A delegation from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) was visiting Exercise Amber Hope at the Pabradė training area.
OSCE observers showed interest to observe how Lithuania is hosting this event and better to understand how Exercise Amber Hope will positively impact on the overall mission of the organisation. Lithuania became a member of the OSCE in 1992 and took over the Chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe in 2010.
"We will work towards building a true security community, without dividing lines, where commitments are implemented, the use of force is unthinkable, and human rights and fundamental freedoms are fully respected," said Audronius Ažubalis, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Lithuania, and the new Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE.
With 56 States from Europe, Central Asia and North America, the OSCE is the world's largest regional security organization. It offers a forum for political negotiations and decision-making in the fields of early warning, conflict prevention, crisis management and post-conflict rehabilitation.
The OSCE has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human aspects. It therefore addresses a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, confidence and security-building measures, human rights, national minorities, democratization, policing strategies, counter-terrorism and economic and environmental activities. All 56 participating states enjoy equal status, and decisions are taken by consensus on a political, but not legally binding basis.
The Participation of Lithuanian troops in Exercise Amber Hope 2011 demonstrates Lithuania's commitment to contributing to international peace and security and also creates conditions that support Lithuania in political, military and technological areas.
Text and pictures by Captain Jean-François Lambert (Canadian Forces) (1,2 ), Public information center Exercise Amber Hope 2011, Alfredas Pliadis (3), Lithuanian MOD
For more information about the Exercise:
http://kariuomene.kam.lt/en/ah11.html
www.facebook.com/GintarineViltis
The points of contact for Exercise Amber Hope 2011 are:
In the Pabradės Training Area - Capt Mindaugas Neimontas, Head of Media Operations Section, cell phone 00370 640 45 380, e-mail neimontas@gmail.com
