Statement by H.E. Mr.Vygaudas Usackas Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania

The OSCE continues to provide a unique framework for conflict resolution. The existing formats of the Minsk Group and 5+2 carry the weight in the settlement of the conflicts in Nagorno Karabach and Moldova. The OSCE should explore activities and programs in support of these efforts and improving a general political atmosphere through confidence building, by promoting people-to-people contacts, outreach towards political actors. Re-establishment of the OSCE presence in Georgia will testify to a positive tone created by the launch of the European security dialogue.

Address by the Prime Minister, and Foreign Minister of the Hellenic Republic, and OSCE Chairman-in-Office H.E. Mr. George Papandreou

We must now bring this same spirit of reconciliation to the unresolved conflicts that persist in the OSCE area. Through the unwavering efforts of the Greek Chairmanship, as it has also been the case in previous years, there has been no lack of valiant attempts to resolve these conflicts. Even last week, the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan met in Munich, under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group. Also last month, an informal meeting was held in Vienna, of the "5+2" negotiating format aimed at resolving the Transnistrian conflict. The OSCE, together with the UN and the EU, has co-chaired eight rounds of discussions held in Geneva on security and stability in Georgia following the August 2008 conflict, and we have seen some movement to stabilise cease-fire lines and to restore emergency channels of communication.

These are important steps, for which I would like to thank my Special Representatives, Ambassador Christopoulos and Ambassador Kasprzyk. Their dedication to creating the conditions for the peaceful settlement of conflicts has been remarkable and recognized by all.

Yet hard work remains ahead in resolving these conflicts -not just for the negotiators designated by the Chairmanship to act on our behalf, but also for us, the participating States of the OSCE, in summoning the required political will to move ahead.

The Co-Chairs of the Minsk Group have worked tirelessly to support the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan as they approach the time to take difficult decisions aimed at resolving their differences. Here in Athens, we must leave no doubt that this process enjoys the solid support of the entire OSCE community.
Statement on behalf of the European Union by H.E. Mr. Carl Bildt, Foreign Minister of Sweden,

The EU reiterates its full support for the efforts of the Co-Chairs of the Minsk Group towards a solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, based on an appropriate combination of support for the territorial integrity of Armenia and Azerbaijan, as expressed by the EU in its Partnership and Cooperation Agreements and in its Action Plans for these two countries, with other OSCE principles, notably the non-use of force or threat of its use and the equal right of peoples to self-determination. We welcome the intensified negotiations this year, including the bilateral meeting on November 22 between presidents Aliyev and Sargasian. We call again upon Armenia and Azerbaijan to take the necessary decisions to achieve a breakthrough with the endorsement of the Basic Principles proposed in Madrid on November 29, 2007

EU closing statement at the 17th OSCE Ministerial Swedish Presidency of the European Union

The EU is pleased that agreement was reached on a Declaration on Nagorno-Karabakh. We are encouraged by the recent high level discussions between Azerbaijan and Armenia on the remaining outstanding issues and differences. The EU calls upon the leadership of Armenia and Azerbaijan to continue to engage fully in the negotiations towards a solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, based on an appropriate combination of support for the territorial integrity of Armenia and Azerbaijan, as expressed by the EU in its Partnership and Cooperation Agreements and in its Action Plans for these two countries, with other OSCE principles, notably the non-use of force or threat of its use and the equal right of peoples to self-determination. We regret that consensus was not found on statements regarding the conflicts in Georgia and the Republic of Moldova. The EU reiterates its firm support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both Georgia and the Republic of Moldova within their internationally recognised borders.

STATEMENT by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine H.E. Mr. Petro Poroshenko

Conflicts, protracted and potential ones, remain the greatest threat to regional stability and security and a serious challenge for the OSCE. Ukraine fully supports and stands ready to offer practical assistance to all efforts aimed at finding peaceful and sustainable solutions to the conflicts in Georgia, in the Republic of Moldova and in the Republic of Azerbaijan, which would not compromise the norms and principles of international law, pertaining to sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of borders of states. It would be very encouraging if the Ministerial Council could register progress and provide political impetus to the ongoing negotiations on the settlement of these conflicts.
We should not focus on replacing or reinventing the existing European security architecture but on how to make it work better. Hopefully, the process will lead to results, also regarding the so-called protracted conflicts. Results, which could form the basis for decisions by the OSCE Heads of State and Government. We have yet to see whether such a point will be reached already in 2010.

