Minister Dion concludes successful participation in Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Ministerial Council
News Release
December 8, 2016 - Hamburg, Germany - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today concluded a successful visit to Hamburg, Germany, where he attended the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Ministerial Council.
In his address to the council, Minister Dion spoke about the importance of respecting the body of principles and commitments that OSCE participating states have agreed to, over decades, to maintain and reinforce security in the OSCE area. These include territorial integrity; security measures in terms of arms control, transparency, and confidence-building; and an unshakable commitment to respect for human rights, diversity and democracy. He also mentioned worrying trends in the respect for territorial integrity, the existing arms control framework and human rights.
Minister Dion reaffirmed Canada’s continued support for Ukraine, reiterated Canada’s non-recognition of the illegal annexation of Crimea and pressed for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict that fully respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Stressing the stability and transparency that the existing conventional arms control framework has provided for Europe, Minister Dion expressed Canada’s support for the modernization of the framework’s instruments and for dialogue to discuss how the OSCE can address current challenges and realities.
Minister Dion also underscored the importance of inclusion and diversity as sources of strength for the OSCE and its participating states.
On the margins of the council, Minister Dion met with counterparts from Austria, Belarus, Georgia, Montenegro, Switzerland, Ukraine and Uzbekistan to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, address international security priorities and the promotion of and respect for human rights.
Quotes
“As an organization, the OSCE has been a force for good in the world working for stability, peace and democracy for more than a billion people.
“The resolution of the crisis in and around Ukraine and continued support for the Special Monitoring Mission remain top priorities for Canada and continues to be the key focus of the OSCE.”
- Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Quick facts
- The OSCE is the regional security organization that provides a forum to serve as a bridge for building security cooperation among countries in North America, Europe and central Asia, including Russia.
- The OSCE works on early warning and prevention of conflict, crisis management and post-conflict rehabilitation in Europe, the Caucasus and central Asian regions, including Russia.
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Chantal Gagnon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
343-203-1851
chantal.gagnon@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
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media@international.gc.ca
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