OSCE preparations for Lithuanian chair

VILNIUS- Lithuanian and Kazakh diplomats have begun a two-week long training, toprepare for the joint-chair of the Organization for Security and Co-operationin Europe (OSCE).

The training is organized by the Centre for OSCE Research, part of theInstitute for Peace Research and Security Policy at the University of Hamburg.

The aim of the training is to acquaint diplomats from the countries that aregetting ready for the OSCE Chairmanship with the activities of the organizationin the political and military, human resources, economic and environmentalspheres. The duties of the OSCE chairmanship and positions of other OSCEcountries regarding the issues of the OSCE activities are also on the agenda ofthe training. During the training, participants will observe a meeting of theOSCE Permanent Council.  

In his welcome speech to the diplomats that are taking part in the training,head of the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Lithuania at theInternational Organizations Ambassador Renatas Norkus said that in today'sworld, the concept of security was not limited just to the military sphere, butwas closely related to the solution of the issues of human rights and economicsecurity.

"The OSCE, which follows the broader concept of security, is a forum, wherethe European security is thoroughly discussed and obligations of the countriesand their fulfilment in the spheres of security, human rights and economy arereviewed," said R.Norkus.

The training is organized in accordance to the Action Plan of preparationfor the OSCE Chairmanship by Lithuaniaand Kazakhstan.12 diplomats from Lithuaniaand 8 diplomats from Kazakhstanare taking part in the training.

Lithuania will hold the OSCE Chairmanship in 2011 and Kazakhstan in2010.