Dispatch Supplements, 1990-93
US Department of State Dispatch Supplement
VOL. 2, NO 1, March 1991
Title: CSCE Charter of Paris: 1990
Date: Nov 21, 199011/21/90
Category: Treaties/Agreements
Region: Europe, E/C Europe
Country: Germany, United States, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Canada, Denmark, Spain, France, United Kingdom,
Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg,
Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania,
Czechoslovakia (former), Turkey, USSR (former)
Subject: International Law, Arms Control,
Security Assistance and Sales, Trade/Economics,
Democratization, Human Rights,
Environment, Cultural Exchange
Summary of the Charter of Paris
On November 21, 1990, the leaders of the 34 participating states of
the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) signed
the Charter of Paris, ending the era of confrontation between East
and West. In the charter, the CSCE members underlined their
commitment to basing future relations on respect and cooperation
and to achieving a new era of democracy, peace, and unity. The
charter consists of three parts: a statement of principles and goals,
guidelines for the future, and provisions for strengthening the CSCE
politically and institutionally.
The statement of principles and goals:
-- Reaffirms the original principles of the Helsinki Final Act
set out in 1975, which have served as a basis for all CSCE
cooperation;
-- Endorses democracy and the rule of law;
-- Promotes principles of market economics and sound
environmental policies;
-- Pledges to maintain friendly relations among all
participating states;
-- Welcomes the security measures taken under the Treaty on
Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) and the negotiations on
confidence- and security-building measures (CSBMs); and
-- Notes with satisfaction German unification.
Guidelines for the future include:
-- Scheduling of two additional CSCE experts' meetings on
national minorities (Geneva) and democratic institution-building
(Oslo) beyond the 1991 meetings already set on the peaceful
settlement of disputes (Valletta), culture (Krakow), and
human rights (Moscow);
-- A call for continued negotiations on CSBMs and CFE, as
well as conclusion of a convention on
chemical weapons;
-- Reaffirmation of the importance of "open skies";
-- Reiteration of the need for market principles in the
economies
of CSCE states;
-- Recognition of the need for improvements in environmental
cooperation;
-- Emphasis on enhanced co-operation in cultural matters;
and
-- Reaffirmation of the vital role played by non-governmental
organizations in the CSCE process.
The provisions for strengthening CSCE include:
-- Regular meetings of the newly created CSCE council of
ministers at least once a year and comprehensive review meetings
every 2 years, to be combined with biennial summits;
-- Establishment of a small CSCE secretariat in Prague;
-- Creation of a CSCE conflict prevention center in Vienna;
-- Establishment of an office for free elections in Warsaw;
and
-- Endorsement of a CSCE parliamentary assembly, details of
which will be worked out by parliamentarians from CSCE states.
Text: The Charter of Paris for a New Europe
A NEW ERA OF DEMOCRACY, PEACE AND UNITY
We, the Heads of State or Government of the States participating in
the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe have
assembled in Paris at a time of profound change and historic
expectations. The era of confrontation and division of Europe has
ended. We declare that henceforth our relations will be founded on
respect and co-operation.
Europe is liberating itself from the legacy of the past. The
courage of men and women, the strength of the will of the peoples
and the power of the ideas of the Helsinki Final Act have opened a
new era of democracy, peace and unity in Europe.
Ours is a time for fulfilling the hopes and expectations our
peoples have cherished for decades: steadfast commitment to
democracy based on human rights and fundamental freedoms;
prosperity through economic liberty and social justice; and equal
security for all our countries.
The Ten Principles of the Final Act will guide us towards this
ambitious future, just as they have lighted our way towards better
relations for the past fifteen years. Full implementation of all
CSCE commitments must form the basis for the initiatives we are
now taking to enable our nations to live in accordance with their
aspirations.
Human Rights, Democracy and Rule of Law
We undertake to build, consolidate and strengthen democracy as the
only system of government of our nations. In this endeavour, we
will abide by the following:
Human rights and fundamental freedoms are the birthright of
all human beings, are inalienable and are guaranteed by law. Their
protection and promotion is the first responsibility of government.
Respect for them is an essential safeguard against an over-mighty
State. Their observance and full exercise are the foundation of
freedom, justice and peace.
Democratic government is based on the will of the people,
expressed regularly through free and fair elections. Democracy has
as its foundation respect for the human person and the rule of law.
Democracy is the best safeguard of freedom of expression,
tolerance of all groups of society and equality of opportunity for
each person.
Democracy, with its representative and pluralist character,
entails accountability to the electorate, the obligation of public
authorities to comply with the law and justice administered
impartially. No one will be above the law.
We affirm that, without discrimination, every individual has
the right to:
-- Freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief,
-- Freedom of expression,
-- Freedom of association and peaceful assembly,
-- Freedom of movement;
no one will be:
-- Subject to arbitrary arrest or detention,
-- Subject to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading
treatment or punishment; everyone also has the right:
-- To know and act upon his rights,
-- To participate in free and fair elections,
-- To fair and public trial if charged with an offence,
-- To own property alone or in association and to exercise
individual enterprise,
-- To enjoy his economic, social and cultural rights.
We affirm that the ethnic, cultural, linguistic and religious
identity of national minorities will be protected and that persons
belonging to national minorities have the right freely to express,
preserve and develop that identity without any discrimination and
in full equality before the law.
We will ensure that everyone will enjoy recourse to effective
remedies, national or international, against any violation of his
rights.
Full respect for these precepts is the bedrock on which we
will seek to construct the new Europe.
Our States will co-operate and support each other with the
aim of making democratic gains irreversible.
Economic Liberty and Responsibility
Economic liberty, social justice and environmental responsibility
are indispensable for prosperity.
The free will of the individual, exercised in democracy and
protected by the rule of law, forms the necessary basis for
successful economic and social development. We will promote
economic activity which respects and upholds human dignity.
