p. 128 47 ecretariat OSCE Secretariat
MILESTONES
1990: Established by the Charter of 1993: Rome Ministerial Council 1994: CSCE becomes the Paris decision to move Secretariat from Organization for Security and Prague to Vienna Co-operation in Europe
THE BEGINNING In 1994, the CSCE became the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. The organizational structure of the Secretariat was expanded and its premises were moved from Prague to Vienna.
MANDATE The OSCE Secretariat, under the direction of the Secretary General, provides operational support to the Organization and assists the Chairmanship in its activities by offering expertise and providing analysis. The Secretariat provides support to the permanent negotiating and decision-making bodies in Vienna, as well as to field operations and institutions.
ACTIVITIES Thanks to its specialized departments, the Secretariat assists participating States in addressing security challenges in all three dimensions throughout the OSCE area. © OSCE/Curtis Budden
The Conflict Prevention Centre is the Organization’s key instrument for early warning, conflict prevention, crisis management and post-conflict rehabi- The Gender Section gives support to all OSCE litation and assists the OSCE field operations to carry out their respective structures, field operations and participating States mandates. to ensure that a gender perspective is integrated into all activities. The Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activi- ties strengthens security and stability by promoting international co-ope- Besides providing operational support to field ration on economic and environmental issues. missions, all Secretariat entities promote research and organize events to disseminate information on The Transnational Threats department addresses terrorism, organized crime, security issues. cyber threats, and the illicit trafficking in narcotics, tackling multidimensi- onal and cross-country threats to security. FACTS IN 2015 Headquarters: Vienna The Office of the Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Led by: Secretary General, Trafficking in Human Beings helps participating States develop and imple- Ambassador Lamberto Zannier (Italy) since 2011 ment effective policies to fight human trafficking. Staff: 168 international and 181 local personnel Budget: EUR 34,805,400 95 Chairmanship Hungary
1995 14 December General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina (also known 4 - 8 July, Ottawa as the Dayton Peace Ac- 4th Annual Session of cords) is formally signed the OSCE Parliamentary 3 December, Budapest in Paris, giving the OSCE Assembly (Declaration) 18 - 19 September, Forum for Security the mandate to draw 11 April, Vienna Vienna Co-operation decision up and implement an Permanent Council 17 - 18 July, Moscow Seminar on the Security on Code of Conduct on agreement on confidence decision to establish the Seminar on the Security Model, which eventually Politico-Military Aspects and security-building OSCE Assistance Group Model, which eventually resulted in the Istanbul of Security measures, a sub-regional to Chechnya resulted in the Istanbul Charter for European arms control agreement, Charter for European Security in 1999 7 and 8 December - and a regional arms con- 25 April, Grozny Security Budapest trol agreement applicable OSCE Assistance Group 26 - 28 September, 5th OSCE Ministerial ‘in and around the former to Chechnya takes up its 25 July, Tashkent Cairo Council. Summary of Yugoslavia’ operations Memorandum of Under- Mediterranean Seminar Conclusions adopted, 16 March, Vienna standing for the OSCE on the OSCE Experience including: Permanent Council 7 - 9 June, Prague Liaison Office in Central in the Field of • Decision on OSCE decision to establish an 2nd Senior Council (and Asia in Tashkent signed Confidence-Building Action for Peace, De- OSCE Liaison Office in 3rd Economic Forum) (Consolidated Summary) 6 - 10 October, Croatia mocracy and Stability in Central Asia in Tash- (Chairman’s Summary) 1 August Fact-Finding Mission Bosnia and Herzegovina kent, Uzbekistan 20th Anniversary of the of the OSCE to Croatia • Decision on a Secu- Helsinki Final Act (Report) rity Model for the 21st 30 - 31 March, Prague Century 1st Senior Council 10 August, Vienna 12 October, Vienna • Decision on the OSCE participants stress the Appointment of a Per- Permanent Council Minsk Process importance of viewing sonal Representative decision* • Reappointment of Max OSCE as a co-operative on the Conflict Dealt van der Stoel (Nether- undertaking with all its with by the OSCE Minsk 26 - 27 October, Prague lands), as the High Com- tools and mechanisms Conference 3rd Senior Council (Chair- missioner on National (Chairman’s Summary) man’s Summary) Minorities
1 January 21 March, Paris 11 July 4 August 1 - 21 November, Austria, Finland and Swe- Signing of the ‘Pact Srebrenica massacre Operation Storm against Dayton den enter the European on Stability in Europe’ Serbian forces in Krajina Negotiations on Gene- Union. The World Trade aiming for an area of ral Framework [Dayton] Organization is esta- lasting good-neighbour- 28 August Agreement for Peace in blished, replacing the liness and cooperation in Mortar bomb kills 37 Bosnia and Herzegovina General Agreement on Europe civilians on a Sarajevo Tariffs and Trade market square. NATO 16 November 7 May launches Operation Deli- International Criminal Jacques Chirac is elected berate Force Tribunal for the Former President of France Yugoslavia (ICTY) char- ges Radovan Karadžić and Ratko Mladić with genocide © OSCE
50 *See Accession timeline p. 128 51 ague Office Do OSCE Prague Office MILESTONES
1990: Established by Paris Charter KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
1991-1996: Accessing and 2000: Digitization and description for a New Europe cataloging hardcopy archive of 87 000 microfiches and paper collections donated by executive documents from the CSCE era and 1991: Opens in Prague secretariats of CSCE events and early 1990s MFAs of participating States 1994: Secretariat moves to Vienna 2003: Release of a CD containing 1993 to today: Prague Office joins CSCE/OSCE documents from 1973 to efforts with Vienna Secretariat to 2002 help organize the annual Economic and Environmental Forum, which 2004: Launch of the “Historical takes place at the Černín Palace, Document Collections” on-line home of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs 2005: Consolidating archival records from closed down missions and 1994: Disseminating CSCE/ other field operations in a remote OSCE publications (this service is depositary ongoing) © Alyaksandr Malyshau 2010 -2013: Oral History Project ACTIVITIES 1998: Opening of the archives and release of the book “CSCE With the aim to preserve, share and strengthen the CSCE/ to Researchers-in-Residence Testimonies: Causes and Testimonies OSCE’s institutional memory, the Prague Office compiles, digi- programme; 258 registered of the Helsinki Final Act (1972- tizes and describes substantial paper collections. It also posts researchers in 2015 1989)” recent documents from Vienna based negotiating and decisi- on-making bodies on the public website. The Office manages the Researcher-in-Residence Programme which supports representatives of the academic and research community BACKGROUND working on CSCE/OSCE-related matters. In 2010, the Office The institutionalization of the CSCE, agreed during the 1990 Paris Sum- initiated a CSCE/OSCE Oral History Project to produce a series mit, required a Secretariat to support the Conference with administrative of publications based on interviews with prominent officials and organizational activities. Following an invitation from former Czech and public figures involved in the Helsinki process and all President Václav Havel, Prague was selected as the first location of the new three subsequent CSCE follow-up meetings (1972-1989). In Secretariat. co-operation with the OSCE Secretariat, the Prague Office also provides administrative and logistical support to annual mee- From 1991 to 1994, the Prague-based Secretariat was at the forefront of tings of the OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum – the the CSCE institutionalization process, monitoring the first deployment of key event of the OSCE’s work in the economic and environmen- CSCE field operations, managing and sometimes servicing meetings of key tal dimension of security. decision making bodies such as the Committee of Senior Officials, Councils of Ministers and the Summits (Helsinki 1992 and Budapest 1994). FACTS IN 2015 Location: Prague In 1994, the CSCE changed its status and became the Organization for Se- Led by: Jan Plešinger (Czech Republic) curity and Co-operation in Europe and the Secretariat moved to Vienna. The since 2015 Prague Office kept two of its initial functions: it remained the CSCE/OSCE Staff: 8 local personnel, including Mr. Plešinger historical archives repository and continued to disseminate public informa- Budget: EUR 388,300 (included in the overall budget of the tion. The Prague Office is part of the Office of the Secretary General. Office of the Secretary General) 96 Chairmanship Switzerland
1996 2 - 4 June, Tel Aviv Mediterranean Seminar on the OSCE as a Plat- form for Dialogue and the Fostering of Norms of Behaviour (Consoli- dated Summary) © OSCE 15 June, Vienna Appointment of the 2nd OSCE Secretary General, 4 - 22 November, 2 - 3 December, Lisbon Ambassador Giancarlo Vienna, Lisbon 5th OSCE Summit. 55 Aragona (Italy) 14 September Review Meeting covers: OSCE participating States OSCE Mission to Bosnia • Human Dimension adopt the Lisbon Docu- 25 April, Vienna 5 - 9 July, Stockholm and Herzegovina orga- • Security Model ment: Permanent Council deci- 5th Annual Session of nizes presidential and • Economic Dimension • Declaration on a Com- sion* the OSCE Parliamentary parliamentary elections mon and Comprehensive Assembly (Declaration) in the country. It will Security Model for Europe 27 May, Moscow organize all subsequent for the 21st century OSCE Assistance Group polls until the general • A Framework for Arms to Chechnya, Chechen elections of 11 November Control and Russian leadership 2000 • Development of the sign a ceasefire agree- Agenda of the Forum for ment 19 September Security Co-operation 21 - 22 March, Prague Chairman-in-Office 2nd and last Senior appoints former Spanish Council Prime Minister Felipe González as his Perso- 18 April, Vienna nal Representative for Permanent Council deci- the Federal Republic of sion to establish an OSCE Yugoslavia Mission to Croatia
29 February 15 - 31 May, Vienna 5 November 1 December, Vienna Siege of Sarajevo is lifted 1st Conference to review Bill Clinton wins his Document adopted by the Operation of the second term as U.S. the States parties to the Treaty on Conventional President Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Armed Forces in and the Concluding Act Europe (CFE) on the sco- of the Negotiation on pe and parameters of the Personnel process commissioned in CFE-A1
10 June Peace talks begin in 27 September Northern Ireland without In Afghanistan, the Tali- Sinn Féin ban capture Kabul © AFP/SAEED KHAN
54 *See Accession timeline p. 128 55 ourt of Conciliati OSCE Court of Conciliation and Arbitration
MILESTONES KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
1992: Established by Stockholm 2015: Organization of an international Convention colloquium on conciliation in Vienna
1995: Convened for the first time in Geneva
THE BEGINNING In 1992 in Stockholm, the CSCE Council of Ministers adopted the “Con- vention on Conciliation and Arbitration”, which established the Court of Conciliation and Arbitration. The Court, which is not a permanent body but a roster of conciliators and arbitrators, binds only States party to the Con- vention and was convened for the first time on 29 May 1995 in Geneva.
MANDATE The Court’s mandate is to settle, by means of conciliation or arbitration, the disputes between States submitted to it. This may include conflicts in respect of territorial integrity, maritime delimitation, or environmental and economic issues. The Court is a non-permanent body and creates conciliation commissions and arbitral tribunals on an ad hoc basis.
