DATE=11/19/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=OSCE WRAP (L)
NUMBER=2-256364
BYLINE=LAURIE KASSMAN
DATELINE=ISTANBUL
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:


INTRO:  The Organization for Security and Cooperation 
in Europe - the O-S-C-E - has ended its two day summit 
in Istanbul with a security charter designed to expand 
the organization's peacekeeping missions.  Russia at 
first resisted an O-S-C-E role in resolving the 
conflict in Chechnya.  But, as V-O-A Correspondent 
Laurie Kassman reports from Istanbul, compromise 
became possible because of a summit declaration 
recognizing Russia's right to fight terrorism.

TEXT:  The current O-S-C-E chairman, Knut Vollebaek, 
of Norway says the key to a final summit consensus was 
Russia's acceptance of the O-S-C-E's demand to fulfill 
its 1995 mandate to help seek a political solution to 
the Chechen conflict.

            /// VOLLEBAEK ACT ///

      I think that is a very important acceptance from 
      the Russian side and I thought that would be the 
      most difficult one.

            /// END ACT ///

Russia had resisted what it called outside 
interference in Chechnya, but it relented after 
negotiating language in the declaration that 
recognizes Russia's territorial integrity.  Moscow 
also agreed to let Mr. Vollebaek visit the region, 
which he expects to do as soon as possible. 

The summit leaders also signed a security charter 
pledging to expand the O-S-C-E's peacekeeping 
operations and to establish a rapid reaction team of 
experts who will try to prevent conflicts from 
intensifying.

Mr. Vollebaek says the charter gives the organization 
more room to maneuver.

            /// VOLLEBAEK ACT ///

      I think there are areas where we need to 
      strengthen our capabilities, preventing 
      conflicts in rapid reaction, in maybe also 
      developing police efforts in various fields and 
      all these elements are included in the charter.

            /// END ACT ///

A joint summit declaration lists a number of O-S-C-E 
operations in European trouble spots, but recognizes 
that the recovery and reconstruction of Kosovo, in 
particular, remains a serious challenge.

Thirty O-S-C-E leaders also signed an updated 
Conventional Weapons Treaty that reduces the maximum 
levels for troops and weapons in Europe. (Signed)

NEB/LMK/JWH/JP




19-Nov-1999 09:10 AM EDT (19-Nov-1999 1410 UTC)
NNNN

Source: Voice of America
.