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OSCE Flags. Credit: OSCE/Mikhail Evstafiev

Helsinki Commission Hearing Reviews Bulgaria’s Leadership of the OSCE

Members

Hon. Christopher Smith

Chairman

Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe

Hon. Ben Nighthorse Campbell

Co-Chairman

Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe

Hon. Benjamin Cardin

Commissioner

Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe

Hon. Alcee Hastings

Commissioner

Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe

Witnesses

His Excellency Solomon Passy

Bulgarian Minister of Foriegn Affairs, OSCE Chairman in Office

OSCE

His Excellency Solomon Passy, Foreign Minister of Bulgaria and Chair-in-Office of the OSCE testified in front of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, chaired by the Honorable Christopher Smith (NJ-04).  Passy’s testimony regarded the OSCE’s program for 2004 under Bulgaria’s leadership.

Passy stated that implementations of OSCE commitments would top the agenda for Bulgaria’s Chairmanship of the OSCE. The hearing covered the conflict in Chechnya; OSCE efforts to resolve the Transdniestrian conflict and “frozen conflicts” in the Caucasus; OSCE efforts to combat anti-Semitism and human trafficking; the situation in Central Asia; and promoting respect for human rights and democratic values throughout the OSCE region.  Passy also spoke about Bulgaria’s experience with its own transition to democracy and its ongoing human rights efforts.

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