Origin and development
Origins and development
Origin and development
Ursprung und Entwicklung der KSZE/OSZE
VideoDarstellung des Ursprungs der Konferenz über Sicherheit und Zusammenarbeit in Europa (KSZE) als Instrument einer politischen und militärischen Entspannungspolitik auf dem europäischen Kontinent in den Zeiten des Kalten Krieges, sowie ihrer Entwicklung im postkommunistischen Europa als internationale Organisation, die vor allem mit Konfliktverhütung und -management befasst ist und 1995 in "Organisation für Sicherheit und Zusammenarbeit in Europa“ (OSZE) umbenannt wird.
Der Helsinki-Prozess: von der KSZE zur OSZE
VideoDarstellung des Ursprungs und der Entwicklung des Helsinki-Prozesses, von der Konferenz über Sicherheit und Zusammenarbeit in Europa (KSZE) bis zur Organisation für Sicherheit und Zusammenarbeit in Europa (OSZE). Der Ausschnitt zeigt besonders die Ziele der Konferenz im Augenblick ihrer Gründung in den Jahren des Kalten Krieges, ihren Einfluss als Instrument der Entspannungspolitik zwischen Ost und West und ihre Umwandlung in eine Organisation mit neuen Aufgaben nach dem Zusammenbruch der kommunistischen Regimes.
Präsentation der OSZE (2000)
VideoAllgemeine Darstellung der Organisation für Sicherheit und Zusammenarbeit in Europa (OSZE): Zusammensetzung, Organisation und Funktionsweise, Aufgaben, Natur und Tätigkeitsbereiche.
Antecedents: the idea of convening a pan-European security conference
Draft general European Treaty on collective security in Europe — Molotov proposal (Berlin, 10 February 1954)
TextAt the Conference of Foreign Ministers of the Four Powers (USSR, USA, France and the United Kingdom), held in Berlin from 25 January to 18 February 1954, the Soviet Minister, Vyacheslav Molotov, submits a draft general Treaty on collective security in Europe and proposes that a conference of European States be convened with a view to its conclusion.
Cartoon from Wiener Kurier on the USSR's international policy (13 February 1955)
Bild"European Security, Molotov-style' is the caption for this Austrian cartoon showing the Soviet Union taking hold of Europe with its sickle.
Note from the Soviet Government to the French Government (31 March 1954)
TextOn 31 March 1954, in a note addressed to the French, US and British Governments, the Soviet Union announces its opposition to the establishment of military groupings of European States and renews its proposal regarding the General European Treaty of Collective Security, made at the Conference of the four Foreign Ministers, held in Berlin from 25 January to 18 February, accepting, on this occasion, the participation of the United States.
Reply from the French Government to the Soviet note dated 31 March 1954 (7 May 1954)
TextIn its reply of 7 May 1954 to the note from the Soviet Government dated 31 March, the French Government rejects the Soviet proposal regarding the General European Treaty of Collective Security, defends the defensive groupings of Western States and calls on the Soviets to put an end to the causes of division in Europe, in particular by allowing the Austrian and German problems to be resolved.
The Rapacki Plan (Warsaw, 14 February 1958)
TextOn 14 February 1958, the Polish Government sends a memorandum to the representatives in Warsaw of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Czechoslovakia, the German Democratic Republic (GDR) and the USSR, as well as to the Swedish representative for forwarding to the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), regarding its proposal for the establishment of a nuclear-free zone in Central Europe.
The Rapacki II Plan (Warsaw, 28 February 1964)
TextOn 28 February 1964, the Polish Government revamps its plan for the establishment of a nuclear-free zone in Central Europe (the Rapacki Plan) and submits a proposal (the Gomulka Plan) aiming to freeze nuclear and thermonuclear weapons in Poland, Czechoslovakia, the German Democratic Republic (GDR) and the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG).
Communiqué from the Consultative Political Committee of the Warsaw Pact (20 January 1965)
TextOn 20 January 1965, the Consultative Political Committee of the Warsaw Pact, opposed to the establishment of a NATO multilateral nuclear force, gives its support to the Rapacki II Plan of 1964 (the ‘Gomulka Plan’) and revives the idea of the convening of a Paneuropean Conference on security in Europe.