Freedom and political pluralism are necessary elements in our
common objective of developing market economies towards
sustainable economic growth, prosperity, social justice, expanding
employment and efficient use of economic resources. The success
of the transition to market economy by countries making efforts to
this effect is important and in the interest of us all. It will enable
us to share a higher level of prosperity which is our common
objective. We will co-operate to this end.
Preservation of the environment is a shared responsibility of
all our nations. While supporting national and regional efforts in
this field, we must also look to the pressing need for joint action
on a wider scale.
Friendly Relations among Participating States
Now that a new era is dawning in Europe, we are determined to
expand and strengthen friendly relations and co-operation among
the States of Europe, the United States of America and Canada, and
to promote friendship among our peoples.
To uphold and promote democracy, peace and unity in Europe,
we solemnly pledge our full commitment to the Ten Principles of
the Helsinki Final Act. We affirm the continuing validity of the Ten
Principles and our determination to put them into practice. All the
Principles apply equally and unreservedly, each of them being
interpreted taking into account the others. They form the basis for
our relations.
In accordance with our obligations under the Charter of the
United Nations and commitments under the Helsinki Final Act, we
renew our pledge to refrain from the threat or use of force against
the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, or
from acting in any other manner inconsistent with the principles or
purposes of those documents. We recall that non-compliance with
obligations under the Charter of the United Nations constitutes a
violation of international law.
We reaffirm our commitment to settle disputes by peaceful
means. We decide to develop mechanisms for the prevention and
resolution of conflicts among the participating States.
With the ending of the division of Europe, we will strive for a
new quality in our security relations while fully respecting each
other's freedom of choice in that respect. Security is indivisible
and the security of every participating State is inseparably linked
to that of all the others. We therefore pledge to co-operate in
strengthening confidence and security among us and in promoting
arms control and disarmament.
We welcome the Joint Declaration of Twenty-Two States on
the improvement of their relations.
Our relations will rest on our common adherence to democratic
values and to human rights and fundamental freedoms. We are
convinced that in order to strengthen peace and security among our
States, the advancement of democracy and respect for and effective
exercise of human rights, are indispensable. We reaffirm the equal
rights of peoples and their right to self-determination in
conformity with the Charter of the United Nations and with the
relevant norms of international law, including those relating to
territorial integrity of States.
We are determined to enhance political consultation and to
widen co-operation to solve economic, social, environmental,
cultural and humanitarian problems. This common resolve and our
growing interdependence will help to overcome the mistrust of
decades, to increase stability and to build a united Europe.
We want Europe to be a source of peace, open to dialogue and to
co-operation with other countries, welcoming exchanges and
involved in the search for common responses to the challenges of
the future.
Security
Friendly relations among us will benefit from the consolidation of
democracy and improved security.
We welcome the signature of the Treaty on Conventional Armed
Forces in Europe by twenty-two participating States, which will
lead to lower levels of armed forces. We endorse the adoption of a
substantial new set of Confidence- and Security-Building Measures
which will lead to increased transparency and confidence among all
participating States. These are important steps towards enhanced
stability and security in Europe.
The unprecedented reduction in armed forces resulting from
the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, together with
new approaches to security and co-operation within the CSCE
process, will lead to a new perception of security in Europe and a
new dimension in our relations. In this context we fully recognize
the freedom of States to choose their own security arrangements.
Unity
Europe whole and free is calling for a new beginning. We invite our
peoples to join in this great endeavour.
We note with great satisfaction the Treaty on the Final
Settlement with respect to Germany signed in Moscow on
12 September 1990 and sincerely welcome the fact that the German
people have united to become one State in accordance with the
principles of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Co-
operation in Europe and in full accord with their neighbours. The
establishment of the national unity of Germany is an important
contribution to a just and lasting order of peace for a united,
democratic Europe aware of its responsibility for stability, peace
and co-operation.
The participation of both North American and European States
is a fundamental characteristic of the CSCE; it underlies its past
achievements and is essential to the future of the CSCE process. An
abiding adherence to shared values and our common heritage are the
ties which bind us together. With all the rich diversity of our
nations, we are united in our commitment to expand
our co-operation in all fields. The challenges confronting us can
only be
met by common action, co-operation and solidarity.
The CSCE and the World
The destiny of our nations is linked to that of all other nations. We
support fully the United Nations and the enhancement of its role in
promoting international peace, security and justice. We reaffirm
our commitment to the principles and purposes of the United
Nations as enshrined in the Charter and condemn all violations of
these principles. We recognize with satisfaction the growing role
of the United Nations in world affairs and its increasing
effectiveness, fostered by the improvement in relations among our
States.
Aware of the dire needs of a great part of the world, we
commit ourselves to solidarity with all other countries. Therefore,
we issue a call from Paris today to all the nations of the world. We
stand ready to join with any and all States in common efforts to
protect and advance the community of fundamental human values.
GUIDELINES FOR THE FUTURE
Proceeding from our firm commitment to the full implementation of
all CSCE principles and provisions, we now resolve to give a new
impetus to a balanced and comprehensive development of our co-
operation in order to address the needs and aspirations of our
peoples.
Human Dimension
We declare our respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms
to be irrevocable. We will fully implement and build upon the
provisions relating to the human dimension of the CSCE.
Proceeding from the Document of the Copenhagen Meeting of
the Conference on the Human Dimension, we will co-operate to
strengthen democratic institutions and to promote the application
of the rule of law. To that end, we decide to convene a seminar of
experts in Oslo from 4 to 15 November 1991.
Determined to foster the rich contribution of national
minorities to the life of our societies, we undertake further to
improve their situation. We reaffirm our deep conviction that
friendly relations among our peoples, as well as peace, justice,
stability and democracy, require that the ethnic, cultural, linguistic
and religious identity of national minorities be protected and
conditions for the promotion of that identity be created. We declare
that questions related to national minorities can only be
satisfactorily resolved in a democratic political framework. We
further acknowledge that the rights of persons belonging to national
minorities must be fully respected as part of universal human
rights. Being aware of the urgent need for increased co-operation
on, as well as better protection of, national minorities, we decide
to convene a meeting of experts on national minorities to be held in
Geneva from 1 to 19 July 1991.
