Lithuanian OSCE presidency to realize tasks set in Astana Final Declaration

09:58, 14 January 2011

VIENNA. January 14. KAZINFORM /Timur Bekturganov/ The Lithuanian presidency will strive to realize the tasks set in the final declaration of the OSCE Summit in Astana. OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Audronius Azubalis made it public presenting the priorities of the Lithuanian 2011 OSCE chairmanship at a session of the OSCE Permanent Council held in Vienna on January 13.

Lithuania set assistance in settling protracted conflicts, countering transnational threats in the OSCE region, elaboration of common energy security approaches, provision of democratic rights and tolerance through education, regional cooperation development as the key directions of its activity as the Organization's chairman.

During the Lithuania's OSCE presidency Kazakhstan will continue its active work in the Organization as a member of the OSCE Troika - the main authority on activities coordination and mid-term planning.

As a Troika member Kazakhstan in 2011 will head the OSCE Contact Group on cooperation with Asian partners (Afghanistan, Mongolia, Korea, Thailand and Japan) and Australia. Besides, during the period from September to December Kazakhstan is to chair the OSCE Forum for Security Cooperation.

It is important to note that the Lithuanian OSCE Presidency decided to reappoint Kazakh Senate Deputy Adil Akhmetov Personal Representative on Combating Intolerance and Discrimination against Muslims.

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