Working Document
EU Statement at the OSCE on the Occasion of the Change of Chairmanship of the Forum for Security Co-operation at the FSC Plenary Meeting on 19 January 2005

Date of release : 19-01-2005

Policy area : General Affairs and External Relations

The European Union warmly welcomes the new Chairmanship of the FSC, Azerbaijan, and incoming Troika member Belarus and extends best wishes to the FSC Troika for a successful and productive term in office.  We look forward to a positive and focused approach by the incoming Chair of this Forum, Azerbaijan, in conjunction with the new OSCE Chairmanship-in-Office, Slovenia.  

The European Union recognises the accomplishments of the Forum for Security Co-operation during 2004. We also acknowledge the positive contributions made throughout the past year by the Chairmanships of Andorra, Armenia and Austria, who together with their nominated Chefs de File have helped to place the work and output of the Forum on a solid basis. 

Under the guidance of the Chairmanship-in-Office of Bulgaria during 2004, the work of this Forum has proceeded in a clear spirit of cooperation and consultation with the Permanent Council, with the OSCE Secretariat and with our Partners for Cooperation. As such, the FSC continues to demonstrate that political / military aspects of security remain vital to the interests of the Participating States and constitute a core element of the OSCE’s concept of comprehensive security. 

The EU stands ready to engage constructively and in a spirit of practical co-operation in discussions on the planned work programme set out today by the incoming Chairmanship.

The Candidate Countries Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Croatia* align themselves with this statement.

*Croatia continues to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process