Declaration of the Political Consultative Committee of the Warsaw Pact on the strengthening of peace and security in Europe (Bucharest, 5 July 1966)
TextOn 5 July 1966, in the statement on the strengthening of peace and security in Europe, the Political Consultative Committee of the Warsaw Pact proposes the simultaneous dissolution of the two military blocs, the recognition of the existence of two German States, the development of agreements on disarmament in Germany and in Europe and the convening of a general European conference with a view to discussing the problems of ensuring security in Europe and of establishing general European cooperation.
Statement by the European Communist and Workers’ Parties on security in Europe (Karlovy Vary, 26 April 1967)
TextMeeting in Karlovy Vary on 26 April 1967, the representatives of the European Communist and Workers’ Parties approve the Warsaw Pact proposal for the simultaneous dissolution of the two military alliances, call on all States to recognise the post-war territorial status quo and call for the establishment of a system of collective security based on the principles of peaceful coexistence between States with different social systems.
Cartoon by Geisen on the Eastern bloc’s attitude to Western Europe (1967)
Bild‘To get closer or not – is that the question?’ In 1967, the cartoonist, Hans Geisen, illustrates the implications of the meeting held from 24 to 26 April 1967 in Karlovy-Vary (Karlsbad) of representatives from Communist parties and workers within Europe, focussing particularly on a collective security system based on the principles of peaceful coexistence between states which have different social systems.
Council Report, The Future Tasks of the Alliance (Harmel Report) (Brussels, 13 and 14 December 1967)
TextIn December 1967, the Ministers of the North Atlantic Council approve the Harmel Report on the future tasks of the Atlantic Alliance. The report encourages the Allies to improve relations with the Soviet Union and Eastern European countries and calls on them to use the Alliance in the interests of détente.
Interview mit Egon Bahr (Metz, 10. Juni 2006) – Auszug: der Harmel-Bericht
VideoEgon Bahr, ehemaliger Leiter des Planungsstabes des Auswärtigen Amts unter Bundeskanzler Willy Brandt, betont die Unterstützung des Harmel-Berichts über die zukünftigen Aufgaben der atlantischen Allianz durch die deutsche Bundesregierung. Der Bericht fordert die Alliierten auf, die Beziehungen mit der Sowjetunion und den Ländern Osteuropas zu verbessern, und empfiehlt, dass sich die Alliierten für eine Entspannungspolitik einsetzen.
Interview with Étienne Davignon (Brussels, 11 December 2007) — Excerpt: the objectives of the Harmel Report
VideoIn this interview, Étienne Davignon, Head of Cabinet of the Belgian Foreign Minister, Pierre Harmel, from 1966 to 1969, outlines the reasons which led to the drafting of the Harmel Report on the future tasks of the Atlantic Alliance.
Interview with Étienne Davignon (Brussels, 11 December 2007) — Excerpt: reactions of the NATO Member Countries to the Harmel Report
VideoIn this interview, Étienne Davignon, Head of Cabinet of the Belgian Foreign Minister, Pierre Harmel, from 1966 to 1969, outlines the attitude of the Member Countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), in particular the United States of America and France, towards the Harmel Report on the future tasks of the Atlantic Alliance.
Final Communiqué of the Ministerial Session of the North Atlantic Council (Reykjavik, 24 and 25 June 1968)
TextKnown as the ‘Reykjavik Signal’, the Final Communiqué of the Ministerial Session of the North Atlantic Council of 24 and 25 June 1968 reaffirms the intention of the Allies to continue to move toward détente and asks the Soviet Union and other Eastern European countries to associate themselves with the process leading to balanced and mutual force reductions.
Appeal by the Warsaw Pact member states to all European countries (Budapest, 17 March 1969)
TextOn 17 March 1969, in a message to all the countries of Europe, the Member States of the Warsaw Pact declare support for the establishment of good relations with the West and call for a pan-European conference on security in Europe.
