MUNICH, Germany, Feb. 9 (UPI) -- The head of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe has called for a new dialogue to address ongoing security concerns in the region.
Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, the OSCE chairperson-in-office, said it is critical that leaders in Europe focus on facilitating dialogue in order to move security issues forward. Bakoyannis, speaking in Germany at the Munich Conference on Security Policy, said resuming OSCE humanitarian operations in Georgia is a top priority, the OSCE reported.
The OSCE mission in Georgia ended in January after a refusal by Russia to extend the organization's mandate in the country. Bakoyannis called for a fresh engagement on security issues in Europe.
"There appears to be widespread consensus that, to say the least, we need to engage in a dialogue on security issues," Bakoyannis said in a statement.
"We must not waste any time and move forward with the toolbox that we have in our hands. ... A major challenge for our chairmanship is the continuation of the OSCE work in Georgia. We are convinced that the volatile situation on the ground requires more and not less OSCE presence."