We express our determination to combat all forms of racial
and ethnic hatred, anti-semitism, xenophobia and discrimination
against anyone as well as persecution on religious and ideological
grounds.
In accordance with our CSCE commitments, we stress that free
movement and contacts among our citizens as well as the free flow
of information and ideas are crucial for the maintenance and
development of free societies and flourishing cultures. We
welcome increased tourism and visits among our countries.
The human dimension mechanism has proved its usefulness,
and we are consequently determined to expand it to include new
procedures involving, inter alia, the services of experts or a roster
of eminent persons experienced in human rights issues which could
be raised under the mechanism. We shall provide, in the context of
the mechanism, for individuals to be involved in the protection of
their rights. Therefore, we undertake to develop further our
commitments in this respect, in particular at the Moscow Meeting
of the Conference on the Human Dimension, without prejudice to
obligations under existing international instruments to which our
States may be parties.
We recognize the important contribution of the Council of
Europe to the promotion of human rights and the principles of
democracy and the rule of law as well as to the development of
cultural co-operation. We welcome moves by several participating
States to join the Council of Europe and adhere to its European
Convention on Human Rights. We welcome as well the readiness of
the Council of Europe to make its experience available to the CSCE.
Security
The changing political and military environment in Europe opens
new possibilities for common efforts in the field of military
security. We will build on the important achievements attained in
the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe and in the
Negotiations on Confidence- and Security-Building Measures. We
undertake to continue the CSBM negotiations under the same
mandate, and to seek to conclude them no later than the Follow-up
Meeting of the CSCE to be held in Helsinki in 1992. We also
welcome the decision of the participating States concerned to
continue the CFE negotiation under the same mandate and to seek to
conclude it no later than the Helsinki Follow-up Meeting. Following
a period for national preparations, we look forward to a more
structured co-operation among all participating States on security
matters, and to discussions and consultations among the thirty-four
participating States aimed at establishing by 1992, from the
conclusion of the Helsinki Follow-up Meeting, new negotiations on
disarmament and confidence and security building open to all
participating States.
We call for the earliest possible conclusion of the Convention
on an effectively verifiable, global and comprehensive ban on
chemical weapons, and we intend to be original signatories to it.
We reaffirm the importance of the Open Skies initiative and
call for the successful conclusion of the negotiations as soon as
possible.
Although the threat of conflict in Europe has diminished, other
dangers threaten the stability of our societies. We are determined
to co-operate in defending democratic institutions against
activities which violate the independence, sovereign equality or
territorial integrity of the participating States. These include
illegal activities involving outside pressure, coercion and
subversion.
We unreservedly condemn, as criminal, all acts, methods and
practices of terrorism and express our determination to work for
its eradication both bilaterally and through multilateral co-
operation. We will also join together in combating illicit
trafficking in drugs.
Being aware that an essential complement to the duty of
States to refrain from the threat or use of force is the peaceful
settlement of disputes, both being essential factors for the
maintenance and consolidation of international peace and security,
we will not only seek effective ways of preventing, through
political means, conflicts which may yet emerge, but also define, in
conformity with international law, appropriate mechanisms for the
peaceful resolution of any disputes which may arise. Accordingly,
we undertake to seek new forms of co-operation in this area, in
particular a range of methods for the peaceful settlement of
disputes, including mandatory third-party involvement. We stress
that full use should be made in this context of the opportunity of
the meeting on the peaceful settlement of disputes which will be
convened in Valletta at the beginning of 1991. The Council of
Ministers for Foreign Affairs will take into account the Report of
the Valletta Meeting.
Economic Co-operation
We stress that economic co-operation based on market economy
constitutes an essential element of our relations and will be
instrumental in the construction of a prosperous and united Europe.
Democratic institutions and economic liberty foster economic and
social progress, as recognized in the Document of the Bonn
Conference on Economic Co-operation, the results of which we
strongly support.
We underline that co-operation in the economic field, science
and technology is now an important pillar of the CSCE. The
participating States should periodically review progress and give
new impulses in these fields.
We are convinced that our overall economic co-operation
should be expanded, free enterprise encouraged and trade increased
and diversified according to GATT rules. We will promote social
justice and progress and further the welfare of our peoples. We
recognize in this context the importance of effective policies to
address the problem of unemployment.
We reaffirm the need to continue to support democratic
countries in transition towards the establishment of market
economy and the creation of the basis for self-sustained economic
and social growth, as already undertaken by the Group of twenty-
four countries. We further underline the necessity of their
increased integration, involving the acceptance of disciplines as
well as benefits, into the international economic and financial
system.
We consider that increased emphasis on economic co-operation
within the CSCE process should take into account the interests of
developing participating States.
We recall the link between respect for and promotion of human
rights and fundamental freedoms and scientific progress. Co-
operation in the field of science and technology will play an
essential role in economic and social development. Therefore, it
must evolve towards a greater sharing of appropriate scientific and
technological information and knowledge with a view to overcoming
the technological gap which exists among the participating States.
We further encourage the participating States to work together in
order to develop human potential and the spirit of free enterprise.
We are determined to give the necessary impetus to co-
operation among our States in the fields of energy, transport and
tourism for economic and social development. We welcome, in
particular, practical steps to create optimal conditions for the
economic and rational development of energy resources, with due
regard for environmental considerations.
We recognize the important role of the European Community in
the political and economic development of Europe. International
economic organizations such as the Economic Commission for
Europe of the United Nations (ECE/UN), the Bretton Woods
Institutions, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and
Development (OECD), the European Free Trade Association (EFTA)
and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) also have a
significant task in promoting economic co-operation, which will be
further enhanced by the establishment of the European Bank for
Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). In order to pursue our
objectives, we stress the necessity for effective co-ordination of
the activities of these organizations and emphasize the need to find
methods for all our States to take part in these activities.
Environment
We recognize the urgent need to tackle the problems of the
environment and the importance of individual and co-operative
efforts in this area. We pledge to intensify our endeavours to
protect and improve our environment in order to restore and
maintain a sound ecological balance in air, water and soil.
