COPENHAGEN, 5 September 2019 – OSCE PA President George Tsereteli (Georgia) was in Copenhagen this week for a series of meetings at the International Secretariat, the Danish Parliament (Folketinget), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Topics of discussion included the PA’s schedule of autumn activities, including the Marrakech Autumn Meeting, scheduled for 4-6 October, PA participation in the upcoming Silk Road Support Group meeting and the OSCE Human Dimension Implementation Meeting, and visits to a number of OSCE participating States.
Roberto Montella and George Tsereteli (right) meeting with members of the Danish delegation at the Folketing, 3 September 2019Joined in meetings at the Folketing by Secretary General Roberto Montella and Deputy Secretary General Gustavo Pallares, President Tsereteli thanked the Danish Delegation for its continued support to the Assembly, noting that as the host of the International Secretariat, Denmark is the single biggest contributor to the OSCE PA’s budget. Tsereteli also expressed appreciation for Head of Delegation Peter Juel Jensen’s new role as Assembly Treasurer. The sides discussed plans for next month’s Autumn Meeting in Marrakech, being held under the theme “Promoting Security Across the Euro-Mediterranean Region: The Role of the OSCE and its Partners.”
At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the sides discussed climate change, ongoing conflicts in the OSCE area including in Ukraine, OSCE PA work in the human dimension, and the situation in Georgia. Discussion also focused largely on the consensus rule in the OSCE and how this can be misused to block action and create gridlock. Tsereteli noted that it has been a longstanding recommendation of the PA to explore possibilities for modifying the consensus rule.
On Wednesday, Tsereteli participated in an all-staff meeting at the International Secretariat. He spoke to the staff about his upcoming activities as well as the work of the OSCE PA Special Representatives and new appointments he has made. Tsereteli emphasized the importance of maintaining gender balance in the PA and discussed new ideas he is developing.
