Lithuania takes over OSCE leadership

VILNIUS - Lithuania has taken over the chairmanship of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

"We will work towards building a true security community, without dividing lines, where commitments are implemented, the use of force is unthinkable, and human rights and fundamental freedoms are fully respected,” said Audronius Azubalis, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Lithuania and the new Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE.

"The OSCE can do more to address old and new threats and challenges in the 21st century – both internal and those stemming from outside the OSCE area,” he said.

On Jan. 13 in Vienna the new Chairperson-in-Office will outline the Lithuanian Chairmanship’s priorities to the Permanent Council, a key OSCE decision-making body.

BELARUS

In one of his first actions as chairman of the organization, Azubalis lambasted Belarus for it's failure to extend of the mandate of the OSCE office in Minsk.

“Its mandate has not been completed. There is an important job for the OSCE to continue in Belarus” he said. He expressed "deep regret" at the decision to close down the office.