ACTIVITIES © Isabella Zaratsyan The main mechanism offered by the Convention is conciliation, which aims at proposing terms of settlement to the States parties to a dispute. This mechanism can be activated unilaterally by any State party to the Conven- tion for a dispute between it and one or more other States parties. At the conclusion of the proceedings, the conciliation commission presents a re- port and recommendations to the parties. The parties then have thirty days to decide whether they accept those or not. If there is no agreement within FACTS IN 2015 that period, and if the parties have agreed to submit to arbitration, an ad Headquarters: Geneva hoc arbitral tribunal may be set up whose ruling will be legally binding on President of the Court: the parties. Arbitral proceedings may also be initiated by agreement bet- Professor Christian Tomuschat (Germany) ween States parties concerned. Budget: EUR 59,000 97 Chairmanship Denmark
1997 1 January, Vienna 8 - 14 March, Albania 3 April, Tirana 20 June, Vienna 3 - 5 September, Cairo 18 - 19 December, Re-appointment of a Personal Representative The OSCE Presence in Permanent Council deci- Mediterranean Seminar Copenhagen Personal Representa- of the Chairperson-in-Of- Albania starts its work sion transforms the Knin on the Security Model 6th Ministerial Council. tive on the Conflict fice, Dr. Franz Vranitzky, and Vukovar Regional for the 21st Century: A set of decisions are Dealt with by the OSCE travels to Albania 22 April, Georgia Offices into Co-ordi- Implications for the adopted inter alia on: Minsk Conference OSCE Mission to Georgia nation Centres and Mediterranean Basin • Appointment of the 1st 27 March, Vienna opens a branch office in establishes two more in (Consolidated Summary) OSCE Representative on Permanent Council Tskhinvali Sisak and Daruvar, with Freedom of the Media, decision on the establis- a Zagreb area office co- 18 September Freimut Duve (Germany) hment of an OSCE 26 April, Warsaw located with the Mission Permanent Council • Process of regional Presence in Albania Appointment of the 3rd to Croatia Headquarters establishes the OSCE Ad- stabilization in Bosnia Director of the Office visory and Monitoring and Herzegovina (Dayton for Democratic Insti- 3 July, Vienna Group in Belarus Peace Accords) tutions and Human Meeting of the Security • Human Dimension and Rights, Gérard Stoud- Model Committee with Roma and Sinti issue mann (Switzerland) representatives of the WEU, NATO, the CIS and the Council of Europe
5 - 8 July, Warsaw 6th Annual Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (Declaration)
23 January 2 May 12 May 27 June, Dushanbe 27 October 3 December, Ottawa Madeleine Albright beco- Tony Blair is appointed Russian-Chechen Peace Signing of the Gene- Stock markets around Representatives from mes the first female U.S. Prime Minister of the Treaty signed ral Agreement on the the world crash because 121 countries sign a Secretary of State United Kingdom Establishment of Peace of fears about a global treaty prohibiting the and National Accord in economic crisis manufacture and deploy- 4 February Tajikistan ment of anti-personnel After initially contesting landmines the results, Serbian Pre- 8 July sident Slobodan Miloše- NATO invites the Czech vić recognizes opposition Republic, Hungary, and victories in the Novem- Poland to join the ber 1996 elections alliance in 1999
© OSCE
58 59 esence in Alb OSCE Presence in Albania
MILESTONES KEY ACHIEVEMENTS 1991: Accession of Albania to CSCE 1999: Assisted in the establishment 2008 & 2013: Established cross of the Ombudsman institution party women parliamentary 1997: OSCE Presence in Albania structure; supported 50% gender established 2002: Established regional quota cross-border police co-operation mechanism/process between Albania 2010: Launched project on and the neighbouring countries parliamentary outreach
2008-2015: Destroyed large 2012: Implemented the Vjosa quantities of stockpile conventional Valley project, considered a model ammunition, and 450 tonnes of of horizontal co-operation at local hazardous chemicals level
2014: Improved trial efficiency through a pilot project in several courts
THE BEGINNING Established in 1997 in response to the breakdown of social order when large financing pyramid schemes collapsed and many Albanians lost their life savings. © OSCE/Joana Karapataqi
MANDATE The Presence’s mandate is to assist Albania in developing effective de- mocratic institutions and to promote the rule of law and human rights in the country. It does this by supporting a variety of legal and administrative reform initiatives; activities aimed at fighting corruption and trafficking; and programmes to develop the country’s media, support civil society, and train police and customs officials.
ACTIVITIES The activities of the OSCE Presence in Albania range from arms control and the fight against trafficking to electoral assistance; anti-corruption initia- FACTS IN 2015 tives; parliamentary support and judicial reform and fair trial development; Headquarters: Tirana gender mainstreaming and environmental projects; human rights Led by: Ambassador Florian Raunig (Austria) since 2013 protection; youth empowerment and media reform; and the capacity-buil- Staff: 20 international and 63 local personnel ding of law enforcement officials. Budget: EUR 2,918,500 98 Chairmanship Poland
1998 30 September, Vienna Together with the European Union, the OSCE creates and leads a ‘Friends of Albania’ Group, bringing together countries and interna- 15 October, Croatia OSCE Mission to Croatia takes over monitoring work of the local police in the Croatian Danube region from the UN. OSCE activities in the field of 19-20 October, Valletta Mediterranean Seminar on the Human Dimension of Security, Promoting Democracy and the Rule of Law (Consolidated Summary) tional organizations ac- police monitoring and tive in providing Albania training start 25 October, Vienna 23 July, Vienna with financial support, Permanent Council esta- 4 June, Vienna Permanent Council technical assistance and 16 October, Belgrade blishes the OSCE Kosovo © OSCE The Permanent Council decision establishes the other forms of aid Agreement on the OSCE Verification Mission increases the number of OSCE Centre in Almaty, Kosovo Verification (KVM) border monitors bet- Kazakhstan 15 October, Vienna Missions signed by the 11 March, Vienna ween Albania and the Permanent Council de- Chairperson-in-Office of The Permanent Council Kosovo section of its 23 July, Vienna cision in the framework the OSCE and the Foreign temporarily enhances the frontier with the Federal Permanent Council of the United Nations Minister of the Federal monitoring capabilities Republic of Yugoslavia decision establishes the Security Council Reso- Republic of Yugoslavia of the OSCE Spillover OSCE Centre in Bishkek, lution No. 1199, states Monitor Mission to 7 - 10 July, Copenhagen Kyrgyzstan OSCE readiness to deploy Skopje (to permit ade- 7th Annual Session of verification activities quate observation of the the OSCE Parliamentary 23 July, Vienna related to compliance of 2 - 3 December, Oslo borders with Kosovo and Assembly (Declaration) Permanent Council deci- all parties in Kosovo 7th Ministerial Council the rest of the Federal sion establishes the OSCE yields a Ministerial De- Republic of Yugoslavia) Centre in Ashgabat, claration and a State- Turkmenistan ment on Kosovo, as well as a set of decisions on: • Further operational strengthening of the OSCE • Central Asia Discussions on the • Common and Compre- Security Model continue hensive Security Model within the Permanent for Europe for the 21st Council century
2 January 23 September Russia begins to circula- UN Security Council te new roubles to stem adopts Resolution 1199, inflation and promote calling for the withdra- confidence wal of the Serbian security forces from Kosovo and a ceasefire between the warring parties
7 August Near-simultaneous bomb explosions at the U.S. embassies in Tanzania and Kenya kill 224 people and injure over 4,500
62 63 entre in Ashgabat OSCE Centre in Ashgabat
MILESTONES KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
1992: Accession of Turkmenistan to 2000: Centre organized its first 2010: Centre facilitated conduct CSCE event on the regional level – a of first international high-level workshop on the Aarhus Convention conference on energy security 1999: Centre in Ashgabat organized by the Government of established 2008: Centre facilitated Turkmenistan and the OSCE organization of high-level OSCE event in Ashgabat - the second 2012: Centre facilitated preparatory conference for the 16th organization of Central Asia Media OSCE Economic and Environmental Conference, held for the first time in Forum Turkmenistan
THE BEGINNING The Centre in Ashgabat was established in 1999 to intensify OSCE activities in Turkmenistan. Centres with similar mandates were established in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan at the same time. These Centres continued © OSCE/Svetlana Ostroushenko the work begun by the Central Asia Liaison Office in Tashkent, which had been making efforts to link the Central Asian countries, including Turkmenistan, more closely to the OSCE since 1995. ACTIVITIES The Centre works in all three dimensions of security, MANDATE including arms control; border management; the fight The Centre has a broad, open-ended mandate to “pro- against terrorism; trafficking in human beings, arms mote the implementation of OSCE principles and com- and drugs; economic and environmental topics; human mitments as well as the co-operation of Turkmenistan rights, good governance, and rule of law issues; elec- within the OSCE framework with special emphasis on the tions; and media freedom. regional context, in all OSCE dimensions, including the economic, environmental, human and political aspects FACTS IN 2015 of security and stability.” The Centre liaises with other Headquarters: Ashgabat OSCE, international and local bodies and with parti- Led by: Ambassador Ivo Petrov (Bulgaria) cipating States in the region. It helps organize OSCE since 2012 regional events. Staff: 6 international and 19 national personnel Budget: EUR 1,570,800 99 Chairmanship Norway
1999 May – December, Vienna Participation of the Partners for Co-operation in the working groups of the Security Model Committee 10 June, Cologne Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe created at the initiative of the European Union
15 June, Vienna 16 November OSCE adopts the Vienna Document on Confidence and Security Building Measures, expanding the Vienna Documents agreed in 1990, 1992 and 1994 Appointment of the 3rd 1 June OSCE Secretary General, 16 November Permanent Council esta- Ambassador Ján Kubiš Permanent Council esta- Discussions on the blishes the OSCE Project (Slovakia) blishes the OSCE Office © OSCE Security Model continue Co-ordinator in Ukraine in Baku within the Permanent (transformed from former 1 July Council OSCE Mission to Ukraine) Permanent Council esta- 6 - 7 December, Amman blishes the OSCE Mis- Mediterranean Seminar January, Kazakhstan 8 June sion in Kosovo. On the 31 October, Latvia on the Implementation OSCE Centre in Almaty Task Force in Albania to same day, it places the Joint Committee on the of Human Dimension starts its work February, Kosovo assist UNHCR with the Stability Pact for South Skrunda Radar Station is Commitments (Consoli- Kosovo Verification Mis- refugee crisis and to Eastern Europe under the dissolved dated Summary) sion reaches a strength conduct human rights auspices of the OSCE of approximately 1,500 investigations; further 15 December, Vienna international staff Task Force in the former 6 - 10 July, Permanent Council Yugoslav Republic of St Petersburg decision expands the 20 March, Vienna Macedonia performing 8th Annual Session of 18 - 19 November, mandate of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Knut similar functions. Kosovo the OSCE Parliamentary Istanbul Mission to Georgia to Vollebæk, addresses the Verification Mission Assembly (Declaration) 6th OSCE Summit. include a Border Monito- Permanent Council and later dissolved and the 55 OSCE participating ring Operation (BMO) states that the Kosovo Task Force for Koso- 22 July, Vienna States adopt the Istan- Verification Mission vo created in its place Permanent Council esta- bul Document including: 22 December should cease its activi- by Permanent Council blishes the OSCE Office • Charter for European Mandate of the OSCE ties and evacuate decision in Yerevan Security Mission to Georgia • Call for a political is expanded to inclu- Kosovo Verification settlement in Chechnya de monitoring of the Mission Headquarters • Platform for Co-opera- border with the Chechen temporarily based in tion Security Republic of the Russian Skopje Federation
1 January 24 March 27 May 29 - 30 July 12 October 19 November, Istanbul 31 December 11 European Union coun- NATO launches air strikes International Criminal At an international sum- According to the UN, a • Agreement on Ad- Boris Yeltsin resigns tries adopt the euro as against the Federal Repu- Tribunal for the former mit meeting in Sarajevo, woman in Sarajevo gives aptation of the Treaty as President of Russia; their new currency, with blic of Yugoslavia Yugoslavia indicts Slo- the Stability Pact for birth to the six billionth on Conventional Armed Prime Minister Vladimir the first banknotes and bodan Milošević and four South-Eastern Europe is person on the planet Forces in Europe (also Putin is appointed Acting coins to come into circu- others for war crimes and founded known as the Adapted President lation in January 2002 crimes against humanity 27 October CFE Treaty) committed in Kosovoi 19 August Gunmen open fire in the • Signing of the Final In Belgrade, tens of Armenian parliament, Act of the Conference of 9 June thousands of Serbians killing Prime Minister the States Parties to the Federal Republic of Yu- rally to demand the Vazgan Sarkisian, Parli- Treaty on Conventional goslavia and NATO sign a resignation of President ament Chairman Karen Armed Forces in Europe peace treaty, ending the Milošević Demirchian and six other Kosovo crisis members of parliament
i All references to Kosovo, whether to its territory, institutions or population, in this text should be understood in full compliance with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244
66 67 ogramme Offic OSCE Programme Office in Astana MILESTONES KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
1992: Accession of Kazakhstan to 2006: Chu-Talas River Basin 2013: Centre facilitated the safe CSCE Commission set up with OSCE removal and shipment of 410 tons Centre support as a critical of a toxic rocket fuel component 1998: Centre in Almaty established contribution to improved co- (mélange) from Kazakhstan’s operation between Kazakhstan and territory 2007: Renamed Centre in Astana Kyrgyzstan in jointly managing water infrastructure and resource 2014: National Preventative 2015: Becomes OSCE Programme allocation in a transboundary Mechanism (NPM) Co-ordination Office in Astana context Council established, following the adoption by parliament of a Centre- 2009: Centre re-launched the facilitated “Law on the NPM” related Central Asian Youth Network (CAYN) to the prevention of torture and bringing together students from all other cruel, inhuman or degrading countries in the region, Afghanistan treatment or punishment the year and Mongolia to enhance young earlier people’s understanding of contemporary security threats and 2015: Marking six years since the the OSCE’s role in addressing them. Office launched its support for Organized annually in Almaty, CAYN Aarhus Centres, the network has is now in its seventh consecutive grown to 15 centres all across © OSCE year running the country promoting access to information, public participation OSCE regional events, including regional seminars and OSCE 2009: Centre-supported legislation in decision-making and access to delegation visits. The Office provides assistance to the Govern- on gender equality, the “Law on justice in environmental matters at ment of Kazakhstan by building the capacity of national stake- State Guarantees of Equal Rights local levels holders and by facilitating the information exchange between and Equal Opportunities for Men and OSCE institutions and relevant state agencies on OSCE activities. Women” and the “Law on Prevention It also contributes to raising awareness of the OSCE’s values, of Domestic Violence”, passed the principles and field activities among government and non-go- Parliament of Kazakhstan vernmental institutions.
