29 January
Speaker of the Seimas Arūnas Valinskas met with President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE PA) Joåo Soares on his visit to Lithuania.
The Head of the Seimas was notably glad about the fact that the OSCE PA summer session would be held in Vilnius from 29 June to 3 July.
“We have been carefully preparing for the session, and I can state that it will be the most prominent event in the history of Lithuanian parliament,” said Mr. Valinskas.
The Speaker promised due reception of the participants of the session.
Mr. Valinskas and Mr. Soares touched upon the most important issues to be included on the agenda of the approaching OSCE PA session. Focus will be given to security initiatives and the global economic crisis – one of the most relevant challenges the world faces today. The session will assess the implementation of OSCE objectives and fulfilment of obligations by participating States, and discuss subjects addressed during meetings of the OSCE Ministerial Council and summit meetings of OSCE Heads of State. It will also discuss the development and promotion of mechanisms for the prevention and resolution of conflicts, and the strengthening and consolidation of democratic institutions in OSCE participating States, and will touch upon human rights issues.
“With regard to the challenges and tasks we have been facing lately, we will have an in-depth political discussion. I’m pleased to hear that Vilnius will receive the representatives of as many as 56 OSCE participating States, from Vancouver to Vladivostok. Lithuania’s experience in strengthening democracy is very important to us,” Mr. Soares commented.
After the meeting, the Speaker of the Seimas and OSCE President signed the agreement concerning the organisation of the 18th annual OSCE PA session in Vilnius this summer.
Spokesperson to the Seimas Speaker Indrė Viržintė
