Lithuania is taking over the chairmanship in the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe from the next year. In the beginning of December Lithuania took over the chairmanship from Kazakhstan in Astana.

“The aim of the Lithuanian chairmanship in OSCE – said the President Dalia Grybauskaite in Astana – is to make that the organisation didn’t drowse away … and to remind that it may be useful for all, not only for the problematic regions, but also for the relatively quiet Europe, where not everything is all right”. Subsequently, within the framework of the chairmanship, Dalia Grybauskaite is planning to visit the region in Caucasus in the first part of the year – it has been agreed already with the heads of the states. “Also, may be Moldova. We have talked with the authorities of Kyrgyzstan, and hope to visit it in summer next year”, noted Grybauskaite.

The Lithuanian leader noted: “We have less potential in comparison to large countries. And we have chosen the tactics of concentration not on resources, but on organising the activities of the secretariat in the most efficient way leading to better results. In general, said the President, I personally prefer doing less in OSCE, but specifically and most importantly – done”.

The official presentation of Lithuania, as the Chairman of OSCE, will be held on 13 January 2011 in the capital of Austria Vienna. According to the words of the Head of the MFA of Lithuania Audronis Ažubalis, this date has been selected not without purpose. “it is symbolic, - said Ažubalis, - that a country, which went through the nightmare of the 13 January 1991 in Vilnius, after exactly 20 years takes over the chairmanship of one of the largest organisations in the world. It is important that people in our country could see what a significant road we have passed, despite our continuous complaints and groans”.

So, in 2011 Lithuania starts chairmanship in OSCE, in 2012 – Ireland will lead the organisation, and the Ukraine will be at the head of the club of 56 states in 2013.

Material has been prepared by the Centre of Geopolitical Studies with reference to the article from « Радио Свобода» of 08 12  2010

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