OSCE was created to avoid armed conflicts, but the unresolved territorial conflicts in the South Caucasus remain a grave concern. A solution to the protracted conflicts is of immense importance to the security and stability of the whole OSCE area. A renewed OSCE presence in Georgia should lead to OSCE monitors gaining unhindered access to South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

Statement of H. E. Mr. Jan Kohout Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic

One of the most disheartening examples of the consequences of unresolved protracted conflicts is the state of affairs in the South Caucasus. Unfortunately, the situation in Georgia has not improved in 2009. In this context I would like to reconfirm full and unconditional respect for the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty. These principles were clearly breached vis
a vis Georgia. We also very much regret the closure of the OSCE mission in Georgia.
i
Address by Mr. Bogdan Aurescu State Secretary for Strategic Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania

Regarding the Transnistria file, the "5+2" format should remain the only framework for reaching a fair and long-lasting political agreement. We encourage formal meetings in the "5+2" format to be resumed, without preconditions, as soon as possible. Regarding Nagorno-Karabach, we stand by our principled position that any solution should be based upon respecting the State independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, on the basis of negotiated solutions.

Statement of H.E. Mr. GRIGOL VASHADZE Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia

However, while talking about security we first have in mind protracted conflicts in GUAM region. GUAM Member states have always been consistent in drawing the attention of the OSCE community to the need for speedy solution of these Conflicts on the basis of norms and principles of the international law, including those pertaining to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of international borders, relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the OSCE decisions. Unfortunately international law has been seriously undermined after
August 2008 Russian-Georgian war. This also seriously damaged European security architecture.

Statement of Amb. Valeri Chechelashvili Secretary General of Organization for Democracy and Economic Development - GUAM

While talking about security we first have in mind protracted conflicts in GUAM region (the Transnistrean region of Moldova, the Abkhaz and Tskhinvali regions of Georgia and the conflict in and around the Nagorno-Kharabakh region of Azerbaijan). GUAM Member states have always been consistent in drawing the attention of the OSCE community to the need for speedy solution of these Conflicts on the basis of norms and principles of the international law, including those pertaining to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of international borders, relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the OSCE decisions. Common position of GUAM is based on the Joint Declaration of the Heads of state on conflict settlement, adopted at the GUAM Kiev Summit on 23 May 2006, which stress that -quote -"the territory of the state may not be a subject of acquisition or military occupation, resulting from the threat or use of force in breach of the relevant norms of international law. No territorial acquisitions and the resulting self-declared entities may be recognized as legal under any circumstances whatsoever" - end of quote. Unfortunately these threats became real after August 2008 Russian-Georgian war that seriously damaged European security architecture.

Address by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland Mr Alexander Stubb

Nagorno-Karabakh peace process is taking cautious steps to the right direction. We welcome the efforts to improve relations between Armenia and Turkey as well as the efforts of the Mediators and Observers in the 5+2 format on Transnistria.

Statement by Mr. Urmas Paet, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia

I am certain that our renewed pledge is required for resolving the protracted conflicts still existing in Europe; particularly in the Georgian regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia but also in Transnistria and Nagorno-Karabakh. Here it is evident that strong political will is needed in order to translate our commitments into practice. Thus, conflict prevention and resolution as well as post-conflict rehabilitation has to remain a top priority on the OSCE agenda.

Statement by Head of UK Delegation, Ambassador Ian Cliff Obe

On Nagorno-Karabakh, we welcome the intensified negotiations this year, including the meeting between the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan together with the Minsk Group Co-Chairs in the margins of this Athens Ministerial. On Moldova, the arrival of a new government offers a fresh opportunity and again we welcome the discussions taking place in the margins of this Ministerial meeting. We look forward to the resumption of formal negotiations in the 5+2 format.

Statement by Mr. Bernard Kouchner Minister for Foreign Affairs of France

I firmly believe that we need to take the process we have embarked upon to the highest political level. In view of the fact that the problems of security remain and that our Organization is struggling to find solutions, I believe that it is vital, as Kazakhstan has proposed, for the heads of State or government to meet so as to reaffirm our commitments ten years after the Istanbul summit, 20 years after the adoption of the Charter of Paris, and 35 years after the signing of the Helsinki Final Act. A meeting of this nature will encourage us to search together for a solution to the difficulties encountered with regard to conventional arms control in Europe and the settlement of conflicts such as those in Nagorno-Karabakh or Transdniestria, for which bases for agreement already exist.

There has been significant progress in the negotiations on Nagorno-Karabakh thanks to the efforts by the Minsk Group and the constructive attitude of presidents Aliyev and Sargsyan, who have met six times during the course of 2009. I trust that this progress will be reflected in the work of the OSCE Ministerial Council in Athens. The time has come for decisions, and I urge the two parties to take the opportunity offered them and to confirm without further ado the principles for settlement that have been proposed to them so as to be able to move finally to the drafting of a settlement on an agreed basis.

Statement by Ms. Micheline Calmy-Rey, Federal Councillor and Head of The Department of Foreign Affairs,

It is important once again to reaffirm the political will to co-operate, particularly with respect to negotiations on unresolved conflicts. In this regard, Switzerland welcomes the resumption of the "5+2" talks and the recent progress in the Minsk process.