Therefore, we are determined to make full use of the CSCE as a
framework for the formulation of common environmental
commitments and objectives, and thus to pursue the work reflected
in the Report of the Sofia Meeting on the Protection of the
Environment.
We emphasize the significant role of a well-informed society
in enabling the public and individuals to take initiatives to improve
the environment. To this end, we commit ourselves to promote
public awareness and education on the environment as well as the
public reporting of the environmental impact of policies, projects
and programmes.
We attach priority to the introduction of clean and low-waste
technology, being aware of the need to support countries which do
not yet have their own means for appropriate measures.
We underline that environmental policies should be supported
by appropriate legislative measures and administrative structures
to ensure their effective implementation.
We stress the need for new measures providing for the
systematic evaluation of compliance with the existing
commitments and, moreover, for the development of more ambitious
commitments with regard to notification and exchange of
information about the state of the environment and potential
environmental hazards. We also welcome the creation of the
European Environment Agency (EEA).
We welcome the operational activities, problem-oriented
studies and policy reviews in various existing international
organizations engaged in the protection of the environment, such as
the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the Economic
Commission for Europe of the United Nations (ECE/UN) and the
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
We emphasize the need for strengthening their co-operation and for
their efficient co-ordination.
Culture
We recognize the essential contribution of our common European
culture and our shared values in overcoming the division of the
continent. Therefore, we underline our attachment to creative
freedom and to the protection and promotion of our cultural and
spiritual heritage, in all its richness and diversity.
In view of the recent changes in Europe, we stress the
increased importance of the Cracow Symposium and we look
forward to its consideration of guidelines for intensified co-
operation in the field of culture. We invite the Council of Europe to
contribute to this Symposium.
In order to promote greater familiarity amongst our peoples,
we favour the establishment of cultural centres in cities of other
participating States as well as increased co-operation in the audio-
visual field and wider exchange in music, theatre, literature and the
arts.
We resolve to make special efforts in our national policies to
promote better understanding, in particular among young people,
through cultural exchanges, co-operation in all fields of education
and, more specifically, through teaching and training in the
languages of other participating States. We intend to consider first
results of this action at the Helsinki Follow-up Meeting in 1992.
Migrant Workers
We recognize that the issues of migrant workers and their families
legally residing in host countries have economic, cultural and social
aspects as well as their human dimension. We reaffirm that the
protection and promotion of their rights, as well as the
implementation of relevant international obligations, is our
common concern.
Mediterranean
We consider that the fundamental political changes that have
occurred in Europe have a positive relevance to the Mediterranean
region. Thus, we will continue efforts to strengthen security and
co-operation in the Mediterranean as an important factor for
stability in Europe. We welcome the Report of the Palma de
Mallorca Meeting on the Mediterranean, the results of which we all
support.
We are concerned with the continuing tensions in the region,
and renew our determination to intensify efforts towards finding
just, viable and lasting solutions, through peaceful means, to
outstanding crucial problems, based on respect for the principles of
the Final Act.
We wish to promote favourable conditions for a harmonious
development and diversification of relations with the non-
participating Mediterranean States. Enhanced co-operation with
these States will be pursued with the aim of promoting economic
and social development and thereby enhancing stability in the
region. To this end, we will strive together with these countries
towards a substantial narrowing of the prosperity gap between
Europe and its Mediterranean neighbours.
Non-Governmental Organizations
We recall the major role that non-governmental organizations,
religious and other groups and individuals have played in the
achievement of the objectives of the CSCE and will further
facilitate their activities for the implementation of the CSCE
commitments by the participating States. These organizations,
groups and individuals must be involved in an appropriate way in the
activities and new structures of the CSCE in order to fulfil their
important tasks.
NEW STRUCTURES AND INSTITUTIONS OF THE CSCE
PROCESS
Our common efforts to consolidate respect for human rights,
democracy and the rule of law, to strengthen peace and to promote
unity in Europe require a new quality of political dialogue and co-
operation and thus development of the structures of the CSCE.
The intensification of our consultations at all levels is of
prime importance in shaping our future relations. To this end, we
decide on the following:
-- We, the Heads of State or Government, shall meet next time
in Helsinki on the occasion of the CSCE Follow-up Meeting 1992.
Thereafter, we will meet on the occasion of subsequent follow-up
meetings.
-- Our Ministers for Foreign Affairs will meet, as a Council,
regularly and at least once a year. These meetings will provide the
central forum for political consultations within the CSCE process.
The Council will consider issues relevant to the Conference on
Security and Co-operation in Europe and take appropriate decisions.
-- The first meeting of the Council will take place in Berlin.
-- A Committee of Senior Officials will prepare the meetings
of the Council and carry out its decisions. The Committee will
review current issues and may take appropriate decisions, including
in the form of recommendations to the Council.
-- Additional meetings of the representatives of the
participating States may be agreed upon to discuss questions of
urgent concern.
-- The Council will examine the development of provisions for
convening meetings of the Committee of Senior Officials in
emergency situations.
-- Meetings of other Ministers may also be agreed by the
participating States.
-- In order to provide administrative support for these
consultations we establish a Secretariat in Prague.
-- Follow-up meetings of the participating States will be held,
as a rule, every two years to allow the participating States to take
stock of developments, review the implementation of their
commitments and consider further steps in the CSCE process.
-- We decide to create a Conflict Prevention Centre in Vienna
to assist the Council in reducing the risk of conflict.
-- We decide to establish an Office for Free Elections in
Warsaw to facilitate contacts and the exchange of information on
elections within participating States.
-- Recognizing the important role parliamentarians can play in
the CSCE process, we call for greater parliamentary involvement in
the CSCE, in particular through the creation of a CSCE parliamentary
assembly, involving members of parliaments from all participating
States. To this end, we urge that contacts be pursued at
parliamentary level to discuss the field of activities, working
methods and rules of procedure of such a CSCE parliamentary
structure, drawing on existing experience and work already
undertaken in this field.
