DATE=11/19/1999
TYPE=BACKGROUND REPORT
TITLE=O-S-C-E EVOLUTION
NUMBER=5-44796
BYLINE=LAURIE KASSMAN
DATELINE=ISTANBUL
CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO:  The 54-member Organization for Security and 
Cooperation in Europe -- the O-S-C-E -- has completed 
its two-day summit in Istanbul with a consensus on the 
need to enhance its role in peacekeeping and 
prevention of the spread of conflict in Europe.  The 
group also expanded its area of concern to actions 
within the borders of its member countries that pose a 
threat to regional stability.  V-O-A Correspondent 
Laurie Kassman takes a closer look at the European 
security organization that traces its origins to an 
accord signed in Helsinki a quarter of a century ago. 

TEXT:  Czech President Vaclav Havel remembers the 
signing of the Helsinki Act 25 years ago.  He says it 
took a leap of faith back then to trust that Cold War 
enemies would actually abide by an agreement to reduce 
their nuclear and conventional forces and decrease the 
risk of war.

            /// HAVEL ACT ///

      Many believed that this was only a ruse through 
      which Communist leaders won from the West a 
      confirmation of the legitimacy of the European 
      status quo and thus implicitly of the division 
      of Europe in return for promises which they had  
      no  intention of keeping. 

            /// END ACT ///

Nearly a quarter of century later, the atmosphere of 
reconciliation is a reality.  Europe is clearly 
shifting from conflict to cooperation.  In that 
context, the O-S-C-E is expanding its mandate and its 
responsibilities.  It has become an integral part of 
international peacekeeping missions and now encourages 
international responsibility for dealing with 
conflicts that develop -- even within national 
borders.  

Not  every member favors that approach.  Russian 
President Boris Yeltsin balked at O-S-C-E efforts to 
help resolve the Chechen crisis and disapproves of 
what he calls outside interference -- even for 
humanitarian reasons.  He is heard through an 
interpreter.

            /// YELTSIN INTERPRETER ACT  ///

      Not  all the ideas that have arisen in the 
      course of discussion about Europe seem to be 
      justified.  I'm thinking in particular of the 
      appeals for humanitarian interference -- this is 
      a new idea -- in the internal affairs of another 
      state, even when this is done on the pretext of 
      protecting human rights and freedom. 

            ///  END ACT  ///

President Bill Clinton has countered that argument, 
pointing out the interdependence of states committed 
to the basic principles of democracy.  In his speech 
to the summit, he reminded President Yeltsin of the 
benefits of interference had he been jailed for his 
own daring reforms.

            /// CLINTON ACT ///

      If they had put you in jail instead of electing 
      you president, I would hope that every leader of 
      every country around this table would have stood 
      up for you and for freedom in Russia and  not  
      said that is an internal Russian affair that we  
      cannot  be a part of.

            /// END ACT ///

The O-S-C-E's expanded mandate for peacekeeping also 
signals Europe's shift from confrontation to 
reconciliation, which is apparent now in several 
disputes. 

Armenia's president, Robert Kocharian, points to 
direct talks with Azerbaijan -- not  war -- as the 
best way to resolve the dispute between the two 
countries over Nagorno-Karabach.  He is heard through 
an interpreter.

            /// KOCHARIAN INTERPRETER ACT//

      Realizing that resolution of the conflict serves 
      the interests of our peoples, we, through direct 
      contact, are trying to convey to each other and 
      to the rest of the world the seriousness of our 
      purpose and resolve.

            /// END ACT ///

Cypriot leaders appear to be on the same path as they 
prepare for proximity talks on the future of the 
divided island.  Even Greece and Turkey are sounding 
more reconciliatory about how to resolve their 
diplomatic disputes. 

So, is it time for the O-S-C-E to declare success?  
Norwegian Prime Minister Kjel-Magne Bondevik says  
"not  yet."

            /// BONDEVIK ACT ///

      We must strengthen conflict prevention.  Open 
      conflict mean political failure.  The military 
      option is the costliest one in resources and 
      human suffering.  The lesson learned is this we 
      must redouble our efforts to defuse tension and 
      contain disputes before they turn into open 
      conflict. 

            ///  END ACT  ///

The Norwegian leader also underscores Europe's 
responsibilities in pressuring states to initiate and 
implement democratic reforms.  That can mean 
interference or isolation or both.  

Europe's isolation of Yugoslavia through sanctions and 
support of the political opposition there is the 
latest example of the new approach.  Yugoslavia -- one 
of the founders of the O-S-C-E -- is the only member 
absent from the summit gathering.  (Signed)

NEB/LMK/JWH/KL



19-Nov-1999 10:27 AM EDT (19-Nov-1999 1527 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.