OSCE summit concludes with security accord. Leaders from the 56 member states of the Organization for Security and Co-operation (OSCE) in Europe met on Wednesday and Thursday, December 2 in Astana, Kazakhstan for the first time in 11 years. As one of the world's largest intergovernmental organizations, the OSCE was originally formed through the United Nations and is represented by countries from Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia and North America. Its mission is to oversee such areas as arms control as well as protection of human rights, freedom of the press and fair elections. In this meeting, delegates sought to update and streamline these objectives, and shortly before its close on Thursday, participants announced adoption of the “Astana Commemorative Declaration,” a document that calls for conflict resolution through diplomacy as well as touching on areas of economic and environmental policy and human rights. Hosting Kazakh President, Nursultan Nazarbayev noted that the declaration supports a trusting and transparent approach to security.

Our sincere congratulations, Your Excellency and all Organization for Security and Co-operation summit participants, for your work together in re-establishing cooperative goals of peace. May such advancements continue, leading to a safe and harmonious future for societies worldwide.

http://rt.com/politics/osce-summit-kazakhstan-results/
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2010/12/03/OSCE-tackles-thorny-issues-in-Astana/UPI-27301291410920/
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