Communiqué from the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Vienna, 1 December 1969)
TextAttended by 300 participants from various political and socio-cultural movements, the non-governmental Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, held in Vienna from 29 November to 1 December 1969, calls for the convening, in 1970, in Helsinki, of a Conference of European States, in which the two German States would participate, as well as for the establishment of a collective security system which would make the existence of the two military blocs redundant.
Final Communiqué of the Ministerial Session of the North Atlantic Council (Brussels, 4 and 5 December 1969)
TextAt the Ministerial Session of the North Atlantic Council held in Brussels on 4 and 5 December 1969, the Allied Governments accept the possibility of shortly holding a general conference, or a series of conferences, on cooperation and security in Europe which will be attended by the North American members of the Alliance.
Antecedents: the idea of convening a pan-European security conference
Final Communiqué of the Ministerial Session of the North Atlantic Council (Brussels, 3 and 4 December 1970)
TextAt the Ministerial Session of the North Atlantic Council held in Brussels on 4 and 5 December 1969, the Allied governments declare themselves ready to enter into multilateral contacts with all interested governments to determine when it would be possible to convene a conference, or a series of conferences, on security and cooperation in Europe as soon as the talks on Berlin have reached a satisfactory conclusion and insofar as the other ongoing talks are proceeding favourably.
‘European Conference: to what end?’ from Le Figaro (25 November 1971)
TextIn an article published on 25 November 1971 in the French daily newspaper Le Figaro, Professor Raymond Aron takes a critical look at the convening of a European Conference which, because of the Soviet domination of Eastern Europe, does not fulfil the conditions for a balanced negotiation in a multilateral context.
Report by the General Affairs Committee of the WEU Assembly Political implications of the European Security Conference (Nessler Report) (30 November 1971)
TextThe report on the political implications of the European Security Conference, presented on 30 November 1971 by Edmond Nessler on behalf of the General Affairs Committee of the Western European Union (WEU) Assembly, traces the history of the Soviet proposal regarding the convening of a conference on European security and considers that the current situation is such that its opening at a very early date may be envisaged.
Final Communiqué of the Ministerial Session of the North Atlantic Council (Bonn, 30 and 31 May 1972)
TextIn May 1972, the Allied governments, welcoming the progress made with regard to East–West relations and, in particular, the conclusion of significant agreements and arrangements, give the go-ahead to the opening of multilateral discussions linked to preparations for a conference on security and cooperation in Europe and accept the offer of the Finnish Government that these talks be held in Helsinki.
The Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE)
Final Recommendations of the Helsinki Consultations (8 June 1973)
TextThe Final Recommendations of the Helsinki Consultations, adopted during the diplomatic negotiations held in the Finnish capital from 22 November 1972 to 8 June 1973, define the rules of procedure of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE).
‘CSCE: the question of “mandates” dominated the preliminary consultations’ from Le Monde (30 June 1973)
TextThis article, published in the French daily newspaper Le Monde on 30 June 1973, analyses the positions taken and the agreements reached by the States participating in the preparatory multilateral consultations to the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), which were held in Helsinki from 22 November 1972 to 8 June 1973.
Cartoon by Köhler on the Helsinki Summit (30 July 1975)
Bild‘Helsinki - the summit of non-obligation.' According to the German cartoonist Köhler, the final stage of the Conference on security and cooperation in Europe (CSCE), which took place in Helsinki from 30 July to 1 August 1975, was a farce and with no solider foundations than a castle of playing cards.
Final stage of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki, 30 July–1 August 1975)
BildThe third and final stage of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), held in Helsinki from 30 July to 1 August 1975, results in the adoption of the Helsinki Final Act by the Heads of State or Government of the 35 participating countries.
Urho Kekkonen during his opening speech at the Helsinki Summit (31 July 1975)
BildOn 31 July 1975, the Finnish President, Urho Kekkonen, gives a speech in Helsinki to open the third and final stage of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE).
Banquet of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki, 31 July 1975)
BildOn 31 July 1975, in Helskinki, Urho Kekkonen, President of the Republic of Finland, holds a banquet in honour of participants in the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe.
Discours de Leonid Brejnev (Helsinki, 31 juillet 1975)
TextLe 31 juillet 1975, prenant part à Helsinki à la phase finale de la Conférence sur la sécurité et la coopération en Europe (CSCE), Leonid Brejnev, premier secrétaire du parti communiste de l'Union soviétique, se félicite des compromis adoptés par la Conférence après des longues négociations.
