15 September 2011, 18:34
"Ukraine´s OSCE Chairmanship in 2013 is not only honourable, but also utterly important, and even requires some courage," Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Volodymyr Lytvyn declared, meeting OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier.
V.Lytvyn declared that during its chairmanship Ukraine will assume a neutral and balance stand while scrutinizing the pressing issues of the agenda. Ukraine is ready to use the available experience, potential and knowledge to strengthen effectiveness of the organization for the benefit of all member states. The Head of the Parliament believes that activities of the OSCE should include all aspects of the organization´s work. Along these lines, he attached great importance to the use of convincing arguments, achievement of consensus, and realization of common responsibility in the field of conflict prevention and regulation in the area of OSCE´s responsibility.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine expects the parliamentary dimension of the OSCE to grow. He stated that the Verkhovna Rada is ready for close cooperation with the organization. He noted active participation of Ukraine´s parliamentary delegation in the work of OSCE PA. "The Verkhovna Rada is open for dialogue with the European institutions on all levels," V.Lytvyn stressed.
Commenting on the internal political situation, V.Lytvyn stated that Ukraine "is in a transitory state", so organization of life in the country has some drawbacks. However, he emphasized that Ukraine is consistently implementing democratic reforms, while critical opinions to it are not always objective.
In the beginning of the meeting, V.Lytvyn congratulated Mr Zannier on election to the office of OSCE Secretary General. He expects that his experience in the international organizations will make the OSCE more effective.
In his turn, Mr Zannier declared that the goal of his visit is "to lay the foundation of a long-lasting close cooperation." He believes that during its OSCE chairmanship, Ukraine "will be able to become a leader and determine the areas of fruitful work", playing a key role in the settlement of conflicts in the post-Soviet space. The OSCE Secretary General supposes that successful chairmanship will strengthen Ukraine´s authority in the international arena.
He also attaches importance to the parliamentary dimension of the OSCE, as realization of OSCE´s tasks requires support of the parliaments.