NEW OSCE CHAIRMAN ON PRIORITIES IN 2003

VIENNA, Jan 13 (Hina) - Fighting terrorism, preventing cross- border organised crime, the trafficking in people, weapons and drugs and protecting security will be the main priorities of the Dutch presidency of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the new OSCE chairman and Dutch Foreign Minister, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, told members of the OSCE's Permanent Council in Vienna on Monday. #L# Democracy as good state governance is the key to preserving stability and security, Scheffer said. He stressed the importance of stregthening and keeping balance between the OSCE's three most important dimensions: human, economic-environmental and political-military, as well as their importance in the fight against terrorism and all forms of violence and crime. Scheffer expressed hope that the crisis in Moldova and Belorussia would be solved in a peaceful and diplomatic way. He supported the implementation of administrative reforms in the organisation with the aim of increasing its efficiency. The new OSCE chairman particularly welcomed the work of OSCE missions on the ground, stating that all members-states should see that the missions fulfil their obligations and promote security and stability in a more efficient way. (hina) rml