The OSCE needs to focus on the issues where it can make a real difference, including solving the region's frozen conflicts, the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, newly appointed Finnish Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb, told the Organization's Permanent Council today.

"We must seriously look for solutions to the so-called frozen conflicts. My aim is to re-energize efforts towards peaceful settlement of these conflicts," said the Chairman-in-Office. "I sincerely hope that the efforts of the Finnish Chairmanship are met with constructive engagement by all parties. I continue to support the existing negotiation mechanisms, including the OSCE Minsk Group and its Co-Chairs."

The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, which is working to find a solution for the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, are France, Russia and the United States.

Stubb, who was appointed as Foreign Minister of Finland on 4 April, also expressed concern over recent incidents in Nagorno Karabakh and South Ossetia and appealed to all parties to refrain from violence.

The Chairman emphasized the work of the OSCE in Kosovo, and the value of its continued involvement there. He also highlighted the Organization's initiatives in Central Asia, and the OSCE's decision to enhance its engagement with Afghanistan, the OSCE communication unit reports.