ACTIVITIES The OSCE Programme Office in Astana works on security issues, THE BEGINNING including arms control; border management; the fight against To support Kazakhstan in implementing OSCE and international commit- violent extremism and radicalization leading to terrorism; traf- ments, the OSCE established the Centre in Almaty in 1998. The Centre was ficking in human beings, arms and drugs; economic and environ- moved to Astana in June 2007. mental topics; human rights and rule of law issues; and media freedom.
MANDATE FACTS IN 2015 According to its mandate, the Office is entrusted with supporting Kaza- Headquarters: Astana khstan in implementing OSCE principles and commitments in all three Led by: Ambassador Natalia Zarudna dimensions and in the regional context. The Office maintains contacts with (Ukraine) since 2011 central and local authorities, universities, research institutes, representa- Staff: 6 international and 22 local personnel tives of civil society and non-governmental organizations. It helps arrange Budget: EUR 2,148,700 00 Chairmanship Austria
2000 November, Vienna Permanent Council decision*
28 October 24 November, Vienna Under the supervision Forum for Security of the OSCE, Kosovo Co-operation adopts holds its first democratic OSCE Document on municipal government Small Arms and Light elections Weapons 27 - 28 November, 11 August Vienna Proposal by the OSCE 30 - 31 October, 8th Ministerial Council Mission to Croatia that Portoroz re- appoints the High the Police Monitoring Mediterranean Seminar Commissioner on Nati- Group in the Danube re- on Confidence- and Secu- onal Minorities and Re- 11 - 12 December, gion of Croatia should be rity-Building Measures: presentative on Freedom Tokyo downsized and phased The OSCE Experience and of the Media, and adopts First OSCE Japan Con- 16 March, Vienna out. It decides that the its Relevance for the the Vienna Declaration ference (Consolidated Permanent Council ad- Police Monitoring Group Mediterranean Region on the Role of the OSCE Summary) opts a Regional Stra- will cease operations as (Consolidated Summary) in South-Eastern Europe tegy for South-Eastern a distinct unit within the and a set of decisions on 14 December, Vienna Europe, reinforcing the OSCE Mission to Croatia • OSCE’s efforts to Taking into account the 10 February, Vienna Organization’s existing by 31 October 2000 combat trafficking in expanded presence of Permanent Council de- support for the Stability human beings the OSCE in Central Asia, cision establishes a new Pact. • The scale for large the Permanent Council field office in the city of OSCE Missions formulates a new man- Osh, southern Kyrgy- 6 - 10 July, Bucharest • Police-related activi- date for the OSCE Liaison zstan to be assisted 9th Annual Session of ties Office in Central Asia by the OSCE Centre in the OSCE Parliamentary and renames it to: OSCE Bishkek Assembly (Declaration) Centre in Tashkent
6 February 26 March 12 August 6 September 7 November Tarja Halonen is elected Vladimir Putin is elected Russian submarine Kursk In New York, the Uni- Republican challenger first female president of President of Russia sinks in the Barents Sea, ted Nations Millennium George W. Bush defeats Finland resulting in the deaths of Summit begins with more Democrat Vice-Presi- all 118 men on board than 180 world leaders dent Al Gore in the U.S. present presidential election, but the final outcome is not 4 October known for over a month President Slobodan Mi- because of disputed lošević leaves office after votes in Florida widespread demonstra- tions throughout Serbia
© AFP/EPA-ITAR-TASS POOL
70 *See Accession timeline p. 128 71 OSCE
oject Co-ordi Project Co-ordinator in Baku
MILESTONES KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
1992: Accession of Azerbaijan to 2008: The Office in Baku supported 2009: The Office in Baku launched CSCE the establishment of the first Legal a comprehensive Trial Monitoring Resource Centre in Azerbaijan. In Programme to assess compliance 1999: Office in Baku established the following years Legal Resource with applicable national legislation Centres were rolled out nation-wide and international fair trial standards 2014: Office in Baku becomes Project Co-ordinator in Baku 2009: The establishment of 2010: The Law on the Prevention Community Advisory Groups of Domestic Violence was adopted. 2015: Discontinuation of the Project mandated nationwide by The Office in Baku contributed to its Co-ordinator in Baku presidential decree. The Office development started its Community Policing project activities in 2006
THE BEGINNING The Office in Baku was established in 1999 and was transformed into the Project Co-ordinator in Baku in 2014.
MANDATE © OSCE/Zaur Zeynal The mandate of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Baku included the following elements: supporting co-operation between the Government of Azerbaijan and the OSCE and its institutions aimed at implementing OSCE principles and commitments; planning and implementing projects between the relevant authorities of Azerbaijan and the OSCE and its institutions covering all three dimensions of the OSCE’s comprehensive security concept and taking into ac- count the needs and priorities of the Government of Azerbaijan; maintaining ACTIVITIES contacts with governmental and non-governmental bodies, local authorities, The main activities were in combating terrorism, universities, research institutions and NGOs; performing other tasks combatting human trafficking, and promoting deemed appropriate by the Chairperson-in-Office or other OSCE institutions gender equality, good governance, and tolerance and and agreed upon between the Government of Azerbaijan and the OSCE. non-discrimination. 01 Chairmanship Romania
2001 19 - 21 March, Seoul OSCE-Korea Conference 6 - 10 July, Paris 10th Annual Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (Declaration) 4 December, Vienna Reappointment of Ján Kubiš as Secretary General
13 - 14 December, on Applicability of OSCE Bishkek Confidence- and Securi- 300 representatives ty- Building- Measures in © OSCE/JOSUE ANSELMO of OSCE participating Northeast Asia (Consoli- 15 November, Vienna States and the UN meet dated Summary) Permanent Council to discuss measures to decision to establish an counter terrorism in Office in Podgorica as Central Asia a part of the Mission to the Federal Republic of 13 December, Vienna 15 June, Grozny Yugoslavia Permanent Council deci- The international staff of sion expands the Border the Assistance Monito- 30 - 31 October, 3 - 4 December, Monitoring Operation ring Group to Chechnya Dubrovnik Bucharest to the border between returns, after two and a Mediterranean Seminar 9th Ministerial Coun- Georgia and the Ingush half years of evacuation on the Implementation cil yields a Ministerial Republic of the Russian 11 January, Vienna of the OSCE Economic Declaration and the Federation Permanent Council 1 July, The Hague and Environmental Bucharest Plan of decision establishes the Appointment of the 2nd Dimension Commitments: Action for Combating 21 December, Vienna OSCE Mission to the High Commissioner on The OSCE Experience and Terrorism as well as a Permanent Council de- Federal Republic of National Minorities, its Relevance for the set of decisions on: cides to extend mandate Yugoslavia. OSCE Missi- Rolf Ekéus (Sweden) Mediterranean Region • Role of the OSCE as a of Assistance Group to ons of Long Duration in (Consolidated Summary) forum for political dialo- Chechnya by another year Kosovo, Sandžak and gue to 31 December 2002 Vojvodina formally • Concluding document closed, renaming of Mis- of the negotiations of 31 December sion to Serbia (Formerly the General Framework Mandates of the OSCE Mission To Serbia and Agreement for Peace in Missions to Estonia and Montenegro) Bosnia and Herzegovina to Latvia expire
20 January 7 June 11 September 7 October George W. Bush suc- Tony Blair’s Labour Party Around 3,000 people are A coalition of states, led ceeds Bill Clinton as U.S. is elected for a second killed in terrorist attacks by the United States, President after beating term in the UK general in the United States. attack Afghanistan to Al Gore in the disputed election Extremists hijack several drive out the extremist 2000 election civilian planes and fly al-Qaida network them into the World 12 November 2 December 1 April Trade Centre in New Taliban forces abandon U.S. firm Enron collapses, Slobodan Milošević sur- York and the Pentagon the Afghan capital, Ka- at the time the largest renders to police special building in Washington. bul, ahead of advancing bankruptcy in history forces and is transported Another plane crashes in Northern Alliance troops, to The Hague to be tried rural Pennsylvania who take the city two 22 December on charges of war crimes days later Hamid Karzai is sworn in before the International as head of the interim Criminal Tribunal for the government in Afghani- former Yugoslavia stan
74 75 ntre in Bishkek OSCE Centre in Bishkek
MILESTONES KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
