Slovakia’s priorities for its OSCE term

The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe's Chairperson-in-Office, Slovak Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajčák, has presented the priorities of the Slovak presidency to its Permanent Council in Vienna on Thursday. Slovakia will focus on preventing and mediating conflict and mitigating its humanitarian impact while focusing on the people it affects; providing for a safer future; and promoting effective multilateralism. Particular attention will be given to protecting and improving the lives of people in the OSCE region. First and foremost is the situation in eastern Ukraine, as the OSCE is the only institution with the mandate to solve the conflict. Miroslav Lajčák explains: "For the whole of 2019 we are, in a way, responsible for development in the area stretching from Vancouver to Vladivostok. Whatever happens there, all eyes will be on Slovakia as representing the OSCE, and on its suggestions for a solution and for what stance to take." Slovakia took over the Chairmanship of the Organization from Italy on 1^st January.