OSCE PA to observe parliamentary elections in Moldova
George Tsereteli and Kari HenriksenCOPENHAGEN, 13 February 2019 – Some 45 observers from the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly will deploy to Moldova for the 24 February parliamentary elections.
OSCE PA President George Tsereteli (MP, Georgia) will serve as Special Co-ordinator and leader of the short-term OSCE observer mission, following an appointment by the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Slovak Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak. President Tsereteli has led numerous OSCE PA observer missions in the past, including in the United States, United Kingdom and Germany.
“Having experienced its share of political instability and gridlock, Moldova is for the first time holding parliamentary elections under a new mixed electoral system. Ensuring that these elections meet international standards and enjoy the trust of the Moldovan people is of utmost importance,” said Tsereteli.
MEDIA ADVISORY: Nearly 300 OSCE parliamentarians to gather in Vienna for 18th Winter Meeting
COPENHAGEN, 11 February 2019 – The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly will hold its 18th Winter Meeting at the Hofburg Congress Centre in Vienna on 21-22 February 2019, featuring speeches by President of the Austrian National Council Wolfgang Sobotka, OSCE PA President George Tsereteli, OSCE Chair-in-Office and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovakia Miroslav Lajčák, OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger, and others.
The OSCE PA’s general committees will meet to hear from government representatives of OSCE countries and discuss matters related to political and security affairs, economics and the environment, and human rights and humanitarian questions. Members will hold debates on issues such as restrictions on human rights during emergencies; fighting corruption, money laundering and the financing of terrorism; and how to best leverage the tools and mechanisms of the OSCE to resolve protracted conflicts.
In Washington, OSCE PA President underlines U.S. role in preserving European stability
George Tsereteli, Mike Pompeo and Ilir Meta in Washington on 7 February 2019WASHINGTON, 8 February 2019 – OSCE PA President George Tsereteli (MP, Georgia) and Secretary General Roberto Montella have participated in forums and a series of meetings in Washington, DC, this week, holding discussions with members of the U.S. Delegation to the OSCE PA, Helsinki Commission members, as well as officials from the State Department.
On Tuesday, Tsereteli addressed a seminar held at the U.S. Senate on the challenges facing South East Europe and Russia’s role in the region. Organized by the Senate Armed Services Committee and chaired by Senator James Inhofe, the event was promoted by Fatmir Mediu (Albania) and attended by several OSCE PA Members including Robert Aderholt (United States), Speaker of Montenegro’s Parliament and Head of Delegation Ivan Brajovic, and Head of Delegation of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Vladimir Gjorcev. Albanian President Ilir Meta also participated.
Challenges posed by radicalization and minors returning from conflict zones focus of OSCE PA visit to France
Ad Hoc Committee on Countering Terrorism Chair Makis Voridis addresses committee members, Paris, 7 February 2019PARIS, 8 February 2019 – An OSCE Parliamentary Assembly delegation is wrapping up a visit to Paris, France, where it has met the past two days with a range of government officials and experts for discussions on the French experience with terrorism and the policy implications of minors returning from foreign conflict zones.
Commending France’s counter-terrorism work, the OSCE parliamentarians – members of the PA’s Ad Hoc Committee on Countering Terrorism (CCT) – noted the exceptional challenges involved with preventing radicalization and de-radicalizing youth who have been engaged in active conflicts.
“In addressing these challenges, a truly comprehensive approach is needed,” Greek parliamentarian and Chair of the CCT Makis Voridis said. “As the French experience has shown, it is paramount to invest in law enforcement and develop effective security measures while at the same time promoting inclusive education and specialized social services to counter the spread of violent extremism and radicalization leading to terrorism.”