Interpretative Statement on the PC Decision on the Theme, Agenda, and Modalities for the 28th Economic and Environmental Forum
As delivered by Ambassador James S. Gilmore III
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
December 12, 2019
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The United States wishes to make an interpretative statement under paragraph IV.1(A)6 of the Rules of Procedure of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. Canada aligns with this statement.
The United States and Canada welcome the adoption of this decision and the 2020 Albanian Chairmanship’s efforts to fight corruption as a threat to the region’s comprehensive security.
In joining consensus on the Economic and Environmental Forum (EEF) theme, agenda, and modalities, we wish to review and reiterate the commitments that participating States have made regarding inviting relevant organizations to the EEF. Relevance for the purpose of being invited to participate in the EEF has two essential elements: that the international organizations have expertise or programs relevant to the EEF theme of the year, as well as that the OSCE invites only those international organizations which qualify under the commitments participating States made under the 1999 Istanbul Document’s Charter for European Security, paragraph I.32, and the 1999 Platform for Co-operative Security, paragraphs I.1-2.
I request that this interpretative statement be attached to the decision and to the Journal of the Day.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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