The Soviet delegation at the Helsinki Conference (1975)
BildThe Soviet delegation benches at the third stage of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) which took place in Finlandia Palace, Helsinki, from 30 July to 1 August 1975. Amongst others: Leonid Brezhnev, First Secretary of the Soviet Communist Party; to his left: Andrey Gromyko, Soviet Foreign Minister.
The US and Soviet leaders during the Helsinki Conference (1975)
BildPhoto taken during the third stage of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), held in Helsinki from 30 July to 1 August 1975. From left to right: Henry Kissinger, US Secretary of State, Leonid Brezhnev, First Secretary of the Communist Party of the USSR, Gerald R. Ford, US President, and Andrei Gromyko, Soviet Foreign Minister.
Closing sitting of the third stage of the CSCE (Helsinki, 1 August 1975)
BildHelmut Schmidt, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany (on the right) and Erich Honecker, Chairman of the Council of State of the German Democratic Republic (on the left), on 1 August 1975 in Helsinki during the closing sitting of the third stage of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE).
Helsinki Decalogue (1 August 1975)
TabelleThe Final Act of the Helsinki Conference, held on 1 August 1975, lays down ten principles that the States participating in the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) undertake to respect and put into practice in their mutual relations.
‘Helsinki: what is at stake’ from L’Express (4–10 August 1975)
TextIn August 1975, after the conclusion of the third stage of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), the French weekly magazine L’Express publishes a special supplement on the Helsinki Summit. Following the coverage of the event, several authors express their hopes and fears concerning this very controversial conference.
Interview mit Leo Tindemans: die Konferenz über Sicherheit und Zusammenarbeit in Europa (Brüssel, 24. Februar 2006)
VideoIn diesem Interview spricht der ehemalige belgische Premierminister Leo Tindemans über die Herausforderungen der Konferenz über Sicherheit und Zusammenarbeit in Europa (KSZE), deren Schlussakte am 1. August 1975 in Helsinki unterzeichnet wurde.
The continuation of the CSCE process
Chronology of CSCE meetings (1972-1992)
TabelleChronology of the meetings held by the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) from 1972 to 1992, including the main follow-up meetings and the special inter-sessional meetings.
Cartoon by Behrendt on East-West policy (9 August 1976)
Bild'A year on from Helsinki - Cheers! Here's to more success'. One year after the Conference on security and cooperation in Europe (CSCE), Fritz Behrendt is strongly critical of the easing of East-West hostilities.
Cartoon by Geisen on the meeting of the CSCE held in Belgrade and human rights (1977)
Bild‘Human rights are in the third basket …’ In 1977, at the first Follow-up Meeting of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) held in Belgrade, the cartoonist, Hans Geisen, considers the irreconcilable positions of the despondent Western countries and the ever-triumphant Soviet Union, which is ignoring its human rights commitments.
Cartoon by Haitzinger on the meeting of the CSCE in Belgrade and human rights (February 1978)
Bild‘Operation successful, patient dead!' In February 1978, the German cartoonist, Horst Haitzinger, takes a critical look at the work of the first Follow-up Meeting of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) held in Belgrade. During the initial review of the implementation of the CSCE commitments, the Soviet Union succeeds in eradicating the ‘heart' of the Helsinki Agreements: the fundamental issue of human rights.
Concluding document of the Belgrade CSCE Follow-Up Meeting (8 March 1978)
TextIn the concluding document of the First Follow-Up Meeting of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), held in Belgrade from 4 October 1977 to 9 March 1978, the representatives of the participating States note the difficulties and obstacles encountered in implementing the provisions of the Final Act, as well as the lack of consensus on various proposals submitted to the meeting.
The continuation of the CSCE process
Cartoon by Hanel on the outcome of the CSCE Summit in Belgrade (1978)
Bild‘CSCE: the outcome.’ In March 1978, the German cartoonist, Walter Hanel, portrays the failure of the meeting of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) in Belgrade.