-- We ask our Ministers for Foreign Affairs to review this
matter on the occasion of their first meeting as a Council.
***
Procedural and organizational modalities relating to certain
provisions contained in the Charter of Paris for a New Europe are
set out in the Supplementary Document which is adopted together
with the Charter of Paris.
We entrust to the Council the further steps which may be
required to ensure the implementation of decisions contained in the
present document, as well as in
the Supplementary Document, and to consider further efforts for the
strengthening of security and co-operation in Europe. The Council
may adopt any amendment to the Supplementary Document which it
may deem appropriate.
The original of the Charter of Paris for a New Europe, drawn up
in English, French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish, will be
transmitted to the Government of the French Republic, which will
retain it in its archives. Each of the participating States will
receive from the Government of the French Republic a true copy of
the Charter of Paris.
The text of the Charter of Paris will be published in each
participating State, which will disseminate it and make it known as
widely as possible.
The Government of the French Republic is requested to
transmit to the Secretary-General of the United Nations the text of
the Charter of Paris for a New Europe, which is not eligible for
registration under Article 102 of the Charter of the United Nations,
with a view to its circulation to all the members of the
Organization as an official document of the United Nations.
The Government of the French Republic is also requested to
transmit the text of the Charter of Paris to all the other
international organizations mentioned in the text.
Wherefore, we, the undersigned High Representatives of the
participating States, mindful of the high political significance we
attach to the results of the Summit Meeting, and declaring our
determination to act in accordance with the provisions we have
adopted, have subscribed our signatures below:
Done at Paris, on 21 November 1990, in the name of
[signatures]
The Federal Republic of Germany
Helmut Kohl
Federal Chancellor
The United States of America
George H. W. Bush
President of the United States of America
The Republic of Austria
Franz Vranitzky
Federal Chancellor
The Kingdom of Belgium
Wilfried Martens
Prime Minister
The Republic of Bulgaria
Jelyu Jelev
President of the Republic
Canada
Martin Brian Mulroney
Prime Minister
The Republic of Cyprus
George Vassiliou
President
The Kingdom of Denmark
Poul Schluter
Prime Minister
The Kingdom of Spain
Felipe Gonzalez Marquez
Prime Minister
The Republic of Finland
Mauno Koivisto
President
The French Republic
Francois Mitterrand
President of the French Republic
The United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Northern Ireland
The Rt. Hon. Margaret Thatcher, F.R.S., M.P.
Prime Minister, First Lord of the Treasury and Minister
The Hellenic Republic
Constantin Mitsotakis
Prime Minister
The Republic of Hungary
Jozsef Antall
Prime Minister
Ireland
Charles J. Haughey, T.D.
Taoiseach
The Republic of Iceland
Steingrimur Hermannsson
Prime Minister
The Italian Republic
Giulio Andreotti
President of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic and in
his capacity as current President of the Council of the European
Communities
The Principality of Liechtenstein
Hans Brunhart
Head of Government
The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Jacques Santer
Prime Minister, Stateminister
Malta
Edward Fenech Adami
Prime Minister
The Principality of Monaco
Jean Ausseil
Minister of State of the Principality
The Kingdom of Norway
Gro Harlem Brundtland
Prime Minister
The Kingdom of the Netherlands
Ruud F.M. Lubbers
Prime Minister
The Republic of Poland
Tadeusz Mazowiecki
President of the Council of Ministers
The Portuguese Republic
Anibal Cavaco Silva
Prime Minister
Romania
Ion Iliescu
President of Romania
The Republic of San Marino
Gabriele Gati
Secretary of State for Foreign and Political Affairs
The Holy See
Son Eminence
Le Cardinal Agostino Casaroli
Secretary of State of His Holiness
The Kingdom of Sweden
Ingvar Carlsson
Prime Minister
The Swiss Confederation
Arnold Koller
President of the Confederation, Head of the Federal Department of
Justice and Police
The Czech and Slovak
Federal Republic
Vaclav Havel
President of the Czech and Slovak
Federal Republic
The Republic of Turkey
Turgut Ozal
President of the Republic of Turkey
The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
M. Gorbachev
President of the Union of
Soviet Socialist Republics
The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
Borisav Jovic
President of the Presidency of the Socialist Federal Republic of
Yugoslavia
Supplementary Document To Give Effect To Certain
Provisions Contained in the Charter Of Paris for a New
Europe
Procedures and organizational modalities relating to certain
provisions contained in the Charter of Paris for a New Europe,
signed in Paris on 21 November 1990, are set out below.
I. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS
A. THE COUNCIL
1. The Council, consisting of Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the
participating States, provides the central forum for regular
political consultations within the CSCE process.
2. The Council will:
-- Consider issues relevant to the Conference on Security and
Co-operation in Europe and take appropriate decisions;
-- Prepare the meetings of Heads of State or Government of
the participating States and implement tasks defined and decisions
taken by these meetings.
3. The Council will hold meetings regularly and at least once a
year.
4. The participating States may agree to hold additional
meetings of the Council.
5. The Chair throughout each meeting of the Council will be
taken by the representative of the host country.
6. An agenda for the meetings of the Council, including
proposals for the venue--on a basis of rotation--and date of the
next meeting, will be prepared by the Committee of Senior
Officials.
B. THE COMMITTEE OF SENIOR OFFICIALS
1. A Committee of Senior Officials will prepare the work of the
Council, carry out its decisions, review current issues and consider
future work of the CSCE including its relations with other
international fora.
2. In order to prepare the agenda of the meetings of the
Council, the Committee will identify the issues for discussion on
the basis of suggestions submitted by the participating States. The
Committee will finalize a draft agenda shortly before the meeting
of the Council
3. Each participating State will establish a point of contact
which will be used to transmit suggestions for the work of the
Committee to the Secretariat for collection and circulation and to
facilitate communication between the Secretariat and each
participating State.
4. Each meeting of the Committee will be chaired by a
representative of the State whose Foreign Minister had been
Chairman at the preceding Council meeting. Meetings will be
convened by the Chairman of the Committee after consultation with
the participating States.
