VZCZCXRO6754
OO RUEHAST RUEHDBU RUEHFL RUEHLA RUEHMRE RUEHPOD RUEHROV RUEHSK RUEHSR
DE RUEHC #2953 0701822
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O R 111805Z MAR 09
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUEHVEN/USMISSION USOSCE IMMEDIATE 8284
INFO ORG FOR SECURITY CO OP IN EUR COLLECTIVE

UNCLAS STATE 022953 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OSCE PREL ECON PGOV
SUBJECT: OSCE/PERMANENT COUNCIL: RESPONSE TO REPORT OF 
COORDINATOR OF ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITIES 
 
¶1. Post is authorized to present the following statement at 
the March 12 Permanent Council meeting in Vienna. 
 
Begin text: 
 
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 
 
Mr. Svilanovic, thank you for your report and the 2009 Action 
Plan.  The Action Plan reminds us of the breadth of issues 
touched on by the Second Dimension, and of the challenges the 
OSCE faces in balancing the desires of 56 states as to what 
the OSCE should be doing in this Dimension.  The four 
priorities you mention are of concern to all countries in the 
OSCE region.  Recent events, in particular the winter gas 
crisis in Europe, the global economic crisis, and persistent 
concerns over approaches to environmental challenges, 
highlight the importance of the Second Dimension, and present 
us with an opportunity to raise the level and visibility of 
the OSCE's contributions to Economic and Environmental 
Security. 
 
A major issue that the OSCE cannot afford to ignore is the 
implications of the global financial crisis for security in 
our region.  Stagnant or shrinking economies, failing banks, 
rising unemployment, reduced government revenues, reverse 
migration, dwindling remittances, and other effects increase 
the risk of instability, especially in more fragile 
countries.  We need to act in concert to stabilize markets 
and strengthen regulatory frameworks, uphold commitments to 
keep markets open, and provide assistance to countries that 
face difficult financial circumstances.  International 
consultation and coordination are essential to any effective 
resolution of this crisis.  The OSCE can play a facilitative 
role, focusing on the implications for stability and 
security, serving as a trip-wire for any destabilizing 
trends, and discussing steps we might take together to 
mitigate those implications. 
 
Energy Security is a second issue to which we should devote 
more attention in the OSCE, both now and in the long term. 
The availability of energy supplies and the reliability of 
distribution networks have profound implications for our 
economy and for our security.  We believe that the OSCE, 
given its breadth of geographic responsibility and focus on 
multi-dimensional aspects of security, can play a valuable 
role in establishing common understandings and principles. 
This should be done in line with its existing mandates and in 
collaboration with the work of other international 
organizations and agreements to be sure.  We look forward to 
a vigorous debate on how this Organization can enhance Energy 
Security throughout the OSCE region. 
 
Talking, however, is not a goal in and of itself.  We should 
also continue to seek tangible outcomes.   Nor should we 
abandon the traditional work of the OSCE that we believe can 
yield solid benefits, such as promotion of the rule of law 
and good governance, the work of our Missions to help put 
into practice rules and regulations that improve the business 
and investment climate and aid in the fight against 
corruption, organized crime, and money laundering.  We 
applaud the Activity Plan's mention of this as a theme 
running throughout OSCE activities in the Second Dimension. 
 
Mr. Svilanovic, thank you again for your report and for your 
contributions thus far to the OSCE's activities throughout 
the region. Your fast start in the position is a credit to 
your vision and the diligence and dedication of your staff. 
The United States reiterates its support for the work of the 
Office of Coordinator for Economic and Environmental 
Activities, and we look forward to a productive year of 
collaboration. 
 
 
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 
 
End text. 
CLINTON