‘Say no to the farce’ from Le Figaro (11 November 1980)
TextIn an article published in the French daily newspaper Le Figaro on 11 November 1980, the day of the opening, in Madrid, of the second CSCE Follow-up Meeting, Alain Ravennes, Secretary General of the Comité des Intellectuels pour l’Europe des Libertés (Committee of Intellectuals for a Free Europe — CIEL), criticises the lack of balance and reciprocity in the negotiations between the Soviets and the West and calls on the Western countries to demand that the Soviets comply in full with the Helsinki commitments before any talks can start.
‘Monologues are taking the place of debates in the CSCE’ from El País (18 November 1980)
TextThis article, which was published on 18 November 1980 in the Spanish daily newspaper El País, one week after the opening of the second Follow-up Meeting of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), comments on the differences of opinion between the Eastern and Western participating States during negotiations which resemble a dialogue of the deaf.
Interview with Max Kampelman in El País (15 mars 1981)
TextOn 15 March 1981, more than six months after the start, in Madrid, of the preparatory work for the Second Follow-up Meeting of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), Max Kampelman, Ambassador and Head of the US Delegation to the Conference, grants an interview to the Spanish daily newspaper El País.
Leonid Ilichev’s views in El País (27 February 1982)
TextOn 27 February 1982, a year and a half after the start, in Madrid, of the preparatory work for the Second Follow-up Meeting of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), Leonid Ilichev, Soviet Deputy Foreign Minister and Head of the Soviet Delegation to the Conference, gives his country’s views on the progress of the negotiations in an article published in the Spanish daily newspaper El País.
Concluding Document of the Madrid Follow-Up Meeting of the CSCE (Madrid, 6 September 1983)
TextThe Concluding Document of the Second Follow-Up Meeting of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), held in Madrid from 11 November 1980 to 9 September 1983, notes serious deficiencies in the implementation of the Helsinki Final Act and reaffirms the commitment of the participating States to respect the principles which govern their mutual relations, with particular regard to the peaceful settlement of disputes, disarmament and human rights.
‘The Vienna Conference: no taboos and no illusions’ from Le Soir (4 November 1986)
TextPublished in the Belgian daily newspaper Le Soir on 4 November 1986, the day of the opening, in Vienna, of the third CSCE Follow-up Meeting, this article traces the history of the Helsinki Process and comments on the context in which the next stage of negotiations will be carried out.
‘Disarmament and human rights dominate the “Helsinki” meeting’ from De Volkskrant (4 November 1986)
TextThis article, published in the Netherlands daily newspaper De Volkskrant on 4 November 1986, the day of the opening, in Vienna, of the Third CSCE Follow-up Meeting, gives an account of the Helsinki Process and comments on the context in which the negotiations will be conducted. The opening of the negotiations is marred by the failure of the Reykjavik Summit on nuclear disarmament, held from 10 to 12 October between the United States and the USSR.
‘The Western countries condemn the lack of new ways of thinking in the proposals from Eastern Europe’ from Le Monde (14 April 1987)
TextOn 14 April 1987, at the end of the second session of the Third CSCE Follow-up Meeting which began in Vienna on 4 November 1986, the French daily newspaper Le Monde comments on the scepticism of the participants as to the possibility of meeting the deadline established for the drafting of the final document because of the controversies between East and West in the areas of human rights and disarmament.
Concluding Document of the Vienna Follow-up Meeting of the CSCE (Vienna, 15 January 1989)
TextIn the Concluding Document of the Third Follow-up Meeting of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), held in Vienna from 4 November 1986 to 19 January 1989, the participating States note progress in mutual relations, deem the implementation of some of the provisions of the Helsinki Final Act and other CSCE documents — with particular regard to human rights — to be inadequate and decide to strengthen their cooperation with regard to CSCE follow-up activities.
From a diplomatic conference to an international organisation
Déclaration commune de vingt-deux États à l'occasion du sommet de la CSCE (Paris, 19 novembre 1990)
TextLe 19 novembre 1990, en marge du sommet de la CSCE à Paris, les 22 États membres de l'Organisation du traité de l’Atlantique Nord (OTAN) et de l'Organisation du traité de Varsovie déclarent solennellement qu'au début d'une nouvelle ère dans les relations européennes ils établissent de nouvelles relations de partenaires et s'engagent à collaborer avec les autres États participants à la CSCE pour renforcer la sécurité et la stabilité en Europe.
