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 Crises in Iraq, Syria and Ukraine, the spread of Ebola, and instability in the South China Sea have created convulsions in the international system in the last year. At the same time, important anniversaries have reminded us of the dangers of drifting into war like in 1914, and the possibilities for peaceful change brought about by the revolutions of 1989. What will future historians say of the leaders of today? Were we able to pull Europe back from the brink of a major crisis? Or did we fail to live up to the ambition of our forefathers who, when drafting the Charter of the United Nations seventy years ago, were determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war?
Didier Burkhalter
Swiss President and Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairperson-in-Office
on the occasion of OSCE Ministerial Council in Basel, 4-5 December 2014
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21st OSCE Ministerial Council
From 4 to 5 December 2014, OSCE Foreign Ministers convened in Basel for the annual Ministerial Council, to consider issues relevant to the organization and take the appropriate decisions. Read our story
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OSCE: A forum for dialogue
The OSCE proved its value and ability as a forum for dialogue while its key principles were defended, said OSCE Chair Didier Burkhalter as the 21st Ministerial Council concluded in Basel. Burkhalter welcomed decisions on Germany and Austria assuming the OSCE Chairmanships respectively in 2016 and 2017, and lauded decisions to further enhance the fight against terrorism and boost States’ preparedness against the threat of natural disasters. Read More
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Putting Europe Back Together
The events of the past year have unexpectedly shown us that many of the assumptions that we had held since the end of the Cold War can no longer be taken for granted. The European security architecture is cracking. We need to talk. And the OSCE, with its inclusive membership, is the place to do it. Read More
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A new era for South-East Europe
Starting 1 January 2015, the responsibility for the Sub-Regional Arms Control Agreement fully transfers to the four Parties to the Article IV Agreement: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia and Serbia. The ability of these actors to take ownership of the Agreement is a testament to the transition that has taken place since the wars of the early 90s. Press Release | Read our story
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Celebrating 20 Years of the Code of Conduct
Didier Burkhalter, Swiss Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairperson-in-Office presented a Commemorative Publication on 20 years of the OSCE Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security to the OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier at a special event held during the 21st OSCE Ministerial Council in Basel. Learn More | Download Publication
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Joint Statement by the Heads of Delegation of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair Countries
The Heads of Delegation of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries remain strongly committed to a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. There is no military solution, and we call on the sides to refrain from violence and work actively towards a lasting settlement. Read More
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Panel of Eminent Persons on European security
The role of a new Panel of Eminent Persons to examine ways in which to reconsolidate European security as a common project was the focus of a side event organized by the OSCE Network of Think Tanks and Academic Institutions for 50 representatives from participating States, the OSCE and civil society on the margins of the 21st OSCE Ministerial Council in Basel, Switzerland on 4 December 2014. Read More
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Ministerial Council: statements and documents
Learn more about the OSCE Ministerial Council in Basel, access decisions and declarations, look up the agenda and the lists of participants, and access other conference documents on our dedicated page.
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