1992: Accession of Kyrgyzstan to 2000: OSCE established a Field 2009: Centre and Kyrgyz CSCE Office in Osh government started a six-year cooperative effort to provide 1998: Centre in Bishkek established 2001: Over 300 participants from training for Customs officials of over 60 states and international Afghanistan organizations gathered in Bishkek for an OSCE-supported major 2011: At the direction of the international conference on the Permanent Council, the Centre in prevention and countering of Bishkek established the Community terrorism Security Initiative project in 12 small and large communities across 2002: Establishment of the OSCE the south of Kyrgyzstan. The project Academy in Bishkek, a unique post- assists local police in their efforts graduate institution designed to to create more secure communities serve young intellectuals from the by promoting ethnic inclusion whole of Central Asia, with Masters programmes in Economic Governance 2015: Centre supported the creation © OSCE/John Macgregor and in Politics and Security of a Regulatory Reform Council, chaired by the Kyrgyz Prime Minster. 2004: OSCE supported opening of This ‘first of its kind in Central Asia’ first Aarhus Centre in Kyrgyzstan, good governance model is promoting ACTIVITIES in Osh economic security by rationalizing The Centre seeks to have a lasting effect within five and revamping over 3,000 national strategic priority areas: strengthening of relations laws and regulations between communities; fostering good governance and combating corruption; fighting against terrorism; promoting human rights protection and the rule of law; THE BEGINNING and furthering gender equality. Through the Osh field The OSCE Centre in Bishkek was established in 1998 to encourage the office and a field officer in Batken, the Centre extends further integration of Kyrgyzstan into the OSCE community. its programmatic work throughout Kyrgyzstan, actively pursuing an array of activities involving the promotion MANDATE of OSCE commitments with government, international The Centre is entrusted with promoting the implementation of OSCE prin- and civil society interlocutors. ciples and commitments in all three dimensions within the OSCE approach to comprehensive and co-operative security. The Centre maintains contacts FACTS IN 2015 with central and local authorities, universities, research and policy insti- Headquarters: Bishkek tutes, representatives of civil society and non-governmental organizations. Led by: Ambassador Sergey Kapinos It helps arrange OSCE regional events, including regional seminars and OSCE (Russian Federation) since 2012 delegation visits. The Centre also assists the government by facilitating in- Staff: 26 international and 97 local personnel formation exchange between OSCE institutions and relevant state agencies. Budget: EUR 6,909,600 02 Chairmanship Portugal
2002 19 December Permanent Council de- 20 - 21 June, Bangkok cides to further expand OSCE-Thailand the Border Monitoring Conference on the Operation to the border Human Dimension of between Georgia and Security (Consolidated the Dagestan Republic Summary) of the Russian Federa- tion 6 - 11 July, Berlin 11th Annual Session of 6 - 7 December, Porto 30 December the OSCE Parliamentary 10th Ministerial Council Permanent Council de- Assembly (Declaration) yields a Porto cides to close the OSCE Ministerial Declaration Advisory and Monitoring 4 - 5 November, Rhodes and a set of decisions Group and open an OSCE Mediterranean Seminar including: Office in Minsk on the Media and New • Porto Declaration on Technologies: Implica- Trafficking in Human tions for Governments, Beings International Organiza- • OSCE Charter on Pre- tions and Civil Society venting and Combating (Consolidated Summary) Terrorism • Holding Annual Security Review Confe- rences
1 January 16 January 25 November Treaty on Open Skies, UN Security Council U.S. President George W. signed in 1992, officially unanimously establishes Bush signs the Homeland enters into force an arms embargo and the Security Act, esta- freezing of assets of Osa- blishing the Department 1 January ma bin Laden, al-Qaida, of Homeland Security in Introduction of euro and the Taliban the largest U.S. gover- banknotes and coins in nment reorganization Germany, France, Italy, 12 February since the creation of the Spain, Greece, Austria, Trial of former Yugos- Department of Defense Belgium, Finland, lav President Slobodan in 1947 Ireland, Luxembourg, Milošević begins at the Netherlands and Portugal ICTY in The Hague
© AFP/JERRY LAMPEN
78 79 ission to Bosn OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina MILESTONES KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
1992: Accession of Bosnia and 2002: Elections operations 2006: Adoption of the first Bosnia Herzegovina to OSCE transferred to Bosnia and and Herzegovina Security Policy Herzegovina authorities and subsequent establishment of 1995: OSCE Mission to Bosnia and the official security policy training Herzegovina established 2003: Conferred the responsibility system of Bosnia and Herzegovina of the Ombudsman institution to with the Mission’s support Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities 2009: Adoption of the Law on 2003: Adoption of the Law on the Prohibition of Discrimination with Protection of Rights of National support provided by the Mission and Minorities with support provided by continued training of the judiciary, the Mission civil society and government officials
2005: Property Law Implementation 2014: Transfer of ownership of Process accomplished with the the Sub-Regional Arms Control support of the OSCE Mission to Agreement (Article IV of the Dayton Bosnia and Herzegovina and other Peace Agreement) to Bosnia and international organizations Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro and Serbia 2006: Establishment of a unified Ministry of Defense and Armed 2014: Five temporary premises Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, opened in areas most affected by as a result of defence reform in devastating floods to offer targeted which the Mission was a key partner help to local authorities © OSCE/Vedran Pribilovic
THE BEGINNING ACTIVITIES The General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, The Mission includes a network of nine field offices negotiated in Dayton, Ohio, United States and signed in Paris, France in late and has six policy and programmatic elements: 1995 to end nearly four years of war, shapes the work of the OSCE Mission to education; human rights; rule of law; gender equali- Bosnia and Herzegovina. Dayton established the Mission as one of the bodies ty; democratic governance; and security responsible for helping to secure lasting peace in BiH and to build a stable co-operation. and democratic state, with an initial focus on elections. FACTS IN 2015 MANDATE Headquarters: Sarajevo The Mission’s principal aim is to assist BiH on its path to regional, political, Led by: Ambassador Jonathan Moore economic and social integration. Our activities seek to foster systems of (United States) since 2014 education, governance, and justice that uphold human rights, the rule of Staff: 40 international and 278.5 local personnel law, and security for all citizens. Budget: EUR 11,450,300 03 Chairmanship The Netherlands
2003 27 November, Vienna Permanent Council Deci- sion on Action Plan on Improving the Situation of Roma and Sinti within the OSCE Area
1 - 2 December, Maastricht 11th Ministerial Coun- cil yields a Ministerial 19 - 20 June, Vienna 4 - 5 September, 20 - 21 October, Aqaba Declaration and a set of OSCE Conference on Vienna Mediterranean Seminar decisions including: anti-Semitism OSCE Conference on on the Comprehensive • OSCE Strategy Docu- March, Kazakhstan ways to fight racism, Approach to Security ment for the Economic OSCE Centre in Almaty 5 - 9 July, Rotterdam xenophobia and discri- (Consolidated Summary) and Environmental opens a liaison office in 12th Annual Session of mination Dimension 1 February, Warsaw Astana the OSCE Parliamentary 19 November, Vienna • OSCE Strategy to Ad- Appointment of the 4th Assembly (Declaration) 22 - 23 September, Adoption of the Forum dress Threats to Securi- 13 February, Vienna Director of the Office 21 March, Grozny Seoul for Security Co-opera- ty and Stability Permanent Council for Democratic Insti- Administrative closure OSCE and the Insti- tion Decision on OSCE • Statement on decision renames OSCE tutions and Human of the OSCE Assistance tute of Foreign Affairs Document on Stockpiles South-Eastern Europe as Mission to the Federal Rights, Christian Strohal Group to Chechnya and National Security of Conventional Ammu- a Region for Republic of Yugoslavia (Austria) co-organize Workshop nition Co-operation to OSCE Mission to on the Applicability of Serbia and Montenegro 10 February, Minsk OSCE Confidence- and OSCE Office in Minsk Security-Building Mea- starts its work sures in Northeast Asia Revisited (Consolidated Summary)
12 March 11 August 23 November Serbian Prime Minister NATO takes over com- Georgian President Edu- Zoran Ðinđić is assassi- mand of the peacekee- ard Shevardnadze resigns nated in Belgrade ping force in Afghani- following the ‘Rose stan, marking its first Revolution,’ marked by 19 March major operation outside weeks of mass protests International coalition Europe in its 54-year by the population over led by the United States history fraudulent elections attacks Iraq 10 September Swedish Foreign Minister © MILAN OBRADOVIC Anna Lindh is stabbed in a Stockholm department store and dies the next day
82 83 sion in Kosovo OSCE Mission in Kosovo
MILESTONES KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
1999: Mission established 1999: Established Kosovo Police 2012: Together with Mission to School and trained thousands of Serbia, launched the “Follow Us“ new officers dialogue process bringing together prominent women from Prishtinë/ 2000-2007: Organized five rounds Priština and Belgrade (formerly of democratic elections in Kosovo called the “Budva Process“) and developed local election administration capacities 2012-2014: Facilitated a series of election processes Kosovo-wide and 2010: Launched “Community in northern Kosovo that provided Profiles“ describing in detail the access to democratic voting rights situation of all communities in and defused tensions Kosovo; assisted the government in establishing municipal offices for communities and returns and other community-protection mechanisms
THE BEGINNING The Mission was established in 1999 and is one of the largest field opera- © OSCE/Hasan Supa tions of the OSCE.
MANDATE The Mission’s core mandate is to take the lead role in all matters related to institution and democracy-building, as well as human rights, in Kosovo.