Cartoon by Ironimus on the CSCE Paris Summit (20 November 1990)
Bild‘The breakthrough.’ On 20 November 1990, commenting on the Paris Summit of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), the Austrian cartoonist Ironimus depicts the establishment of new partnerships between the Eastern and Western blocs by emphasising the role played by Austria in the process of political and economic rapprochement.
Charter of Paris for a new Europe (Paris, 21 November 1990)
TextMeeting in Paris from 19 to 21 November 1990, the Heads of State or Government of the countries participating in the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) undertake to achieve the objectives of democracy, peace and unity in a new, post-Cold War Europe. In particular, they recognise the need to develop the structures of the CSCE through the establishment of permanent institutions.
Signing of the Charter of Paris (Paris, 21 November 1990)
BildThe Charter of Paris for a New Europe, a new political commitment based on the consensus of the participating states, is signed in Paris on 21 November 1990 at the second CSCE Summit.
Group photo at the CSCE Summit in Paris (Palais de l'Élysée, 21 November 1990)
BildOn 21 November 1990, the Paris Summit of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) decides on how to institutionalise the CSCE and adopts the Paris Charter for a New Europe.
‘Victor-Yves Ghebali: The CSCE in the post-Cold War Europe’ from the NATO Review
TextIn an article published in April 1991 in the NATO Review, Victor-Yves Ghebali, Professor at the Institut Universitaire de Hautes Études Internationales (Graduate Institute of International Studies), Geneva, analyses the major changes in the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) after the 1990 Paris Summit and emphasises the benefits of the Helsinki process — its global make-up, its comprehensive mandate and its institutional flexibility — for the new Europe emerging after the collapse of Communism.
‘Christopher Anstis: CSCE mark II: Back to Helsinki from Paris via Berlin and Prague’ from the NATO Review
TextIn an article published in April 1992 in the NATO Review, Christopher Anstis, Director of the International Security Policy and CSCE Affairs Division at the Canadian Department of External Affairs, analyses the changes in the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) after the 1990 Paris Summit, with particular regard to its structures and its composition, and draws attention to the difficulties involved in the introduction of the CSCE’s own crisis management and conflict prevention mechanism, which would entail, among other things, the establishment of a ‘consensus minus one’ procedure.
CSCE Summit Document, The challenges of change (Helsinki, 9 and 10 July 1992)
TextMeeting in Helsinki on 9 and 10 July 1992, the Heads of State or Government of the States participating in the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) are concerned about the new conflicts which threaten the stability of the new Europe and decide further to develop the structures which concern crisis prevention and crisis management in the CSCE area.
Third CSCE Summit (Helsinki, 9 and 10 July 1992)
BildMauno Henrik Koivisto (on the right), President of the Republic of Finland, chairs the third Summit of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), held on 9 and 10 July 1992 in Helsinki.
Group photo taken at the third CSCE Summit (Helsinki, 9 and 10 July 1992)
BildAt the third Summit of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), held on 9 and 10 July 1992 in Helsinki, the Heads of State or Government of the participating states decide to develop the structures for conflict prevention and crisis management in the CSCE region, particularly through the creation of the post of High Commissioner on National Minorities.
‘Victor-Yves Ghebali: The July CSCE Helsinki Decisions — a step in the right direction’ from the NATO Review
TextIn an article published in August 1992 in the NATO Review, Victor-Yves Ghebali, Professor at the Institut Universitaire de Hautes Études Internationales (Graduate Institute of International Studies), Geneva, welcomes the progress made by the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) as a result of the Helsinki Document of July 1992, with particular regard to the strengthening of its institutions, the assigning of operational functions with new powers in the areas of peacekeeping, conflict prevention and disarmament, and the development of activities relating to the human dimension, which are now linked with conflict prevention.