Meetings of the Committee will be held at the seat of the
Secretariat and will not exceed two days, unless otherwise agreed.
Meetings immediately preceding a meeting of the Council will be
held at the venue of the Council meeting.
5. Due to practical considerations, the first meeting of the
Committee will be held in Vienna from 28 to 29 January 1991. It
will be chaired by the representative of Yugoslavia.
C. EMERGENCY MECHANISM
The Council will discuss the possibility of establishing a
mechanism for convening meetings of the Committee of Senior
Officials in emergency situations.
D. FOLLOW-UP MEETINGS
Follow-up meetings of the participating States will be held as a
rule every two years. Their duration will not exceed three months,
unless otherwise agreed.
E. THE CSCE SECRETARIAT
1. The Secretariat will:
-- Provide administrative support to the meetings of the
Council and of the Committee of Senior Officials;
-- Maintain an archive of CSCE documentation and circulate
documents as requested by the participating States;
-- Provide information in the public domain regarding the CSCE
to individuals, NGOs, international organizations and non-
participating States;
-- Provide support as appropriate to the Executive Secretaries
of CSCE summit meetings, follow-up meetings and intersessional
meetings.
2. The Secretariat will carry out other tasks assigned to it by
the Council or the Committee of Senior Officials.
3. In order to carry out the tasks specified above, the
Secretariat will consist of the following staff:
-- A Director, responsible to the Council through the
Committee of Senior Officials;
-- Three Officers who will be in charge of organization of
meetings (including protocol and security), documentation and
information, financial and administrative matters. In addition to
these functions, the Director may assign other duties within the
framework of the tasks of the Secretariat;
-- Administrative and technical personnel, recruited by the
Director.
F. THE CONFLICT PREVENTION CENTRE (CPC)
1. The Conflict Prevention Centre (CPC) will assist the Council
in reducing the risk of conflict. The Centre's functions and
structure are described below.
2. During its initial stage of operations the Centre's role will
consist in giving support to the implementation of CSBMs such as:
-- Mechanism for consultation and co-operation as regards
unusual military activities;
-- Annual exchange of military information;
-- Communications network;
-- Annual implementation assessment meetings;
-- Co-operation as regards hazardous incidents of a military
nature.
3. The Centre might assume other functions and the above
tasks are without prejudice to any additional tasks concerning a
procedure for the conciliation of disputes as well as broader tasks
relating to dispute settlement, which may be assigned to it in the
future by the Council of the Foreign Ministers.
Consultative Committee
4. The Consultative Committee, composed of representatives
from all participating States, will be responsible to the Council. As
a rule, these representatives will be the Heads of Delegation to the
CSBM negotiations until the Helsinki Follow-up Meeting. The
Consultative Committee will:
-- Hold the meetings of the participating States which may be
convened under the mechanism on unusual military activities;
-- Hold the annual implementation assessment meetings;
-- Prepare seminars on military doctrine and such other
seminars as may be agreed by the participating States;
-- Supervise the Secretariat of the Centre;
-- Provide the forum for discussion and clarification, as
necessary, of information exchanged under agreed CSBMs;
-- Have overall responsibility for the communications network
within the mandate of the CPC.
5. The Consultative Committee will work according to CSCE
procedures. It will determine its own work programme and may
decide to hold additional meetings. Meetings of the participating
States, convened at the request of one or more participating States
according to the procedures concerning unusual military activities,
will be organized by the Director of the CPC Secretariat. Until the
appointment of the Director this function will be carried out by the
Executive Secretary of the CSBM negotiations.
Secretariat
6. The Secretariat will carry out the tasks assigned to it by the
Consultative Committee to which it will be responsible. In
particular, it will establish and maintain a data bank, for use of all
participating States, compiled on the basis of exchanged military
information under agreed CSBMs and will publish Yearbooks on that
basis.
7. The Secretariat will consist of the following staff:
-- A Director;
-- Two officers in charge of organization of meetings
(including protocol and security), communication, documentation
and information, financial and administrative matters;
-- Administrative and technical personnel recruited by the
Director.
* * *
8. The first meeting of the Consultative Committee of the
Conflict Prevention Centre will be convened on 3 December 1990
and chaired by Yugoslavia.
G. THE OFFICE FOR FREE ELECTIONS
1. The function of the Office for Free Elections will be to
facilitate contacts and the exchange of information on elections
within participating States. The Office will thus foster the
implementation of paragraphs 6, 7 and 8 of the Document of the
Copenhagen Meeting of the Conference on the Human Dimension of
the CSCE (the relevant provisions are contained in Annex I).
2. To this end, the Office will:
-- Compile information, including information provided by the
competent authorities of the participating States, on the dates,
procedures and official results of scheduled national elections
within participating States, as well as reports of election
observations, and provide these on request to governments,
parliaments and interested private organizations;
-- Serve to facilitate contact among governments, parliaments
or private organizations wishing to observe elections and
competent authorities of the States in which elections are to take
place;
-- Organize and serve as the venue for seminars or other
meetings related to election procedures and democratic institutions
at the request of the participating States.
3. The Office will take into account the work of and co-
operate with other institutions active in this field.
4. The Office will carry out other tasks assigned to it by the
Council.
5. The Office's personnel will be composed of:
-- A Director, who will be responsible to the Council through
the Committee of Senior Officials;
-- An Officer;
-- Administrative and technical personnel recruited by the
Director of the Office.
H. PROCEDURES AND MODALITIES CONCERNING CSCE
INSTITUTIONS
Staffing Arrangements
1. The director of each institution will be of senior rank,
seconded by his/her government and appointed by the Council to a
three-year, non-renewable term, on a basis of rotation.
2. In the event that the director can no longer fulfil his
functions, the Chairman of the Council will, after consultation with
the participating States, appoint a temporary director until the next
meeting of the Council.
3. The officers will be seconded by their governments. Their
terms of office will normally last two years. An extension of one
year may be agreed upon by the director and the participating State
seconding the officer.
