Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I have been in Austria on a number of occasions and I departed each time with more fond memories.
I thank you, Mr. Secretary-General, Ambassador Lamberto Zannier, and Dr. Gernot Erler, Representative of the German Chairmanship-in-Office, for the kind invitation extended to me to take part in this important gathering of 57 Member States, covering a vast expanse of the world, from Vancouver to Vladivostok.
My sincere appreciation also goes to the Austrian Ministry of Foreign affairs and OSCE staff for all the facilities provided…