Saturday, June 12 2021 12:07

ArmInfo.Effective multi-lateral action to solve cross-border problems is the key to  tackling both long-standing and new challenges, Secretary General  Marija Pejcinovic Buric told the Permanent Council of the  Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in  Vienna. The official website of CoE reports.

The OSCE mandate for conflict prevention and resolution and the  Council of Europe's emphasis on protecting and promoting human  rights, democracy and the rule of law were a 'natural fit', she said,  highlighting priorities in the recently launched Strategic Framework  and stressing the importance of the Istanbul Convention to combat  violence against women and domestic violence.  

In her speech, Secretary General Marija Pejcinovic Buric also  highlighted:  "Our programme of confidence-building measures promotes  common standards, best practice and non-political dialogue between  civil society, experts and professionals.  

The problems and solutions vary depending on the specific  circumstances.  

But these confidence-building measures are designed variously to  empower women, ensure drug-prevention, allow contact between health  professionals, conserve architectural heritage and archive materials,  facilitate dialogue between journalists and support education.   Indeed, particular attention is paid to youth, and young people from  all areas of Europe touched by conflict participate in the Council of  Europe's Youth Peace Camps.  Certainly, there remains plenty of work  to do.  

We are currently engaged in a dialogue to develop a set of  confidence-building measures between Armenia and Azerbaijan,  following the most recent conflict in and around Nagorno Karabakh.   And confidence-building measures are in place for Abkhazia, South  Ossetia and Transnistria.  Their success relies upon the authorities'  commitment.  

rAnd they are aware that the Council of Europe fully and firmly  supports the independence and territorial integrity of its member  states within their internationally recognised borders.  

But the investment of this time and effort is worth the reward.  

Access and contact of this kind can only help to ensure that people's  fundamental rights are respected and that trust is laid as a  foundation on which lasting peace can be built."