ACTIVITIES FACTS IN 2015 The Mission carries out activities in the following three main areas: human Headquarters: Prishtinë/Priština and community rights monitoring and promotion, support to democratic Led by: Ambassador Jean-Claude Schlumberger (France) institutions and good governance, and public safety and security. It works since 2012 with central and municipal institutions in developing a democratic and Staff: 151 international and 416 local personnel. multi-ethnic society where the rights of all communities are protected. In Field presences include five regional centres and offices– implementing its mandate, the Mission engages in a number of activities Gjilan/Gnjilane, Mitrovicë/Mitrovica, Pejë/Pec, including promoting gender equality and civic participation; training of Prishtinë/Priština, and Prizren – as well as more than 30 judicial personnel, the Kosovo Police and public administrators and provi- field teams covering all municipalities throughout Kosovo. ding electoral support. Budget: EUR 18,886,600 04 Chairmanship Bulgaria
2004 13 May, Vienna OSCE Chairman-in-Office appoints a Special Representative on Trafficking in Human 18 - 19 November, Sharm El-Sheikh 2 December, Vienna Permanent Council decision on OSCE Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality Beings Mediterranean Seminar on Addressing Threats 6 - 7 December, Sofia to Security in the 21st 12th Ministerial Council Century (Consolidated yields statements on: Summary) 60th anniversary of the 10 March 28 - 29 April, Berlin 7 September end of World War II, Pre- Appointment of the 2nd OSCE holds a 2nd Confe- OSCE and Afghanistan 25 November, Ukraine venting and Combating Representative on Free- rence on anti-Semitism sign a Memorandum of Secretary General Terrorism, the Nagor- dom of Media, Miklós Understanding on the travels to Ukraine to no-Karabakh Conflict, Haraszti (Hungary) deployment of an OSCE hold consultations to Memorandum of Under- Election Support Team help find a solution to standing between the 15 - 16 March, Tokyo to assist the electoral the political crisis that Secretariat of the OSCE OSCE-Japan Conference authorities with the hol- followed the presidential and the Secretariat of on the Search for Effec- ding of the presidential election in the country. the UN and decisions on: tive Conflict Prevention election on 9 October • OSCE border security in the New Security and management con- Circumstances - European 13 - 14 September, cept Security Mechanisms and Brussels • Use of the Internet for Security in Asia (Consoli- 2nd OSCE Conference on terrorist purposes dated Summary) 1 July, Vienna Tolerance and the Fight Extension of the ap- against Racism, Xeno- 23 December pointment of Rolf Ekéus, phobia and Discrimina- Chairman-in-Office as High Commissioner tion appoints three Perso- on National Minorities nal Representative to Mid-September, promote tolerance and 5 - 9 July, Edinburgh Afghanistan non-discrimination 13th Annual Session of A Team of 50 OSCE electi- the OSCE Parliamentary on experts is deployed to Assembly (Declaration) Afghanistan
26 February 1 May 3 September 26 December President of the former European Union expands Russian forces end the Viktor Yushchenko wins Yugoslav Republic of Ma- from 15 to 25 member siege in Beslan. At least the re-run of the second cedonia, Boris Trajkovski, states, taking in Cyprus, 335 people (including round of the Ukrainian is killed in a plane crash the Czech Republic, 1 September at least 32 of some 40 presidential election near Mostar, Bosnia and 11 March 17 March Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Chechen rebels take hostage-takers) are killed 21 November Herzegovina Simultaneous explosions Violence breaks out over Lithuania, Malta, Poland, more than 1,000 people and at least 700 people Following international of bombs planted by ex- two days in Kosovo. Slovakia and Slovenia as hostage, mostly children, are injured criticism of the conduct tremists kill 190 people Nineteen people are new members in a school in Beslan, of the second round of on rush hour trains in killed, 139 Serbian Northern Ossetia. They the presidential election Madrid homes are burned, demand the release of in Ukraine, protest rallies schools and businesses Chechen rebels impri- begin in Kyiv. Twelve 14 March are vandalized, and over soned in neighbouring days later, the Supreme Vladimir Putin wins a 30 orthodox monasteries Ingushetia and the in- Court annuls the result second term as Russian and churches are burned dependence of Chechnya and a new poll is sche- president and destroyed from Russia duled
86 87 ssion to Moldova OSCE Mission to Moldova MILESTONES KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
1992: Accession of Moldova to CSCE 2001-2004: During this period, 2007-present: The Mission the Mission assisted and monitored has provided free legal aid to 1993: Mission to Moldova the destruction and removal from residents of the left bank of the established Moldova, by the Russian Federation, Dniester/Nistru River, and since of 456 pieces of military equipment, 2011 has improved the capacity 1999: Mandate expanded including tanks and heavy guns, of local lawyers and civil society as well as 242 other pieces of representatives to provide legal equipment. The Mission also consultations on a variety of assisted and monitored the removal human rights issues, with over 500 of 22,000 tons of ammunition individuals consulted annually from the Cobasna depot in the Transdniestrian region 2011: After the Transdniestrian settlement talks were broken off 2006: The Mission initiated in 2006, the Mission led efforts to regular Technical Co-ordination ensure that 5+2 meetings continued Meetings between civil society, on an informal basis, resulting in Moldovan government agencies official negotiations being resumed and international organizations to in September 2011. The Mission better co-ordinate their activities continues to facilitate and mediate on gender equality, domestic talks between the sides, including violence and human trafficking. This through 5+2 negotiations and led to the creation of a Permanent meetings of the Chief Negotiators Secretariat within the state anti- and working groups trafficking agency of Moldova to © OSCE/Tatiana Negru co-ordinate the work of all state 2013: Following an agreement agencies on the issue, and has also between the authorities in Chişinău improved reporting standards and Tiraspol, the Mission facilitated and monitored the removal of ACTIVITIES more than 150 sources of ionizing The Mission’s top priority is the settlement of the Transdnies- radiation from the left bank of the trian conflict and to this end the Mission facilitates meetings Dniester/Nistru River between the two sides and is a mediator in the multilateral settlement process. The Mission’s technical assistance activi- THE BEGINNING ties include: monitoring the security situation, arms control, In early 1992, the conflict between the Transdniestrian region of Moldova and the central government escalated. confidence building, strengthening respect for human rights A ceasefire was agreed in July 1992 and the parties committed themselves to negotiating a settlement to the and the rule of law and developing a free environment for the conflict. In 1993, the CSCE established the Mission to Moldova to support efforts to find a peaceful solution to this media. conflict. FACTS IN 2015 MANDATE Headquarters: Chişinău The Mission’s main objective is to help to achieve a lasting, comprehensive political settlement of the Transdnies- Field offices: Tiraspol, Bender trian conflict while respecting Moldova’s territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty; and to reach an Led by: Ambassador Michael Scanlan understanding on Transdniestria’s special status. The Mission also provides advice and expertise on human and (United States) since 2014 minority rights and democratization. In 1999, the original mandate was expanded to ensure the transparent removal and Staff: 13 international and 39 local personnel destruction of Russian ammunition and armaments, and to co-ordinate financial and technical assistance to this end. Budget: EUR 2,200,000 05 Chairmanship Slovenia
2005 15 June, Vienna Appointment of the 4th OSCE Secretary General, Ambassador Marc Perrin 5 - 6 December, de Brichambaut (France) Ljubljana 13th Ministerial Coun- 27 June, Vienna cil yields statements Panel of Eminent on Georgia and on the Persons presents its Conflict Dealt with by final report to the OSCE the OSCE Minsk Group Chairmanship and decisions on: 25 - 26 April, Seoul © OSCE/MIKHAIL EVSTAFIEV • Migration OSCE-Korea Conference • Transnational organized on New Security crime Threats and a New Secu- 1 August • Co-operation in crimi- rity Paradigm (Consoli- 30th Anniversary of the nal matters to counter dated Summary) Helsinki Final Act terrorism 17 February, Brdo pri • Human rights and the Kranju, Slovenia 1 - 5 July, 8 - 9 September, Rabat rule of law in criminal OSCE Panel of Eminent Washington, D.C. Seminar on the Role justice systems Persons, appointed to 14th Annual Session of of the OSCE and the review the organizati- OSCE Parliamentary Mediterranean Partners on‘s effectiveness and Assembly (Declaration) for Co-operation on Mi- make recommendations gration and Integration on its future, holds its Policies (Consolidated first meeting Summary)
20 January 24 March George W. Bush is inau- ‘Tulip Revolution’ in Kyr- gurated in Washington, gyzstan reaches its D.C. for his second term climax with the over- as President of the Uni- throw of President ted States Askar Akayev. The crowd 18 September calling for his removal Some 68 million Afghans 23 January storms Government cast their votes in the Viktor Yushchenko is House and riots occur 7 July first legislative elections sworn in as the third throughout the capital Four explosions in the for over three decades President of Ukraine London underground and 2 April on a bus kill more than 22 November Pope John Paul II dies. 50 people and injure Christian-Democrat Millions flock to Rome to over 200. The attacks Angela Merkel becomes pay their last respects to are claimed by Islamic Germany‘s first woman the Pontiff extremists chancellor
90 91 sion to Mon OSCE Mission to Montenegro
MILESTONES KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
2001: OSCE Office in Podgorica 2004-2011: Initiated, organized From 2007: Facilitates joint established as part of the OSCE and implemented country-wide Government-UNDP-OSCE Montenegro Mission to the Federal Republic of “Community Policing Project“ Demilitarisation Programme Yugoslavia (establishing community police in (MONDEM) each municipality) as part of the 2003: Re-named to OSCE Mission to Mission’s assistance in police reform Serbia and Montenegro 2006: Provision of extensive 2006: Accession of Montenegro support to the authorities in the to OSCE; Mission to Montenegro adoption of the Montenegrin established Constitution
THE BEGINNING The Mission to Montenegro came into being shortly after the Republic of Montenegro became independent and was admitted to the OSCE as its 56th participating State.
MANDATE The Mission is mandated to assist Montenegro with implementing OSCE © Department for Public Relations and principles and commitments and promoting the country’s co-operation Protocol of Montenegrin Parliament on politico-military, economic and environmental issues, and on human aspects of security and stability.
ACTIVITIES The Mission assists the country with reform processes to further democratic transition and in support of its strategic goals of European and Euro-Atlan- tic integration. This includes such activities as legislative reform; institu- FACTS IN 2015 tion-building; the fight against corruption and organized crime; reform of Headquarters: Podgorica the judiciary; police and prison system reform; strengthening human and Led by: Ambassador Janina Hřebíčková (Czech Repu- minority rights; building media professionalism; establishing independent blic) since 2013 public broadcasting; and promoting economic development and environ- Staff: 10 international and 31 local personnel mental protection. Budget: EUR 2,146,200 06 Chairmanship Belgium
2006 © BELGA/BENOIT DOPPAGNE
16 - 17 June, Bangkok 29 June, Vienna 31 June, Tashkent 4 - 5 December, OSCE-Thailand Confe- Permanent Council deci- Mandate of the OSCE Brussels rence on Sharing of Ex- sions: Centre in Tashkent 14th Ministerial Council periences in Combating • Establish the OSCE Mis- expires yields statements on Na- Trafficking in Human sion to Montenegro gorno-Karabakh, on the Beings and Opportuni- • Provide a new mandate 1 July, Uzbekistan 6 - 7 November, OSCE Mission in Kosovo ties for Co-operation to the OSCE Mission to OSCE Centre in Tashkent Sharm El-Sheikh and on Criminal Justice (Consolidated Summary) Serbia is officially renamed to Mediterranean Seminar Systems, as well as on OSCE Project Co-ordina- on the OSCE Mediterra- Supporting and Promo- 22 June, Vienna tor in Uzbekistan nean Partnership: From ting the International Adoption of a Ministe- Recommendation to Legal Framework against rial Decision on a new 3 - 7 July, Brussels Implementation Terrorism. It adopts the accession* by silence 15th Annual Session of Rules of Procedure and procedure the OSCE Parliamentary decisions on: Assembly (Declaration) • Future of transport and security energy dialogues • Legal status and pri- vileges and immunities
11 March 21 May 19 September Former Yugoslav presi- Montenegro referendum Thai army announces the dent Slobodan Milošević on separation from Serbia removal of Prime Minister dies in prison Thaksin Shinawatra from power 16 March The United Nations 9 October Human Rights Council is North Korea claims to established by UN Gene- have conducted its first- ral Assembly ever nuclear test
94 *See Accession timeline p. 128 95 OSCE
sion to Serbia Mission to Serbia
MILESTONES KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
2001: Mission to the Federal 2001-2006: Transformation of RTV Republic of Yugoslavia established and RTS into national broadcasting services 2003: Name changed to Mission to Serbia and Montenegro 2003-2007: Mission support for the establishment of independent 2006: Name changed to Mission to democratic institutions Serbia 2007: Establishment of the Basic Police Training Centre in Sremska Kamenica
2010: First elections for the National Minority Councils
THE BEGINNING In response to the invitation by the Government of the then Federal Re- public of Yugoslavia, the OSCE Permanent Council established a Mission in the country on 11 January 2001. With the dissolution of the State Union © OSCE/Milan Obradovic of Serbia and Montenegro in 2006, the Mission was renamed the Mission to Serbia, but it continues to operate on the basis of the 2001 mandate.
MANDATE The Mission is mandated to assist the authorities and civil society with developments in the areas of the rule of law and human rights, law enforce- ment, democratization, and media development, including the rights of persons belonging to national minorities.
