OSCE preparations for Lithuanian chair

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

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

The aim of the training is to acquaint diplomats from the countries that are getting ready for the OSCE Chairmanship with the activities of the organization in the political and military, human resources, economic and environmental spheres. The duties of the OSCE chairmanship and positions of other OSCE countries regarding the issues of the OSCE activities are also on the agenda of the training. During the training, participants will observe a meeting of the OSCE 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 the International Organizations Ambassador Renatas Norkus said that in today's world, the concept of security was not limited just to the military sphere, but was closely related to the solution of the issues of human rights and economic security.

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

The training is organized in accordance to the Action Plan of preparation for 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 in 2010.