O 270027Z FEB 09
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 
INFO UN SECURITY COUNCIL COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE
AMEMBASSY BRUSSELS IMMEDIATE 
AMEMBASSY TBILISI IMMEDIATE 
USMISSION USNATO IMMEDIATE 
USMISSION USOSCE IMMEDIATE

UNCLAS STATE 018259 
 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: UNSC PREL GG
SUBJECT: GUIDANCE FOR OSCE BRIEFING TO UN SECURITY COUNCIL 
FEBRUARY 27 2009 
 
¶1. (U) This is an action request:  USUN is instructed to 
draw from the points below during the OSCE briefing to the UN 
Security Council scheduled for February 27, 2009. 
 
¶2. (U) Begin points: 
 
I would like to welcome the Chairwoman-in-Office and thank 
her for her comprehensive overview of the priorities for the 
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) 
under Greece,s leadership.  We appreciate the creative and 
assertive role that you have taken upon assuming the 
Chairmanship and we welcome your emphasis on the 
multi-dimensional aspects of security. 
 
The strength and effectiveness of the OSCE comes from its 
comprehensive definition of security as encompassing human, 
economic, military and political dimensions.  It is therefore 
fitting that we acknowledge the full range of OSCE 
activities, including counterterrorism and the important role 
played by the OSCE in promoting the peaceful resolution of 
conflicts in places such as Eastern Europe and the Caucasus. 
 
We also need to acknowledge the important role the OSCE has 
played in strong democratic institutions which form the 
backbone of security in the OSCE region.  This work includes 
the development of the rule of law, such as border management 
projects, developing legislative transparency, assisting in 
the reform of criminal justice and detention systems, and the 
provision of election related assistance.  The UN and the 
OSCE need to look for opportunities to broaden cooperation 
and enhanced dialogue in these areas especially.  The OSCE,s 
well developed institutional experience can complement 
efforts of the UN to develop the institutional capacity of 
governments that will help to ensure regional security and 
stability. 
 
For example, the Chairwoman cited efforts in Central Asia to 
establish border management projects.  We hope that the OSCE 
will work to ensure that these projects continue, in addition 
to bolstering the OSCE,s important work in the Human 
Dimension in Central Asia.  The OSCE should also implement 
fully and expeditiously two critical border security projects 
within Afghanistan.  We might also look for ways to leverage 
more of the OSCE,s experience in the conduct of elections in 
the region.  Here I am thinking in particular of Afghanistan, 
where we should continue to consider how the OSCE might help 
in the conduct of the upcoming presidential elections. 
 
The OSCE,s work in Kosovo merits mention.  Kosovo is making 
strong progress as the newest member of the international 
community.  Independent Kosovo poses a changed operating 
environment for the OSCE, to which it must adjust.  The OSCE 
has played a valuable role in assisting Kosovo,s development 
through capacity-building, assistance with elections, and 
monitoring of human rights and the protection of ethnic 
minorities.  We hope that OSCE,s important work in Kosovo 
will continue, as UNMIK,s downsizing and transition 
progresses and other international organizations such as 
EULEX and the ICO have assumed a leading role in engagement 
in Kosovo. 
 
In Georgia, the OSCE mission continues to contribute to the 
search for the establishment of a durable and lasting 
resolution to the conflict.  In order to properly address key 
security and humanitarian concerns on the ground, however, 
the current OSCE presence in Georgia must be bolstered by 
additional monitors who are empowered to patrol and 
investigate incidents throughout Georgia, including the South 
Ossetia region.  The harassment and detention of OSCE 
monitors must also stop.  We strongly commend the efforts of 
the Chairwoman to find a compromise approach that would 
create a framework for the OSCE to continue its important 
work there.  We also expect Russia to abide by the terms of 
the ceasefire, which calls for the return of Russian forces 
to positions held prior to the conflict.  Finally, we 
strongly support the Co-Chairs of the Geneva discussions, 
which include both the OSCE and the UN, in calling for 
another round of talks to discuss urgent security issues, 
including the non-use of force, in March or April.  The 
security situation in Georgia remains dangerous, so there is 
no excuse for delay. 
 
(IF RAISED -- The OSCE's place in the European security 
architecture is unique.  As the only framework that includes 
all concerned countries, the OSCE is the appropriate venue 
for discussions on pan-European security.  The United States 
welcomes discussions about ways to improve security and to 
manage crises in Europe.) 
 
There are other opportunities for enhanced cooperation, as 
well, in areas such as the human and security implications of 
climate change, gender equality, freedom of religion, freedom 
of expression and assembly, the protection of human rights 
defenders, the reform of criminal justice systems in the OSCE 
region, anti-trafficking in persons, and the provision of 
election-related assistance.  We look forward particularly to 
reviewing the implementation of the human dimension 
commitments by participating States in the upcoming Human 
Dimension Implementation Meeting in Warsaw. 
 
Again, I would like to thank the Chairwoman, Ms. Bakoyannis 
for her efforts and offer the full support of the United 
States. 
 
Thank you. 
 
 
CLINTON