CSCE Summit Document, Towards a Genuine Partnership in a New Era (Budapest, 5 and 6 December 1994)
TextMeeting in Budapest on 5 and 6 December 1994, the Heads of State or Government of the States participating in the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) decide to give the CSCE a new impetus by renaming it the ‘Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe' (OSCE) and by providing it with new resources. Their object is to refashion the CSCE as a primary instrument for early warning, conflict prevention and crisis management in the region.
CSCE Summit in Budapest (5 and 6 December 1994)
BildMeeting in Budapest on 5 and 6 December 1994, the Heads of State or Government of the States participating in the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) decide to change the name of the CSCE to the ‘Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe' (OSCE).
The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)
‘The United States and Russia clash in Lisbon on the European security model’ from El País (30 November 1996)
TextThis article, published in the Spanish daily newspaper El País on 30 November 1996, on the eve of the OSCE Summit in Lisbon, analyses the clash between the United States and Russia resulting from their differing opinions over the Security Model for Europe for the Twenty-First Century. The dispute gives an advantage to the alternative proposal from the European Union on the establishment of a platform for cooperative security.
The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)
OSCE Summit Document (Lisbon, 2-3 December 1996)
TextMeeting in Lisbon on 2 and 3 December 1996, the Heads of State or Government of the participating States of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) adopt the Lisbon Declaration on a Common and Comprehensive Security Model for Europe for the Twenty-First Century and emphasise the importance of the work of the Forum for Security Cooperation (FSC) with regard to arms control.
OSCE Summit in Lisbon (2-3 December 1996)
BildPhoto taken at the Summit of Heads of State or Government of the participating States of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), held in Lisbon on 2 and 3 December 1996.
OSCE Summit Declaration (Istanbul, 18 and 19 November 1999)
TextMeeting in Istanbul on 18 and 19 November 1999, the Heads of State or Government of the participating States of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) welcome the organisation’s ability to develop its operational capabilities quickly and efficiently and undertake to intensify their efforts to prevent conflicts or to resolve them by peaceful means in cooperation with other international organisations and institutions.
OSCE Summit in Istanbul (18 and 19 November 1999)
BildGroup photo taken at the Summit of Heads of State or Government of the participating States of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), held in Istanbul on 18 and 19 November 1999.
‘The Istanbul Summit — A moderate success’ from the Helsinki Monitor
TextIn an article published in 2000 in the quarterly publication Helsinki Monitor, Hans van Santen, Head of the Security and Defence Policy Division at the Netherlands Foreign Ministry, summarises the main benefits of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Summit, held in Istanbul on 18 and 19 November 1999.
‘Ever heard of the OSCE?’ from the Helsinki Monitor
TextIn an article published in 1999 in the quarterly publication Helsinki Monitor, Walter A. Kemp, Senior Adviser to the High Commissioner on National Minorities of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), outlines the main reasons for the lack of knowledge about the organisation on the part of the general public and the media.
‘Twenty-five candles to blow out on the Helsinki cake’ from Le Soir (19 July 2000)
TextOn 19 July 2000, on the 25th anniversary of the decision to launch the third and final stage of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) in Helsinki, which led to the adoption of the Final Act on 1 August 1975, the Belgian daily newspaper Le Soir considers the origins and development of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
Address given by Dimitrij Rupel on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act (Helsinki, 1 August 2005)
TextAddress given in Helsinki on 1 August 2005 by Dimitrij Rupel, Slovenian Foreign Minister and Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE, at the opening of the seminar on the 30th anniversary of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE).
Address given by Mary Kaldor on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act (Helsinki, 1 August 2005)
TextAddress given in Helsinki on 1 August 2005 by Mary Kaldor, Professor and Director of the Centre for the Study of Global Governance of the London School of Economics and Political Science, at the opening of the seminar on the 30th anniversary of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE).
‘The OSCE paralysed by the Russian-US trial of strength’ from Le Figaro (6 December 2005)
TextThis article, published in the French daily newspaper Le Figaro on 6 December 2005, the final day of the 13th Ministerial Council of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), held in Ljubljana, considers the main issue over which the United States and Russia continue to clash, 30 years after the signing of the Helsinki Final Act, and which is preventing them from reaching an agreement on the Organisation’s mandate, namely respect for democracy and human rights in the former Soviet Republics.