Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Chairman, the United States believes the Annual Implementation Assessment Meeting (AIAM) of the Vienna Document 1999 is a key event for the Forum for Security Cooperation. It is an occasion for participating states to reflect on the implementation of a number of FSC-agreed documents, providing a strong foundation as we seize the opportunity to look toward the future.

After the tragic events of last year, the OSCE has focused on the task of combating terrorism. Consistent with the Bucharest Plan of Action, a vital part of the process of identifying the FSC's contribution to combating terrorism is the evaluation of the implementation of present commitments. This meeting offers the best opportunity for the Forum to undertake this evaluation.

Our delegation's goal for this Annual Implementation Assessment Meeting is: to engage in a detailed discussion and assessment of the participating States' implementation of OSCE commitments, in particular the Vienna Document 1999, with the objective of promoting full and timely implementation of these commitments.

In light of the Forum's current focus on combating terrorism, we want to emphasize the importance we place on detailed discussions on the implementation of these measures. The assessments that the FSC must take about how to proceed in our efforts to combat terrorism can only be made if we have a strong base of knowledge to work from - and we rely on the implementation experts to provide that base. The AIAM provides the opportunity to discuss the details of what happened last year; any proposals for change or suggestions for improvement must be passed to the FSC for action as appropriate.

Overall, we believe that implementation of the provisions of the Vienna Document in 2001 was good. For the first time all States provided their annual exchange of information. Most provided other information as agreed, hosted events such as airbase visits, complied with requests for inspections or evaluations, and increased the frequency of reported military contacts. We do have concerns about the lack of full participation by some States, in terms of submitting information in a timely manner, hosting airbase visits and attending CSBM events, but welcome the progress that has been made in 2001.

We remain deeply committed to the CSBM regime agreed by the OSCE participating States, and appeal to our partners to strive for continued positive results in our individual and collective application of these measures. Let us further the cooperation that we demonstrate through our collective efforts, while continuing to build on the foundation laid in Stockholm, and nurtured over the last decade. We have many facts and experiences at our disposal. Let us make the most of what we have in hand, and concentrate on learning from one another in a mature regime.

We would also like to express our gratitude to Ambassador Marton Krasznai, his Deputy Fredrik Schiller, and his staff for the work of the Conflict Prevention Center. The CPC provides outstanding support to delegations not only by helping to prepare for this meeting, but throughout the year. We recognize that 2001 was a year of personnel transition for the FSC support staff and appreciate the excellent work that has been done and look forward to the excellent work by the team shown here today.

Mr. Chairman, let me close by underscoring our support for a fruitful discussion of 2001 CSBM implementation issues and events.

Thank you.