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Porto, 6 December 2002 Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a particular pleasure and honour to attend this 10th OSCE Ministerial Council in the hospitable city of Porto. Last year in Bucharest we made significant decisions that improved OSCE’s operational capabilities and fostered its role as a forum for political dialogue and co-operation. Today we are here to evaluate our accomplishments and to direct our future steps toward meeting new challenges and tasks. Stronger than ever we stand united in our will and endeavours to counter international terrorism in all its forms. Today we consider adopting a Charter on Preventing and Combating Terrorism that will better define OSCE’s stance on this important issue. In fighting terrorism, the OSCE, alongside with other organisations, has taken its part of responsibility that was translated into concrete actions by its relevant bodies and instruments. In addition to national measures, Lithuania has contributed to the international activities by taking initiatives in the framework of the Council of Europe, and organising the international conference on promotion of entering into force of the UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime. Lithuania’s participation with its Special Forces in the operation ‘Enduring Freedom’ in Afghanistan also testifies to our lasting commitment to fight terrorism.Mr. Chairman,Addressing new threats to security and stability that we face in the XXI century demands an adaptation of our instruments. I am confident that the proposed Annual Security Review Conference could become one of the best tools at our disposal, provided it is used with a clear vision of purpose and a concentration on real threats and challenges, without duplication of the existing structures.The challenges of today have become equally global and regional. Trans-national organised crime, illegal migration or human trafficking cannot be tackled either by a single state, or through global approaches alone. Lithuania sees a great benefit of regional co-operation, as a factor for consolidating democratic stability. A regional approach adds flexibility, adaptability and a possibility of rapid action. Last May the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe adopted Vilnius Declaration on Regional co-operation and the consolidation of Democratic Stability in Greater Europe. Based on our proposal and the financial contribution, a special account has been established for the regional co-operation programs. This might be applicable for OSCE as well, which already facilitates regional co-operation in various fields.Mr. Chairman,A comprehensive approach to security, involving all three dimensions, remains a clear advantage to the OSCE. Lithuania endorses the strengthening of its economic and environmental dimension. In the politico-military dimension, the first year of the successful implementation of the Open Skies Treaty is a major achievement. I thank all members for accepting Lithuania’s application to join this instrument of transparency. Within the Trans-Atlantic Area, the Baltic Sea Region has long become a hub of stability and confidence, and, hopefully, it could serve as a source of inspiration for other regions, for instance with regard to bilateral CSBMs or intensive military-to-military co-operation. Mr. Chairman, Our efforts to enhance confidence and security among states need to go in parallel with full respect for human rights and democratic standards.We remain seriously concerned over the situation with regard to human rights, democracy and rule of law in Belarus. Over the recent several years the Advisory and Monitoring Group in Minsk has been very instrumental in its work geared to strengthening of civil society and encouraging the respect for human rights. We urge the authorities in Minsk to reconsider their current policies and to start taking constructive steps of co-operation with the OSCE, as it is the only way to solve the impasse regarding the functioning of the AMG. Lithuania remains committed to continuation with our counterparts in Belarus of such projects as election monitoring and freedom of the media.The protracted delays and setbacks in fulfilling appropriate OSCE commitments can hurt the credibility of our Organisation, thereby putting its efficiency under the question. To avoid that, we all have to invest the maximum of political will and determination in practical efforts in coping with the remaining problems. The decisions taken by the Heads of States and Governments in Istanbul should be fully respected.Mr. Chairman,In conclusion, I would like to join my colleagues in thanking Portugal for the co-ordination of our work in 2002, and in wishing the Netherlands all the best in their capacity of the Chairmanship-in-Office next year.Thank you.