PRESS RELEASE: Model OSCE Delegations find consensus, 35 years after the first OSCE consensus

Vienna, 7 July 2008 - Exactly 35 years ago today, the Foreign Ministers of 35 countries reached consensus and adopted the Final Recommendations which led to the Helsinki Final Act. This was the first stage of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe - the predecessor of the OSCE - opened in Helsinki on 3 July 1973.

“It is an honour to be part of this historic moment,” Christina Hawley, Chairperson-in-Office of the Model OSCE, declared.

Today the 35 participating States of the Model OSCE marked the occasion by finding consensus on the three documents covering terrorism and the use of the Internet; water management in Central Asia; and trafficking of Roma children. Model OSCE delegations made statements in the Permanent Council (PC), the Model OSCE´s regular body for political consultation and decision-making.

The so-called Silence Procedure passed at 10 a.m. on Monday without any objections from the Delegations. This means that if no Delegation breaks the Silence Procedure, by submitting a written statement to the Chairperson, saying that they cannot accept the draft Document as it stands, there is consensus.

 “I am extremely pleased. I think the Delegations worked really hard and I am proud of the dedication and determination. Commitment to the OSCE principles was shown through this,” the Model OSCE Chairperson-in-Office concludes.

 

Contacts:

Model OSCE Spokesperson
Susanne Weber

Model OSCE Press Officer
Barbara Kurz