ACTIVITIES FACTS IN 2015 To promote democratization, tolerance, the rule of law, and adherence Headquarters: Belgrade to OSCE standards and commitments, the Mission assists and advises on Field office in Bujanovac and Training Facility Centre in the implementation of legislation in these areas; monitors the functio- Novi Pazar ning of democratic institutions and processes; provides assistances in the Led by: Ambassador Peter Burkhard (Switzerland) restructuring and training of law enforcement agencies and the judiciary; since 2012 assists on media issues; and advises and provides support to efforts aimed Staff: 25 international and 103 local personnel at securing durable solutions for displaced persons in Serbia and in the Budget: EUR 6,429,000 region. 07 Chairmanship Spain
2007 29 - 30 November, Madrid 15th Ministerial Council 12 - 13 June, yields the Madrid Decla- Ulaanbaatar ration on Environment OSCE-Mongolia Confe- and Security and adopts rence on Strengthening a set of decisions on: the Co-operative Security • OSCE engagement with between the OSCE and Afghanistan the Asian Partners for • Water management Co-operation • Public-private part- nerships in countering 19 June, Vienna terrorism Permanent Council deci- © MIKHAIL EVSTAFIEV sion ends the mandate of July, Kazakhstan the Centre in Dushanbe OSCE Centre in Almaty 18 - 19 December, and establishes the OSCE is moved to Astana (a Tel Aviv Office in Tajikistan with liaison office in Almaty is Mediterranean Seminar a new mandate and 5 maintained) on Combating Intoleran- field offices in Khujand, ce and Discrimination Kurgan-Tyube, Garm, 4 July, The Hague and Promoting Mutual Kulyab and Shaartuz Appointment of the 3rd Respect and Understan- High Commissioner on ding National Minorities, 7 March Knut Vollebæk (Norway) 31 December, Croatia Extension of the ap- The mandate of the pointment of Miklós 5 - 9 July, Kyiv Mission to Croatia ex- Haraszti as Represen- 16th Annual Session of pires – it is replaced by a tative on Freedom of the OSCE Parliamentary downsized OSCE Office in Media Assembly (Declaration) Zagreb
6 May 12 June, Vienna Nicolas Sarkozy wins Conventional Armed French presidential Forces in Europe: Extra- election ordinary Conference
23 January Ban Ki-moon of South Korea becomes the new United Nations Secre- tary-General
98 99 sion to Skopje OSCE Mission to Skopje MILESTONES KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
1992: Spillover Monitor Mission to 2004-2013: The Mission supported 2009-present: Over 200 applications Skopje established the professional development by approximately 400 schools of the Ombudsman Institution for support of joint inter-ethnic 1995: Accession of the former and its growth into a stable and activities have been processed Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to independent national mechanism within a grant-award system OSCE for protection of the rights of all funded under a Mission’s Extra citizens in the country. Through Budgetary project. The Mission 2001: OSCE guarantor of Ohrid institution building and review of trained nearly 590 future teachers Framework Agreement (OFA), the legal framework, from 2007 on better teaching in a multi-ethnic enhancement of Mission monitoring the Mission worked on improved environment mandate national equality infrastructure in the areas of non-discrimination, 2014: The Mission completed a series 2010: Change of the Mission’s name minority rights, and hate speech of intensive training for 220 legal to Mission to Skopje and hate crimes practitioners and 516 police officers on the new criminal procedure law. © OSCE/Eberhard Laue 2004-present: The Mission assisted It allowed for expert trial monitoring in the preparation of the local self- of 75 cases, and public monitoring of MANDATE governance units to assume their 102 trial sessions A key priority for the Mission is monitoring and supporting the imple- new decentralized competencies mentation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement that put an end to the and adhere to the relevant legal 2012-2014: The Mission supported 2001 armed conflict in the country. The Agreement’s aim is to guarantee provisions, and publication of the implementation of the Law on the participation of all ethnic communities in political, social and cul- the Decentralization Assessment Internal Affairs by strengthening the tural life. It focuses on decentralization, non-discrimination, language Report 2006-2011. As of 2015, relevant Ministry’s human resources and education rights, as well as equitable representation of all citizens. all but one local self-government and professional development The Mission also closely monitors field developments in order to promote units are in the second phase of systems, and contributed to long-lasting stability and to advance inter-ethnic relations. Further, the the fiscal decentralization process. increased positive response from Mission’s mandate covers police and legislative reforms, rule of law and In 2013, the Mission facilitated the citizens in the Mission’s 2014 different areas of good governance. the introduction of the common “Police-citizens Public Perception assessment framework in 13 Survey.” It also supported the ACTIVITIES national institutions establishment of Common Contact The Mission conducts regular monitoring visits to local communities Centres between the host country and maintains continuous dialogue with political representatives, civil and Serbian, Albanian and Kosovo society members, religious leaders and law enforcement officials. It works police structures to increase police with the authorities to implement the government’s Strategy towards cross-border co-operation and Integrated Education and builds the capacity of state officials on inter- reinforce the regional response to national democratic standards and principles. It also helps with electoral trans-national threats and organised reforms, promotes minority rights and equality policies, trains police crime officers, and assists with the judicial reform process.
THE BEGINNING FACTS IN 2015 The Spillover Monitor Mission to Skopje, renamed into the OSCE Mission Headquarters: Skopje to Skopje in 2010, is the longest-serving field mission of the OSCE. It was Led by: Ambassador Nina Suomalainen (Finland) since 2015 established in 1992 to help prevent the spread of tension and conflicts in Staff: 42 international and 106 local personnel the former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Budget: EUR 6,257,200 08 Chairmanship Finland
2008 29 June - 3 July, 18 August, Vienna 9 - 10 November, Kabul 4 - 5 December, Astana Permanent Council OSCE-Afghanistan Helsinki 17th Annual Session of decision to increase Conference on Streng- 16th Ministerial Coun- the OSCE Parliamentary the number of military thening Co-operation cil yields a Ministerial Assembly (Declaration) monitoring officers in Between the OSCE and Declaration on the Minsk the OSCE Mission to its Asian Partners for Group and a set of decisi- 1 July, Vienna Georgia by up to 100 Co-operation to Address ons on: Reappointment of Marc Challenges to Security • Strengthening the legal Perrin de Brichambaut as 27 - 28 October, framework of the OSCE Secretary General Amman • Maritime and Inland Mediterranean Con- Waterways Co-operation 1 July, Warsaw ference on the OSCE Appointment of the 5th Approach to Regional 31 December Director of the Office for Security - A Model for Mandate of the Mission Democratic Institutions the Mediterranean to Georgia expires and Human Rights, Janez Lenarčič (Slovenia)
© OSCE/SUSANNA LÖÖF
7 May August Dmitri Medvedev sworn Escalation of tensions in in as Russian President Georgia lead to war
17 February Kosovo declares indepen- dence
4 November Barack Obama elected as U.S. President
102 103 OSCE
Observer Mission Observer Mission at the Russian Checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk
MILESTONES KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
July 2014: Decision to deploy the December 2014: Extension of Mission issued spot reports on Observer Mission Observer Mission mandate regular basis
October 2014: Extension of March 2015: Extension of Observer Mission issued weekly reports Observer Mission mandate Mission mandate Number of people observed crossing November 2014: Extension of June 2015: Extension of Observer at the two Border Crossing Points Observer Mission mandate with six Mission mandate (BCPs) since July 2014: 2,700,000+ additional observers September 2015: Extension of Number of man-hours spent at the Observer Mission mandate two BCPs since July 2014: 35,000+
Number of kilometres driven: 200,000+
THE BEGINNING © OSCE/Jonathan Perfect Developments in Ukraine since November 2013 have resulted in a situation where peace and stability in the country are threatened by armed conflict in its Eastern regions. The OSCE Observer Mission at the Russian Check- points Gukovo and Donetsk was deployed in July 2014. This Mission is part of a wide range of OSCE efforts to find a solution to the conflict.
THE MANDATE Operating under the principles of impartiality and transparency, the obser- vers report on the situation at the checkpoints of Donetsk and Gukovo, as well as on the movements across the border. FACTS IN 2015 ACTIVITIES Location: Russian-Ukrainian Border Crossing Points of Since the creation of the Mission, the observers have been working 24/7 to Donetsk and Gukovo ensure proper monitoring of the activities and movements at the two afore- Headquarters: Kamensk-Shakhtinsky, Rostov oblast mentioned BCPs. They issue weekly reports to inform the OSCE participating Chief Observer: Simon Eugster (Switzerland) States and the public on their observations, as well as spot reports when since 2015 needed, thus providing prompt, reliable and precise information based on Staff: 19 international civilian observers, rotating facts observed on the ground. round the clock in two teams of two observers 09 Chairmanship Greece
2009 14 - 15 December, Cairo Mediterranean Confe- 12 February, Vienna rence on Mediterranean Permanent Council Partners and the OSCE: adopts a new mandate Co-operation Toward for monitors in Georgia Enhanced Security and Stability 27 May, Dushanbe Inauguration of the OSCE Border Management Staff College in Dushanbe, Tajikistan June, Georgia 1 - 2 December, Athens Military Monitoring 17th Ministerial Council Officers continue to ope- yields the Ministeri- rate in the areas adjacent al Declaration on the to South Ossetia until Corfu Process and on 30 June 2009 Non-Proliferation and 27 - 28 June, Corfu adopts a series of decisi- 10 - 11 June, Tokyo Informal Ministerial ons on: OSCE-Japan Conference Meeting aims to take • Efforts to address on Sharing Knowledge forward dialogue on transnational threats and Experiences Between wider European security • Migration management the OSCE Participating • Women’s participation States and Asian Part- 29 June - 3 July, Vilnius in political and public ners for Co-operation — 18th Annual Session of life Co-operation to Address the OSCE Parliamentary • Combating hate crimes Common Challenges Assembly (Declaration)
19 November Belgian Prime Minister 20 August Herman Van Rompuy Incumbent Hamid Karzai appointed as the first wins Afghanistan presi- president of the Euro- dential election pean Union
1 December Entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon
106 107 OSCE ffice in Tajikistan Office in Tajikistan MILESTONES KEY ACHIEVEMENTS 1992: Accession of Tajikistan to 1996-2002: Through its field offices Afghanistan”, the Office launched CSCE in Khatlon, the Mission supported the initiatives in all three Dimensions to documentation and reintegration of enhance co-operation between Tajikistan 1993: Mission to Tajikistan almost 300,000 refugees returning and Afghanistan. These included established from the civil war support to cross-border markets, river management co-operation and joint 2002: Renamed Centre in Dushanbe 2003: The Centre began assisting in training for border management officials. the identification, mapping, clearance To date, 850 Afghan Border Police have 2008: Renamed Office in Tajikistan and release of mine-affected areas in undergone training by the Office Tajikistan. To date, 43 million m² of land has been released and through 2011: With Office support, the new Law OSCE-supported operations, 4.4 million on Environmental Protection was drafted m² of land demined, unearthing 21,525 and adopted, aligning Tajikistan’s mines and other pieces of unexploded environmental legal provisions with the ordnance. Since 2009 all OSCE- Aarhus, Bonn, Ramsar and Stockholm supported demining operations have Conventions as well as opening the way been implemented using only national to increased international co-operation capacities on environmental issues © OSCE/Mavjuda Gaffurova
