Minister of Foreign Affairs Knut Vollebæk

Ceremonial Meeting to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Council of Europe

Budapest, 6 May 1999

It is an honour for me to address the Council of Europe here in Budapest on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary. It is with the deepest respect and admiration that the OSCE views the achievements of the Council of Europe during its 50 years. The OSCE by comparison is young, dating back as an organisation to the Summit here in Budapest only five years ago – but with a history as a conference dating back to the early 70s, we will be able to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act in the year 2000.

The changes that have swept across Europe in the latter half of this century have had profound effects on both our organisations, but more importantly, we as organisations have had an impact on developments. It is for this impact that we will be remembered in the history books, and for this impact on European history that I salute the Council of Europe today.

When the Council of Europe was founded in the aftermath of World War II it was with the aim of maintaining peace in Europe by establishing a legal basis for the safeguarding of individual human rights, the promotion of democracy and the rule of law. The Council of Europe has indeed made a contribution to peace in Europe, upholding these values in established as well as new democracies.

By contrast, the backdrop for the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe in the 70s was the Cold War. The CSCE was established as a political cooperation, to serve as a forum for dialogue between East and West, adopting politically binding documents committing participating states to common principles and values.

Since their inception, the outlook of both the Council of Europe and the OSCE has been pan-European. The importance of the Council of Europe’s admittance of the first new member states after the historic events in the late 80s cannot be overestimated. It heralded a new era of European cooperation. As in the OSCE, membership entails more obligations than rights, obligations that strengthen democratic forces in the member states and that yield concrete results.

The OSCE has gradually evolved from a normative to a more operative organisation, with the establishment of a whole new network of missions in the field. This development has changed the character of cooperation with the Council of Europe – the OSCE increasingly drawing on the expertise of the Council of Europe in the field, particularly in areas such as the rule of law, the building of democratic institutions and respect for human rights.

Increasing the OSCE’s attention to human security is a priority for the Norwegian chairmanship. This is an area where cooperation with the Council of Europe is both natural and vital.

The OSCE and the Council of Europe are well matched to meet the challenges ahead, utilising their comparative advantages. The Council of Europe’s strength lies in its standard-setting role and in its constant, broad monitoring of commitments. The OSCE’s strength lies in its ability to act promptly and purposefully in situations requiring rapid action.

Cooperation has intensified in recent years, with regular contacts at all levels. As Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE I have sought to strenghten this development further.

The principle of mutual support between European and transatlantic organisations is an important element in the ongoing negotiations in the OSCE on a Security Charter for the 21st Century, which we hope to adopt at the OSCE Summit in November of this year. The aim of the Charter is two-fold: to identify the tasks of the OSCE as we enter a new century, and to establish a Platform for Common Security in Europe.

This brings me to the present, tragic events in Kosovo. The situation requires all our efforts and attention. Effective international coordination is of vital importance to respond to the challenges we are facing. I have been encouraged by the measures the Council of Europe has taken to contribute to the relief effort with regard to the crisis in Kosovo. In addition to taking care of the immediate needs of the many refugees, however, we must also look ahead and plan for the future – for the rebuilding of democratic and legal institutions in Kosovo and the FRY. The OSCE stands ready to assist in implementing a political settlement, in cooperation with the Council of Europe and other partner organisations.

There is general agreement on the need to supplement efforts in Kosovo with measures to ensure the stability and security of the region as a whole. In this field, too, the Council of Europe has played an active role. I commend the Council for its contribution to the Stability Programme for Southeastern Europe which is being presented for adoption here in Budapest. I also welcome the proposal to appoint a Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights. I am sure this new instrument will prove valuable.

On behalf of the OSCE, I thank the Council of Europe for the close cooperation we are enjoying. I congratulate the Council on its important work over the past 50 years. The OSCE is proud to have the Council of Europe as a major partner, a partnership which will only increase in importance in the future.

Let me also express my gratitude to our Hungarian hosts for putting their splendid parliament building at our disposal - in this historic and beautiful capital to which it is always a pleasure to return.