EU statement delivered by Senior Military Adviser, Brigadier Marjan Grabnar
The OSCE has developed an impressive acquis of confidence and security- building measures and norm setting documents, which are an indispensable component of European security. Full implementation of the politically binding OSCE decisions under the framework of the Vienna Document 1999, as well as other CSBMs and norm settings documents, make a real contribution towards stability in the OSCE region. In this regard the Annual Implementation Assessment Meeting is an essential instrument.
Full implementation of the Vienna Document 1999 is a key objective. At present not all OSCE participating States fulfil the obligations enshrined in the Vienna Document in their entirety and even some refusal of implementation measures have been noted. The European Union calls upon all participating States to engage in full implementation of their obligations in order that the purpose of the Vienna Document is properly achieved.
The EU notes with satisfaction the further progress made in the implementation of the OSCE documents on SALW and SCA. The projects with the aim of containing and reducing the dangers emanating from surplus stockpiles of SALW, as well as stockpiles of conventional ammunition are the visible result of putting the normative framework of these documents into practice. In this regard, we welcome the workshop on OSCE project work held in February 2008 as a first step to discussing its modalities. The project work with regard to rocket fuel Melange remains of importance. We recognise the added value of cooperation between the European Union and the OSCE in tackling these challenges. The AIAM provides a sound forum to evaluate the results of the normative work on SALW and SCA with respect to implementation of the UN Programme of Action to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit trade of SALW. Ideas might be further developed through discussion in the FSC.
The EU attaches importance to the implementation by all participating States of the Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security. It contains common values upon which the comprehensive security concept of the OSCE is based. Discussion in the FSC last year resulted in a number of food-for-thought papers, recommending measures which could be taken to improve the implementation of the Code. Agreement on measures already proposed will help us move towards our common aim of improving the implementation of the Code. We hope to conclude discussion of existing draft decisions and proposals soon. We encourage participating States to submit concrete proposals on supplementary measures.
The European Union attaches importance to the OSCE principles on conventional arms transfer, non-proliferation and their related documents and encourages participating States to submit their responses to the related questionnaire in a timely manner.
Anti-personnel mines represent a significant security, humanitarian, environmental, economic and development problem for the international community. Mined areas continue to result in a large number of civilian casualties and influence a population's well-being through livestock casualties, inability to use arable land, and interruption of supplies, production and trade. The EU urges participating States to engage actively in the elimination of this threat.
The EU believes that the meeting of the heads of verification centres held yesterday will provide useful input for consideration during the AIAM and suggests that such a meeting will be held also next year.
Mr. Chairman let me conclude by expressing the EU's appreciation for the preparatory work done by the CPC in order to facilitate our work and allow a better discussion during this AIAM.
The following countries align themselves to the EU statement: Croatia, Ukraine, Norway, Armenia, Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Azerbaijan, Montenegro, Albania, Georgia and Republic of Moldova.
