Audronius Azubalis: resolution of protracted conflicts is among Lithuanian OSCE Chairmanship prioritiesJanuary 13, 2011 - 18:16 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The new OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Audronius Azubalis, urged the Organization's participating States to focus on resolving existing conflicts and achieving concrete progress in addressing transnational threats and safeguarding fundamental freedoms in his inaugural address to the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna. Azubalis, speaking on the 20th anniversary of events in Vilnius which led to Lithuania’s independence from the Soviet Union, said: “Our courage was met with solidarity across the OSCE area. Lithuania was backed by peaceful rallies in Kyiv, Warsaw, Moscow, Washington and Stockholm, by civil society and governments of most OSCE participating States.” “Over the past 20 years the OSCE participating States have made great progress individually and collectively. Twenty years later problems remain, and we still face challenges, but progress is undeniable.” “What we did then, we must be able to do now in the remaining unresolved disputes,” he added. “This is not just a matter for the Chairmanship. It is a matter for us all. Resolving existing conflicts in the OSCE area in a peaceful and negotiated manner must be our highest commitment.” He said the Chairmanship would push for a resumption of formal “5+2” negotiations on Moldova, use the Geneva process to rebuild trust and work to restore a meaningful OSCE presence in Georgia; and support greater engagement by the Minsk Group Co-Chairs to re-energize political negotiations over Nagorno-Karabakh. Azubalis presented the 2011 Lithuanian Chairmanship’s work programme. Priorities of the Lithuanian Chairmanship outlined in the work programme include contributing to progress in the resolution of protracted conflicts, enhancing efforts to tackle transnational treats in the OSCE area, advancing freedom of the media, promoting tolerance through education, developing common principles in the field of energy security and promoting sub-regional co-operation, OSCE website reported. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |