The OSCE Secretary General Marc Perrin de Brichambaut addressed himself to the Committee members at the beginning of the meeting. In his report he emphasized the instability of the situation. Therefore, the OSCE is expected to adopt political resolutions in order to solve pressing problems. According to the Secretary General, the Organization is doing its utmost to settle the current critical issues.

M.Brichambaut is worried about the possible curtailments in the OSCE budget, which is being discussed at present. He emphasized its negative influence on the activity of the whole Organization. He requested the parliament members to "exercise their influence" on the Parliaments in order to avoid the curtailments.

Informing the Committee members about the OSCE missions, in particular, in the problem areas, such as Kosovo, Transnistria and Georgia, the Secretary General emphasized the necessity of establishing firm democratic foundations there. "We set the task to strengthen democracy, observe human rights and secure safe life there. We have to overcome many hardships, therefore we need patience."

M. Brichambaut stated that the OSCE is a stable and powerful organization. He emphasized the dominant role of the OSCE within the region, especially in the formation of peaceful and stable Europe.

At the same time he considers it necessary to avoid the division of the organization in the future.

The Secretary General commented on the expanding role of the Parliamentary Assembly in the OSCE activity. He is also convinced in the further expansion of the role of national parliaments, especially concerning the issue of authority control. 

The OSCE Secretary General commented positively on the activity of the program coordinator in Ukraine, who is successfully cooperating with the State bodies and financial institutions concerning  demolition of the ammunition, rocket propellant depots etc., in spite of the insufficient financial provision.

M. Brichambaut is convinced that Ukraine will build its State system on the solid democratic foundation. Holding the early parliamentary election will contribute to this process. 

After this report the Committee members listened to the speech by Kristian Pihl Lorentzen (Denmark). He drew attention of the parliament members to two topical issues concerning energy security within the scope of the OSCE and situation in Belarus.

Dwelling on energy security, the reporter stated its importance as the means of securing stability in Europe. According to the reporter, the concerns of all parties and respect of all national sovereignties should be considered while settling the issue of energy security achievement.

K. Lorentzen emphasized the importance of energy saving and promotion of energy security by means of dialogue.

According to the reporter, the situation in Belarus became the subject of the report owing to the obligation of Belarus to fulfill the duties that it assumed as the OSCE participating State. He emphasized the rights of Belarus nation of genuine democracy, human rights, free will and law supremacy, which they share on a par with other nations. Therefore, Belarus Government should respect, in particular, the following rights of the public: the right of democratic election of their leaders; the freedom of expression and easy access to independent information in mass media; the freedom of assembly and associations; the right of equitable and transparent activity of judiciary system.  

During the discussion, the representatives of Belarus parliamentary delegation addressed themselves to the Committee Chairman Jean-Charles Gardetto with a request to exclude Part 2, concerning the situation in Belarus, from the draft resolution.

The Committee Chairman turned down the proposal, noting that the Parliamentary Assembly will consider the issue concerning the situation in Belarus.

During the discussion, the participants of the meeting supported the reporter´s suggestion to discuss the energy security issue on the Parliamentary Assembly. The opinions of the Committee members differed on the issue concerning the situation in Belarus. It was generally agreed that this issue requires considerable approach, because its tough formulation can do harm to the negotiations between the OSCE and Belarus. 

At the next meeting the General Committee will consider the amendments to the Draft Resolution on the issues "Energy Security" and "Situation in Belarus".

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