4. The appointment of officers will be based on a system of
rotation which will follow the French alphabetical order. The
beginning of the rotation will be determined by lot for each position
in the institution. Vacant positions will be offered to the
participating States following this order until the position is filled.
5. No participating State will have its nationals occupy more
than one seconded position in the CSCE institutions, unless no other
participating State is willing to second its national to a vacant
position.
6. Each officer will be nominated by the participating State
concerned after consultation with the director who will then make
the appointment.
7. Administrative and technical personnel will be contracted
by the director of the institution. Arrangements will be made, as
required, for interpretation and translation services.
8. The director of each institution will determine its working
arrangements.
9. Staff will be accredited by the seconding State to the host
country where they will enjoy full diplomatic status.
Costs
10. The costs:
-- Of seconded personnel will be borne by the seconding
country;
-- Of installation of the CSCE institutions will be shared
according to CSCE procedures;
-- Of operation, including cost of official travel of staff once
appointed, will be shared according to CSCE procedures;
-- Of the premises of the institution as well as the necessary
security arrangements including those for meetings held at the seat
of the institution, will be borne by the host country.
* * *
11. The host countries undertake to enable the institutions to
function fully and enter into contractual and financial obligations
and to accord them appropriate diplomatic status.
* * *
12. In order to function effectively, CSCE institutional
structures created by the Summit will require agreed
administrative, financial and personnel arrangements.
13. To this end a panel, chaired by the Executive Secretary of
the Preparatory Committee and composed of the Executive
Secretaries of the Paris Summit and of the New York Meeting of
Foreign Ministers, as well as the representatives of the host
countries of the new CSCE institutions, will submit a report and
proposals to participating States by the end of December 1990.
This report and these proposals will be considered by an ad hoc
group of experts of the participating States who will meet in
Vienna under the responsibility of the Committee of Senior
Officials from 14 to 18 January 1991 and make final
recommendations on the above. This meeting will be convened and
chaired by the representative of the State chairing the Committee
of Senior Officials.
14. The Committee of Senior Officials will consider these
recommendations and take the necessary decisions at its first
meeting.
The first director of each institution will be nominated by the
first meeting of the Committee of Senior Officials and confirmed by
the Council through a silence procedure within one week. The
Executive Secretariat of the CSBM negotiations in Vienna will
provide services for the first meeting of the Consultative
Committee of the CPC and for the first meeting of the Committee of
Senior Officials.
15. The CSCE Secretariat, the Conflict Prevention Centre and
the Office for Free Elections are accountable to the Council which
is empowered to determine their tasks and methods of operation.
Arrangements relating to the procedures, modalities and the
locations of these institutions may be reviewed at the Helsinki
Follow-up Meeting.
I. COMMUNICATIONS
The Council, acting upon recommendation of the Consultative
Committee and of the Committee of Senior Officials, as
appropriate, may decide that the communication network,
established as part of the agreement on additional CSBMs, be used
for other CSCE-related purposes.
J. APPLICATION OF CSCE RULES OF PROCEDURE
The rules of procedure, working methods, the scale of distribution
of expenses and other modalities of the CSCE will be applied
mutatis mutandis, unless otherwise decided.
II. MEETINGS OF EXPERTS
A. SEMINAR OF EXPERTS ON DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS
The Seminar of Experts on Democratic Institutions will be held in
Oslo from Monday, 4 November 1991 to Friday, 15 November 1991.
Its purpose is to hold discussions of ways and means of
consolidating and strengthening viable democratic institutions in
participating States, including comparative studies of legislation
on human rights and fundamental freedoms, drawing inter alia upon
the experience acquired by the Council of Europe and the activities
of the Commission "Democracy through Law."
The agenda, timetable and other organizational modalities are
set out in Annex II.
B. MEETING OF EXPERTS ON NATIONAL MINORITIES
The Meeting of Experts on National Minorities will be held in Geneva
from Monday, 1 July 1991 to Friday, 19 July 1991. Its purpose is to
hold a thorough discussion on the issue of national minorities and of
the rights of persons belonging to them, with due attention to the
diversity of situations and to the legal, historical, political and
economic backgrounds. It will include:
-- An exchange of views on practical experience, in particular
on national legislation, democratic institutions, international
instruments and other possible forms of co-operation;
-- A review of the implementation of the relevant CSCE
commitments and consideration of the scope for the improvement of
relevant standards;
-- A consideration of new measures aimed at improving the
implementation of the aforementioned commitments.
The agenda, timetable and other organizational modalities are
set out in Annex III.
III. FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS OF THE CSCE AND COST-EFFECTIVENESS
1. The Committee of Senior Officials will keep the cost-
effectiveness of CSCE institutions, activities and personnel under
review and report to the Council.
2. The following scale of distribution will be effective as of
22 November 1990:
Country Per cent
France 9.1
Germany 9.1
Italy 9.1
Union of Soviet Socialist Republics 9.1
United Kingdom 9.1
United States of America 9.1
Canada 5.5
Belgium 3.6
Netherlands 3.6
Poland 3.6
Spain 3.6
Sweden 3.6
Austria 2.1
Czech and Slovak Federal Republic 2.1
Denmark 2.1
Finland 2.1
Hungary 2.1
Norway 2.1
Switzerland 2.1
Greece 0.83
Romania 0.83
Turkey 0.83
Yugoslavia 0.83
Bulgaria 0.62
Ireland 0.62
Luxembourg 0.62
Portugal 0.62
Cyprus 0.20
Holy See 0.20
Iceland 0.20
Liechtenstein 0.20
Malta 0.20
Monaco 0.20
San Marino 0.20
100.00
ANNEX I
(6) The participating States declare that the will of the people,
freely and fairly expressed through periodic and genuine elections,
is the basis of the authority and legitimacy of all government. The
participating States will accordingly respect the right of their
citizens to take part in the governing of their country, either
directly or through representatives freely chosen by them through
fair electoral processes. They recognize their responsibility to
defend and protect, in accordance with their laws, their
international human rights obligations and their international
commitments, the democratic order freely established through the
will of the people against the activities of persons, groups or
organizations that engage in or refuse to renounce terrorism or
violence aimed at the overthrow of that order or of that of another
participating State.
