August 1, 2015 - Ottawa, Ontario - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE):
“On August 1, 1975, Canada, the United States and 33 European states signed a document known as the Helsinki Final Act, thus marking a major step in reducing Cold War tensions and supporting peace and stability in Europe. This groundbreaking document set out their agreement on 10 fundamental principles that would govern their behaviour not only toward each other but also toward their citizens, notably with regard to human rights and fundamental freedoms.
“Forty years on, OSCE principles and commitments are as relevant as ever, yet they are being challenged on a daily basis by Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine and its interference in other parts of Eastern Europe.
“Canada remains convinced that the OSCE has a role to play in realizing the vision of a free and democratic security community that brings together 57 participating states and stretches from Vancouver to Vladivostok. However, this can only happen if trust is progressively rebuilt on the basis of the implementation in good faith of agreed principles and commitments.”
For further information on Canada and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, please see Canada in the OSCE.
Johanna Quinney
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
343-203-1851
johanna.quinney@international.gc.ca
