Statement by the Russian Delegation at he close of the Vienna summit of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, September 14th, 2007

Dear Mr. President,

On behalf of the Russian delegation I would like to mention the great usefulness of this high-level summit of the OSCE on victims of terrorism. We heard a lot of interesting ideas and proposals from other delegations, which we will certainly report to our concerned departments in order to put to use in Russia. I am confident that our experts have made concrete contributions to the coordination of international efforts in this important and humane issue, that is, the provision of assistance and protection of the interests of all who have suffered from terrorist attacks.

At the same time would like to see that, the next time you hold such meetings, that the organizers, and above all, the ODIHR, select participants from non-governmental organizations while guided by criteria of the readiness of these organization for constructive dialogue and an exchange of positive experiences, rather than a desire use the OSCE for unwarranted attacks, and often simple distortions of reality, against government agencies dedicated to combating terrorism.

We are outraged by yesterday's approval of one speaker who actually equates an anti-terrorist unit that rescued hostages, and at the same time dying in the process, with the terrorists who seized those hostages.

NGOs are an important part of civil society, but they should responsibly approach their role in solving the problems of victims of terrorism. Unfortunately, not all the NGOs came to this summit here for this end. Apparently those who sponsored and financed their attendance put other tasks before them. Namely, to arrange a political spectacle and prevent the consolidation of efforts of government and civil society in combating the scourge that is the terrorism.

Moreover, judging from their anti-Russian attitude, they desire to earn extra points for their sponsors through cheap provocations and hysterical screaming.

We insist that the OSCE take our comments into account and, in the future, not allow these kinds of unfortunate incidents to spoil the mood and atmosphere of sympathetic work by the OSCE.

 VE Titarenko