2005: The Centre and Tajikistan’s 2012: In co-operation facilitated Ministry of Defence began the by the Office, Government and civil ACTIVITIES destruction and stockpiling of society groups worked together to As one of the largest OSCE field operations, the Office is weapons. Over the next four years draft amendments to the Criminal involved in a wide range of activities, ranging from arms 34,000 surplus firearms were destroyed Code criminalizing torture which were control, counter-terrorism and border management projects and 70 storage facilities throughout subsequently adopted to supporting cross-border markets and free economic zones, the country were built or upgraded to human rights, media development, and legal reform safely and securely house small arms 2013: The Law on the Prevention of initiatives. Cross-border co-operation forms an important and light weapons stockpiles Violence in the Family developed with part of the Office’s work, particularly with Afghanistan. Office support was adopted. Since 2008: Supporting the implementation then, 117 protection orders have been An important vehicle for the Office’s cross-border of Ministerial Council Decision issued to safeguard some of the most co-operation since 2009 has been the Border Management 4/2007 on “OSCE Engagement with vulnerable people in society Staff College. Located in Dushanbe, the College is the first and only international centre for professional enhancement of mid- to senior-level border security and management THE BEGINNING officials from across the OSCE area. Since its inception, the The Centre in Dushanbe was established as the Mission to Tajikistan in response to the civil war that raged in Tajikistan College has organized 106 educational events for 2228 offici- from May 1992. Together with the United Nations Mission of Observers in Tajikistan (UNMOT), the Mission assisted in the als from 39 OSCE participating States and eight Partners for process of national reconciliation and acted as a guarantor of the Tajik Peace Agreement of June 1997. Co-operation. 274 women attended the courses, contributing to an increasing inclusion of women in border security and MANDATE management. The OSCE Office in Tajikistan promotes the implementation of OSCE principles and commitments. With a special emphasis on the regional context, it assists Tajikistan in tackling problems and threats to security, supports conflict prevention FACTS IN 2015 and crisis management measures. As such, it works in areas such as border management, police reform, counter-terrorism Headquarters: Dushanbe and small arms and light weapons stockpiling and storage. The Office also supports the country in developing free trade, Led by: Ambassador Markus Müller (Switzerland) since 2013 good governance, environmental protection and water and energy security. The Office supports the development of the Staff: 28 international and 132 local personnel rule of law and democratic political institutions and processes, including the respect for human rights. Budget: EUR 7,338,200 10 Chairmanship Kazakhstan
2010 30 September - 1 - 2 December, Astana 8 October, Warsaw 56 participating States* 1st part of the Review adopt the “Astana Com- Conference devoted to memorative Declarati- the 3rd dimension on: Towards a Security (humanitarian issues) Community”, reaffirming 18 - 19 May, Seoul 6 - 10 July, Oslo their commitments to OSCE-Republic of Korea 19th Annual Session of 14 - 15 October, Malta OSCE principles together Conference on the OSCE the OSCE Parliamentary Mediterranean Confe- with 12 Partners for and Asian Partners for Assembly (Declaration) rence on The Dialogue Co-operation and other Co-operation’s Vision of a on the Future of Euro- international and Comprehensive Approach 20 August, Vienna pean Security – A Me- © OSCE/JONATHAN PERFECT regional organizations to Security Issues Extension of the appoint- diterranean Perspective ment of Knut Vollebæk, 16 December, Vienna 11 March as High Commissioner 18 - 26 October, Vienna Permanent Council Appointment of the on National Minorities 2nd part of the Review decision renames 3rd Representative on Conference devoted to 26 - 28 November, Spillover Monitor Mission Freedom of the Media, the 1st and 2nd dimen- Astana to Skopje to OSCE Dunja Mijatović (Bosnia sions (politico-military 3rd part of the Review Mission to Skopje and Herzegovina) and economic and Conference ahead of the environmental issues), OSCE Summit in Astana 31 December and to OSCE‘s legal Mandate of the OSCE framework, lessons November, Kyrgyzstan Office in Minsk expires learned from field acti- Establishment of the vities, etc. Community Security Initiative
© OSCE/MICKY KRÖLL
Spring, Kyrgyzstan 7 December Unrest in the southern Arrest of WikiLeaks provinces of Osh and founder Julian Assange Jalal-Abad and govern- 29 March ment dissolved 17 December Two suicide bombers hit Street vendor Tarek the Moscow Metro system al-Tayeb Mohamed Boua- at the peak of the zizi sets himself on fire, morning rush hour, sparking anti-government killing 40 people protests in Tunis that trig- ger the “Arab spring“ 10 April Polish President Lech 19 December Kaczyński and key gover- Re-election of Alexander nment leaders killed in Lukashenko as President plane crash in Russia of Belarus
110 111 ator in Ukraine OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine MILESTONES KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
1992: Accession of Ukraine 2004-2015: Over 500 opinions 2011-2015: More than 14,500 state to CSCE on compliance of draft laws with officials and civil society activists international standards provided to trained to assist victims of trafficking in 1994: Establishment of Parliament’s committees; 3,000 judges human beings; campaigns to inform of the Mission to Ukraine trained on application of European risks of trafficking as part of preventive legal instruments in court trails; 1,000 efforts reached out to more than 1999: Establishment of the civil servants trained to better deliver 5,900,000 people; 41,600 Ukrainians OSCE Project Co-ordinator administrative services and legal aid; benefited from direct assistance in this 2011 human rights awareness campaign sphere; More than 75,000 Ukrainians reached out to more than 250,000 people were targeted by information campaigns to promote gender equality, urge zero- 2004-2014: Thousands of retiring tolerance to violence at home; in 2015 military servicemen assisted in adapting over 4,000 officers of newly established to new social life; 8,700 servicemen were police in Kyiv, Odesa, Kharkiv and Lviv trained and 70% of them found a job were trained to handle cases of domestic after retiring from the Armed Forces violence and trafficking in human beings
2006-2015: More than 600 visits of civil 2009 – 2013: To enhance environmental society monitoring groups to detention education, more than 4,500 educators facilities supported throughout Ukraine were trained on sustainable development as part of developing national torture issues; more than 10,000 schools (about © OSCE Project Co-ordinator prevention mechanism 50%) received Green Pack multi-media in Ukraine training materials to use as teaching aids MANDATE 2008-2011: “E-Village” pilot project in the learning process The Project Co-ordinator is tasked with planning, implementation and delivers internet connections to 334 local monitoring of projects involving the OSCE, its institutions and the level councils of Dnipropetrovsk region 2014: Launch of awareness raising relevant Ukrainian authorities. These projects, which are approved by campaign to minimize risks of civilian Ukraine‘s Foreign Ministry, may cover all aspects of OSCE activities and 2009-2014: Electronic State Voter casualties from unexploded munitions; can involve Ukrainian governmental and non-governmental organiza- Register created and launched to ensure two public service announcements tions. smooth administration of electoral made available for broadcasters to alert process by the country’s Central Election people; 48,000 school supplies featuring ACTIVITIES Commission, ahead of 2010 Presidential mine risk education messages distributed The Co-ordinator works on projects that cover a wide array of activities, Elections, over 90,000 election to several hostilities-affected areas of such as national dialogue; legal and law enforcement reform; human commissioners participated in classroom Donetsk and Lugansk regions and to IDPs rights education; the fight against organized crime, terrorism, trainings; launch of an online training communities cybercrime and human trafficking; arms control and military reform; system for commissioners “Vyborkom” environmental protection and border security; media freedom and civil (www.vyborkom.org/) society development; elections; good governance and gender equality.
FACTS IN 2015 Headquarters: Kyiv THE BEGINNING Led by: Ambassador Vaidotas Verba (Lithuania) The Project Co-ordinator was preceded by the Mission to Ukraine, established in 1994, to work on conflict prevention since 2014 in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. In 1999, the OSCE and the Government of Ukraine agreed to establish a new Staff: 3 international and 41 local personnel form of co-operation. Budget: EUR 2,993,000 11 Chairmanship Lithuania
2011 6 - 7 December, Vilnius 18th Ministerial Council yields the Ministerial Declaration on Comba- ting All Forms of Human 1 July, Warsaw Trafficking. It adopts Reappointment of Janez decisions on: Lenarčič as Director of • Elements of the con- the Office for Democra- flict cycle and related tic Institutions and Hu- OSCE’s Capabilities man Rights for another • Enhacing engagement 3 years with OSCE Partners for 23 - 24 May, co-operation Ulaanbaatar 6 - 11 July, Belgrade • Promoting equal op- OSCE-Mongolia 20th Annual Session of portunity for women in Conference on Strengt- the OSCE Parliamentary the economic sphere hening the Co-operative Assembly (Declaration) • OSCE’s role in facilitati- Security between OSCE on of UN Security Coun- and the Asian Partners of cil Resolution 1540 Co-operation 10 - 11 October, Budva • Transport dialogue Mediterranean Confe- • Small Arms and Light 30 June rence on Democratic Weapons and Stockpiles Appointment of Ambas- Transformation: Challen- of Conventional Ammuni- sador Lamberto Zannier ges and Opportunities in tion (Italy) as Secretary the Mediterranean Region General of the OSCE.
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24 January 22 July 23 October Terrorist bombing at Anders Behring Breivik 7.2 magnitude earth- Moscow airport, more carries out two sequen- quake strikes Turkey, than 30 died tial lone wolf terrorist hundreds dead attacks in Norway 11 March 11 November An earthquake measuring Greece Prime Minister 9.0 in magnitude strikes 2 May resigns over debt crisis Japan, triggering a tsun- Osama bin Laden killed ami that kills thousands people and an accident 26 May at the Fukushima nuclear Serbian authorities power plant arrest former Bosnian Serb Army commander Ratko Mladić, wanted for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity © FLICKR/DMITRY VALBERG
114 115 cial Monitoring OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine MILESTONES KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
2014: Decision to deploy Special 18 July 2014: A small team from April 2015: A ceasefire in Monitoring Mission (SMM) the SMM arrived with experts at Shyrokyne, arranged by the SMM, the crash site 24 hours after MH17 held continuously for 59 hours. The 2015: Extension of Special was downed. The SMM continued SMM managed to access the village Monitoring Mission deployment to facilitate access for experts six days in a row from Malaysia, Australia and the Netherlands over the next weeks June/July 2015: SMM-facilitated and months – helping to repatriate daily local ceasefires north of human remains, personal belongings “DPR”-controlled Horlivka – which and debris allowed demining and repair work to damaged water pipes in the area and 23 November 2014: SMM facilitated benefitted potentially 2.5 million a temporary ceasefire between affected people on both sides of the Ukraine, “LPR” rebels and Cossacks contact line in Trokhizbenka to enable delivery of humanitarian aid and the 18 September 2015: Report on restoration of gas and electricity Access to Water in Conflict affected delivery Areas of Donetsk and Luhansk © OSCE/Evgeniy Maloletka Regions concluded that civilians in February 2015: Following eastern Ukraine will be at risk in agreement on the Minsk winter due to widespread damage to information and reports on the security situation, establishes and package, the SMM arranged rapid water infrastructure reports facts in response to specific incidents, including those con- redeployment of monitors to eastern cerning alleged violations of fundamental OSCE principles. Ukraine; two-thirds of all monitors 25 September 2015: SMM received The Mission’s original six-month mandate was first extended in July now work in the East award for service to Australia in 2014 until March 2015, and then again until March 2016. facilitating access to MH17 crash site ACTIVITIES The SMM gathers information and reports on the security situation, especially on specific incidents on the ground. The ultimate goal of the SMM is to help Ukraine to reduce tensions, facilitate dialogue between all the sides, and foster peace, stability and security. The THE BEGINNING SMM also helps to monitor and support the implementation of OSCE The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) was deployed in principles and commitments. March 2014, following a request to the OSCE by Ukraine’s government and a consensus decision by all 57 OSCE participating States. FACTS IN 2015 Location: Country-wide offices in Kherson, Odessa, Lviv, Ivano-Fran- MANDATE kivsk, Donetsk, Dnepropetrovsk, Chernivtsi, Luhansk and Kyiv The monitors are mandated to contribute to reducing tensions and to help Chief Monitor: Ambassador Ertuğrul Apakan (Turkey) since 2014 foster peace, stability and security. The Mission engages with authorities Staff: Approximately 700 international, of which 630 unarmed at all levels, as well as civil society, ethnic and religious groups and local monitors, and 280 local staff (as of November 2015) communities to facilitate dialogue on the ground. The Mission gathers Budget: EUR 88,700,000 12 Chairmanship Ireland
