Rupel-Lavrov Meeting on the OSCE

Moscow, 13 July

Slovenian foreign minister Dr Dimitrij Rupel, in his role as Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE, met the Russian foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov. They discussed international terrorism, developments in Central Asia and Moldova, the future of Kosovo and the reform of the OSCE.

The two foreign ministers agreed that progress was needed on the OSCE reforms. Mr Lavrov expressed the hope that tangible results would be achieved before the OSCE Ministerial Council to be held in Ljubljana in December. It was emphasised at the meeting that the work of eminent figures within the OSCE was a sound basis for its reform. Dr Rupel outlined his thoughts on the planned activities involving high level consultations and preparations made by experts.

Dr Rupel said that security across the entire territory of Central Asia was of concern to all 55 OSCE members, particularly in the Fergana Valley.

On the subject of Uzbekistan, the Chairman-in-Office, Dr Rupel repeated his call for an independent international investigation into the recent massacre of protestors in Andijan by security forces.

On the subject of Moldova, Dr Rupel called for negotiations to restart. The talks also addressed Kosovo and Russian relations with Estonia and Latvia.

The two ministers also discussed bilateral Russo-Slovenian relations, agreeing that relations are positive, especially in the economic sphere. The two ministers discussed the possibility of greater economic cooperation and political and cultural exchanges.

Before returning to Slovenia, Dr Rupel was also set to meet Vladimir Chizhov, Russia's deputy foreign minister, and Mikhail Margelov, the Chair of the Federation Council's foreign affair's committee.

Rupel-Lavrov Meeting on the OSCE

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