Statement on behalf of Ireland by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Micheäl Martin, T.D.

I commend the continuing work of the OSCE's Minsk Group in addressing the longrunning dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh. The recent meetings which have taken place at the highest level between Armenia and Azerbaijan are encouraging. Although not connected to this issue, the positive developments in relations between Armenia and Turkey are a significant step forward, which open the prospect of enhanced peace and stability in the entire region.
Statement by Mr M. Verhagen, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the
Netherlands

I believe we need a 'hands on' approach. For example, we must take more effective steps to resolve the ongoing conflicts in the OSCE area, be it Georgia, in Moldova or Nagorno-Karabakh.

Address by H.E Ahmet Davutoğlu Minister of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Turkey

Unresolved conflicts in Azerbaijan, Georgia and Moldova continue to threaten the security and stability of our continent. While they have different roots, different historical and political backgrounds and therefore need to be addressed within their own parameters, however, the relevant international norms and principles applicable to all of them must be consistent. Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity must constitute the bedrock of any settlement.

In this vein let me reiterate the continued support of Turkey to the mediation efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group and its Co-Chairmen. We encourage both sides to build upon the existing momentum in order to achieving a breakthrough without further delay. Turkey is of the view that efforts aimed at the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the creation of an environment of durable peace and stability in the region are mutually reinforcing and have a direct impact on one another. The two processes cannot be seen in isolation.

Statement by Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg

Mr. Chairman, the OSCE is still confronted with many challenges. Our efforts to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict through the Minsk process have greatly contributed to the stability between Azerbaijan and Armenia. As one of the co-chairs of the Minsk group, the United States has committed to seeking a final settlement to the conflict that will ensure long term stability and economic growth in the region. The conflict in Georgia remains one of the OSCE's most pressing challenges. Core OSCE principles and commitments were violated. We must restore trust and rebuild confidence. We expect all parties to fulfill their commitments under the August 12th ceasefire agreement which calls for the withdrawal of Russian forces to positions prior to the start of hostilities and for unhindered humanitarian access. We must continue to work towards a long-term peaceful resolution to conflict that will provide stability and improve the security, humanitarian, and human rights situations on the ground. We must also pay close attention to these concerns and work to reestablish a status neutral OSCE presence in Georgia. Lessons from the war in Georgia and constructive discussions through the Corfu process have encouraged us to take this initiative to propose a new crisis intervention mechanism. I hope that you'll all review this and help shape this proposal while continuing to work on the ongoing conflicts not only in Nagorno-Karabakh but also in Moldova.
Statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia H.E. Mr. Edward Nalbandian

The passing year marked serious round of discussions on the future of arms control arrangements in the OSCE area. We value in particular the efforts to strengthen arms control measures, including through the initiative on the Vienna document 1999.

In this context, the pattern of non-compliance of one State, Azerbaijan, to the core arms control regime, particularly by substantially exceeding maximum levels of holdings in at least two categories of armaments set by the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, combined with the war rhetoric, raises concerns about that country's real intentions. Azerbaijan violates one of the basic principles of the OSCE - the principle of non-use or threat of use of force.

Guided by the same vision, the Armenian President has put forward an initiative aimed at normalization of Armenia-Turkey relations, of which I informed this distinguished Council last year. Today, I am pleased to state that we have made a significant step forward with the Turkish side, by signing the Protocols on the establishment of diplomatic relations and on the development of bilateral relations, on 10 October in Zurich. The next important step that the parties have committed to make is the ratification of the Protocols. We hope that this important step will be made and Armenia and Turkey will start implementation of the agreements reached. Unreasonable delays and preconditions in this process, including attempts to link this and Nagorno-Karabagh processes may harm the both.

We are grateful to the international community, including Switzerland, the USA, the Russian Federation, France and other EU members for the assistance in this process. However, despite strong support of all countries in the world, there is a member among us, Azerbaijan, that opposes the very idea of normalization between the two OSCE participating states and, therefore, runs counter to the values upon which this Organisation is based.

In accordance with the same values, Armenia continues its active involvement in the efforts to resolve the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict. During this year the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan have had six meetings within the OSCE Minsk Group process, which remains the solid framework for negotiations. Although the negotiating parties have made some progress in the discussion of the Madrid document, there are still issues that need to be addressed. Armenia is committed to a peaceful solution of the conflict, based on the norms and principles of international law, particularly the principles of non use or threat of use of force, self-determination and territorial integrity, which were reflected yesterday in the Joint Statement by the Heads of Delegation of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries, Armenia and Azerbaijan.

We are convinced that in order to create an opportunity for the progress in the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict, the parties should commit to refrain from the steps that could hamper the peace process, including the attempts, which have been made here in the speech of the Azerbaijani minister, to misinterpret the essence of the conflict and of the ongoing negotiations.
 
MC.DEL/63/09/Rev.l 2 December 2009

ENGLISH only