January 2011 – Vilnius

Effective 1 January 2011, Lithuania has assumed the Chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, succeeding Kazakhstan, Chair for 2010. Audronius Ažubalis, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Lithuania and the new Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE indicates a focus on internal and external threats in the OSCE area, fostering democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms, notably freedom of the media, promoting energy security in Europe, and building upon synergies between regional organizations. “We will work towards building a true security community, without dividing lines, where commitments are implemented, the use of force is unthinkable, and human rights and fundamental freedoms are fully respected,” said Ažubalis. “The OSCE can do more to address old and new threats and challenges in the 21st century – both internal and those stemming from outside the OSCE area.” He mentioned cyber-security, trafficking of people and drugs as examples of transnational threats affecting all of the OSCE. For more information please see the OSCE Press Release, here.