2012 10 January, Vienna 6 - 7 December, Dublin Creation of the Trans- 19th Ministerial Coun- national threats (TNT) cil* yields the Ministe- Department within the rial Statement on the Secretariat Negotiations regarding the Transdniestrian Settlement Process in the “5+2” Format and adopts a declaration on: • Strengthening Good Governance and Comba- 30 - 31 October, Rome ting Corruption, Mo- Mediterranean Confe- ney-Laundering and the rence on the Economic Financing of Terrorism Co-operation with • Decisions on the OSCE 5 - 9 July, Monaco Mediterranean Part- Helsinki +40 process 21st Annual Session of ners in the Democratic the OSCE Parliamentary Transition Processes and Assembly (Declaration) Political Reforms
6 November Barack Obama re-elected for a second term as U.S. President
4 March Vladimir Putin elected as President of the Russian Federation
118 *See Accession timeline p. 128 119 oject Co-ordina OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan
MILESTONES KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
1992: Accession of Uzbekistan to 2009: Supported improvement 2014: Organized International CSCE of Anti-Money Laundering and Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Countering Terrorism Financing Regional Seminar on Machine 1995: Central Asia Liaison Office legislation Readable Travel Documents and established Traveller Identification Management 2009: Facilitated regional dialogue in Tashkent 2000: Renamed Centre in Tashkent through organized roundtable discussion in Support of the 2014: Trained more than 600 young 2006: Renamed Project Co-ordinator Development of Regional Transport women all around the country on in Uzbekistan Programme establishment of business and self- employment skills 2010: First organization of Forum of the Ombudsperson Institutions 2014: Co-organized the first from the Central Asian countries nation-wide conference on the and other OSCE participating States improvement of the organizational in Uzbekistan and legal mechanisms of combatting human trafficking in Uzbekistan 2012: Supported development of after six years of intensive training legislation on renewable energy on Trafficking in Human Beings © OSCE/Christoph Opfermann related topics for more than 640 national professionals
THE BEGINNING ACTIVITIES The Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan was preceded by the Liaison Office The Co-ordinator carries out projects affecting common in Central Asia, established in 1995 to link the Central Asian countries safety, including fighting against terrorism, combating more closely to the OSCE. After 1998, when the OSCE opened Centres in drug trafficking, good governance, environmental security, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, the focus of the Office shifted economic development, human trafficking, democratiz- to Uzbekistan. ation, rule of law, and freedom of mass media through conducting training courses; organizing seminars, confe- MANDATE rences and study visits; and giving advice on improving The Project Co-ordinator is mandated to assist Uzbekistan in its efforts to the performance of state authorities, government agencies ensure security and stability, including the fight against terrorism, violent and civil society organizations. extremism, drug trafficking, and other threats; to support the country’s socio-economic and civil society development; help protect the country’s FACTS IN 2015 environment; and to assist the government in the implementation of its Headquarters: Tashkent commitments taken within the OSCE framework. The Co-ordinator’s acti- Led by: Ambassador György Szabó (Hungary) since 2012 vities are carried out on the basis of jointly developed programmes and Staff: 2 international and 22 local personnel projects with Uzbekistan authorities. Budget: EUR 1,994,900 13 Chairmanship Ukraine
2013 29 June - 3 July, Istanbul 22nd Annual Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (Declaration) 18 - 19 March, Adelaide 5 - 6 December, Kyiv OSCE-Australia Confe- 17 July 20th Ministerial Council rence on Improving the Astrid Thors (Finland) yields a set of decisions Security of Women and appointed as 4th OSCE on: Girls High Commissioner on • Freedom of Thought, National Minorities Conscience, Religion or Belief • Action Plan to improve the situation of Roma and Sinti in particular women, youth and child- ren © OSCE/MICKY KRÖLL • Environmental foot- print of energy-related 28 - 29 October, Monaco activities Mediterranean Confe- • Energy networks from rence on Enhancing the natural and man-made Role of Women in Public, disasters Political and Economic • Combating Trafficking Life in Human Beings 6 March, Vienna Extension of the ap- December, Kazakhstan pointment of Dunja Mija- OSCE Liaison office in tović as Representative Almaty is relocated to on Freedom of Media Astana
28 February Pope Benedict XVI resigns
8 April Margaret Thatcher dies at 87
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122 123 OSCE
Office in Yerevan Office in Yerevan
MILESTONES KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
1992: Accession of Armenia to CSCE 2002: First Aarhus Centre (Public 2007: Completion of Mélange Environmental Information Centre) project – 872 tons of rocket fuel 1999: Decision to establish Office in established in Yerevan, to promote component stocks eliminated, Yerevan implementation of the Aarhus converted to a safe mineral for Convention spraying on 1,243 hectares of 2000: Start of Office activities land (financed by Canada, Finland, 2004: Support for the establishment Germany and the USA) and operation of Human Rights Defender’s Office (Ombudsman) 2012: Implemented EU-funded project “Support to two electoral 2006: Opened local presence in cycles” (1.7 million Euros) for the Kapan, Syunik province, dealing Parliamentary election in 2012 and with economic and environmental the Presidential election in 2013 issues 2012-2013: Helped to establish six regional offices throughout Armenia, within the “Support to Elections” project © OSCE/Gayane Ter-Stepanyan
THE BEGINNING In 1999, the Permanent Council of the OSCE welcomed the willingness of the ACTIVITIES Government of Armenia to intensify OSCE activities in the country. The Office helps Armenia develop its democratic institu- tions and strengthen civil society. This includes activities MANDATE covering such diverse areas as legislative reform; comba- The mandate of the Office is to promote the implementation of OSCE prin- ting corruption and trafficking; environmental activities; ciples and commitments as well as the co-operation of Armenia within the raising awareness for human rights; media freedom; gender OSCE framework, in all OSCE dimensions, including the human, political, equality; police assistance; and the reform of the armed economic and environmental aspects of security and stability; facilitate forces. contacts, co-ordinate activities and promote information exchange with the Chairman-in-Office and other OSCE institutions as well as co-operation with FACTS IN 2015 international organizations and institutions; establish and maintain con- Headquarters: Yerevan tacts with local authorities, universities, research institutions and NGOs and Led by: Ambassador Andrey Sorokin (Russian Federation) assist in arranging events with OSCE participation; and perform other tasks since 2012 deemed appropriate by the Chairman-in-Office or other OSCE institutions and Staff: 7 international and 43 local personnel agreed on between Armenia and the OSCE. Budget: 2,954,400 14 Chairmanship Switzerland
2014 5 September 4 - 5 December, Basel 21st Ministerial Council yields a Ministerial Statement on the Negotiations on the Transdnies- trian Settlement Process in the “5+2” Format and a set of Ministe- rial declarations on: • 20 years of the Code of Conduct Signature of the Minsk • Further steps in the Helsinki+40 Protocol on ceasefire and process launch of political pro- • Partners for Co-operation 28 June - 2 July, Baku cess to resolve the crisis • Youth 23rd Annual Session of in and around Ukraine • Transfer of ownership to the the OSCE Parliamentary parties to the Agreement on Assembly (Declaration) 19 September Sub-Regional Arms Control of the Signature of the Minsk General Framework Agreement 1 July, Vienna Memorandum outlining for Peace in Bosnia and 21 March Reappointment of implementation of ce- Herzegovina Permanent Council Ambassador Lamberto asefire commitments of • OSCE role in countering the phe- decision to deploy Zannier as Secretary Minsk Protocol nomenon of foreign terrorist figh- Special Monitoring General ters in the context of UN Security Mission to Ukraine 27 - 28 October, Neum Council Resolutions 2170 and 2178 1 July, Vienna Mediterranean Confe- • OSCE role in countering kidnap- Appointment of the 6th rence on Illicit Traffi- ping and hostage-taking commit- Director of the Office cking in Small Arms and ted by terrorists groups in the for Democratic Insti- Light Weapons and Fight context of UN Security Council tutions and Human against Terrorism in the Resolution 2133 Rights, Michael Georg Mediterranean Region Decisions on : © OSCE/EVGENIY MALOLETKA Link (Germany) • Combating violence against 25 May women Trilateral Contact Group 24 July, Vienna • Combating the illicit trafficking on Ukraine is establis- Permanent Council deci- of small arms and light weapons hed with representatives sion to deploy Observer and stockpiles of conventional from Russia, Ukraine, Mission at the Russian ammunition and the OSCE checkpoints Gukovo and • Addendum on the Action Plan on Donetsk the Promotion of Gender Equality
February 25 May Crisis in and around Petro Poroshenko elected Ukraine president of Ukraine
17 July Flight MH17 shot down over Ukraine killing all 298 people on board
126 127 15 Chairmanship Serbia
2015
1 January, Kazakhstan 1 August OSCE Centre in Astana 40th Anniversary of the is transformed into the Helsinki Final Act OSCE Programme Office in Astana
4 July Discontinuation of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Baku
5 - 9 July, Helsinki 3 - 4 December, 24th Annual Session of Belgrade the OSCE Parliamentary 22nd Ministerial Assembly (Declaration) Council
In 2015, the number of people 13 November fleeing the ongoing conflict in In Paris, co-ordinated Syria surges to over 4,000,000 terrorist attacks at six according to UNHCR locations across the city 10 October kill 130 people 7 January Two bombs explode out- (as of 20 November 2015) Terrorists kill 11 people in an side Ankara Central rail- attack on the Charlie Hebdo way station killing over office in Paris 100 people and injuring over 400 12 February Agreement on the Package of © FLICKR/TIM 31 October Measures for the Implementa- Russian commercial tion of the Minsk Protocol and airplane downed by bomb Memorandum on the crisis in explosion, killing all 224 and around Ukraine people on board
128 129 ACCESSION TO THE CSCE/OSCE AND PARTNERS
1975 1992 1995 Austria, Belgium, Bul- Armenia, Azerbaijan, the former Yugoslav garia, Canada, Cyprus, Belarus, Bosnia and Her- Republic of Macedonia Czechoslovakia1, Den- zegovina6, Croatia, Geor- mark, Finland, France, gia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz- 1996 Federal Republic of Ger- stan, Moldova, Slovenia, Andorra many2, German Democra- Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, tic Republic2, Greece, Ukraine, Uzbekistan Holy See, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxem- bourg, Malta, Monaco, 2000 Netherlands, Norway, Po- Federal Republic of land, Portugal, Romania, Yugoslavia4 Union of Soviet Socialist Republics3, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Swit- 1991 1993 zerland, Turkey, United Albania, Estonia5, Czech Republic1, Kingdom, United States Latvia5, Lithuania5 Slovakia1 2006 of America, Yugoslavia4 Montenegro4
2012 Mongolia
1994 2009 Republic of Korea 2003 Australia Afghanistan
1998 Jordan
1975 2000 Algeria, Egypt, Israel, 1992 Thailand Morocco, Tunisia Japan
130 131 1 Czechoslovakia was an original participating State of the CSCE in 1975. The Stockholm Council Meeting, on 15 December 1992, agreed that the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic would be welcomed as two new participating States from 1 January 1993, i.e. following their proclamation of independence.
2 The Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic, reunified on 3 October 1990, were both original participating States of the CSCE in 1975.
3 Participation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in the CSCE process was continued by the Russian Federation (cf. 5-CSO/Journal No. 1 and CSCE Communication No. 10 dated 7 January 1992).
4 Yugoslavia was suspended in July 1992 under the rarely-used ‘consensus minus one’ procedure. It was admitted in Novem- ber 2000 as the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, consisting of two republics, Serbia and Montenegro. After further evolution, Montenegro held a referendum on separation in May 2006 and while Serbia retained the OSCE seat, Montenegro applied and was admitted as the 56th participating State on 22 June 2006.
5 Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania were admitted as participating States at an additional meeting at ministerial level, prior to the opening of the third CSCE Meeting of the Conference on the Human Dimension, which took place in Moscow from 10 September to 4 October 1991.
6 Bosnia and Herzegovina was admitted as a participating State of the CSCE in accordance with a statement by the Chairman at the 10th Committee of Senior Officials (CSO) Meeting, on 30 April 1992. The 13th CSO Meeting, on 2 July 1992, agreed that the welcoming of Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Helsinki Summit by the President of the host country would be recognized as the formal confirmation of its admission.
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