NEW SECURITY LEARNING

OCSE/Sarah Crozier

The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe has appointed a new Secretary General at a critical time for the organisation. Lamberto Zannier, of Italy, who was selected in a unanimous Ministerial Council decision by all fifty-six participating states. The position of General Secretary is for a three year term, after which he or she may be re-appointed for a further term.

Mr Zannier, who began his new job on the 1st July said

“I am honoured to assume the post of Secretary General of this Organisation that I know well and that has a key role to play in promoting our shared values and combating common security threats”

Mr Zannier has served as the United Nations Special Representative for Kosovo and was previously the Director of the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre in Vienna.

Commenting on the appointment, the Lithuanian Foreign Minister, Audronius Azubalis said:

“It is a critical time for OSCE participating State as we must address existing security challenges, including protracted conflicts in the region, prepare ourselves to effectively face new and emerging threats, and assume our wider responsibilities to support our partner countries, including Afghanistan and states in North Africa.”