The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Audronius Azubalis, outlined the goals of the country’s 2011 OSCE Chairmanship and highlighted common challenges faced by the OSCE and UN in an address to the UN Security Council.

Among other issues, Mr. Azubalis expressed concern over growing tensions in Nagorno Karabakh.

“The OSCE role in pursuing a settlement of this prolonged conflict through greater engagement by the Co-Chairs of the Minsk Group will be maintained. I will invite the conflict parties to implement confidence-building measures, including immediate withdrawal of snipers from the Line of Contact, and strengthening OSCE monitoring activities.”

Azubalis stressed that the Chairmanship will work to reduce tensions and build trust among affected communities in the South Caucasus: “We will urge all participants to take full advantage of the Geneva framework to develop measures to improve security and alleviate humanitarian needs,“

He underlined the importance of co-operation between the UN and OSCE in maintaining regional peace and security, OSCE said on its website.