(7) To ensure that the will of the people serves as the basis
of the authority of government, the participating States will
(7.1) -- Hold free elections at reasonable intervals, as
established by law;
(7.2) -- Permit all seats in at at least one chamber of the
national legislature to be freely contested in a popular vote;
(7.3) -- Guarantee universal and equal suffrage to adult
citizens;
(7.4) -- Ensure that votes are cast by secret ballot or by
equivalent free voting procedure, and that they are counted and
reported honestly with the official results made public;
(7.5) -- Respect the right of citizens to seek political or
public office, individually or as representatives of political parties
or organizations, without discrimination;
(7.6) -- Respect the right of individuals and groups to
establish, in full freedom, their own political parties or other
political organizations and provide such political parties and
organizations with the necessary legal guarantees to enable them to
compete with each other on a basis of equal treatment before the
law and by the authorities;
(7.7) -- Ensure that law and public policy work to permit
political campaigning to be conducted in a fair and free atmosphere
in which neither administrative action, violence nor intimidation
bars the parties and the candidates from freely presenting their
views and qualifications, or prevents the voters from learning and
discussing them or from casting their vote free of fear of
retribution;
(7.8) -- Provide that no legal or administrative obstacle
stands in the way of unimpeded access to the media on a non-
discriminatory basis for all political groupings and individuals
wishing to participate in the electoral process;
(7.9) -- Ensure that candidates who obtain the necessary
number of votes required by law are duly installed in office and are
permitted to remain in office until their term expires or is
otherwise brought to an end in a manner that is regulated by law in
conformity with democratic parliamentary and constitutional
procedures.
(8) The participating States consider that the presence of
observers, both foreign and domestic, can enhance the electoral
process for States in which elections are taking place. They
therefore invite observers from any other CSCE participating States
and any appropriate private institutions and organizations who may
wish to do so to observe the course of their national election
proceedings, to the extent permitted by law. They will also
endeavour to facilitate similar access for election proceedings held
below the national level. Such observers will undertake not to
interfere in the electoral proceedings."
ANNEX II
SEMINAR OF EXPERTS ON DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS
I. Agenda
1. Formal opening of the Seminar. Address by a representative
of the host country.
2. Opening statements by representatives of the participating
States.
3. Contributions by the Council of Europe and the Commission
"Democracy through Law."
4. Discussion of ways and means of consolidating
strengthening viable democratic institutions in participating
States, including comparative studies of legislation on human
rights and fundamental freedoms, drawing inter alia upon the
experience acquired by the Council of Europe and the activities of
the Commission "Democracy through Law."
5. Closing statements by representatives of the participating
States and summing up.
6. Formal closure of the Seminar.
II. Timetable and other organizational modalities
1. The Seminar will open on Monday, 4 November 1991, at 3 p.m.,
in Oslo. It will close on Friday, 15 November 1991.
2. All Plenary Meetings will be open. The meetings of the
Study Groups will be closed.
3. Agenda items 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 will be dealt with in the
Plenary.
4. Agenda item 4 will be dealt with in the Plenary as well as
in the following three Study Groups:
Study Group A:
-- Constitutional reforms
-- The rule of law and independent courts
-- Division of Power between legislative, executive and
judicial authorities
Study Group B:
-- The organization of elections
-- The organization of political parties
-- The organization of independent non-governmental
Organizations (trade unions, employers' organization)
-- The role of the media
Study Group C:
-- Comparative studies of legislation in the area of human
rights and fundamental freedoms.
5. Meetings of the Plenary and of the Study Groups will be held
according to the attached work programme. The work programme
may be modified by consensus.
Opening statements by representatives of the participating
States should, as a rule, not exceed 12 minutes per delegation and
will be held in the following order: Switzerland, Iceland, Sweden,
Poland, Portugal, Holy See, Finland, Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus,
Turkey, Germany, United States of America, San Marino, Monaco,
Czech and Slovak Federal Republic, Luxembourg, Romania, Ireland,
Liechtenstein, United Kingdom, Greece, France, Denmark, Belgium,
Yugoslavia, Canada, Norway, Malta, Spain, Union of Soviet Socialist
Republics, Netherlands, Italy, Hungary.
6. Prior to the opening of the Seminar delegations are
encourage to circulate through the Executive Secretariat written
contributions on the issues to be dealt with in the Study Groups.
7. The Council of Ministers will take into account the summing
up carried out under Agenda item 5.
8. At the opening and closing Plenary Meetings, the Chair will
be taken by a representative of the host country. After the opening
Plenary Meeting, the Chair will be taken in daily rotation, in French
alphabetical order, starting with a representative of the United
States of America.
9. The Chair at the opening meetings of the Study Groups will
be taken by a representative of the host country. Thereafter, the
Chair will be taken in daily rotation, in French alphabetical order
starting:
-- In Study Group A with a representative of Monaco;
-- In Study Group B with a representative of Romania;
-- In Study Group C with a representative of Malta.
10. In conformity with paragraph 74 of the Final
Recommendations of the Helsinki Consultations, the Government of
Norway will designate an Executive Secretary. This designation
will be subject to approval by the participating States.
11. The other rules of procedure, the working methods and the
scale of distribution of the expenses of the CSCE will, mutatis
mutandis, be applied to the Seminar.
Statement by President Bush, Paris, France, November 21,
1990
In signing the Charter of Paris this morning, we have closed a
chapter of history. The Cold War is over.
The Cold War began as battle of ideas, between two different
views of how to organize and govern society. The document I signed
this morning signifies an end to this struggle. It says that the
nations of East and West, Europe and North America, agree that
democracy and respect for human rights is the way of the future.
This is not empty rhetoric. The governments of Europe have signed
up to details -- on what rights they will protect, on how to run free
elections, and on how they will respect the rule of law.
Now our task is to put CSCE to work, giving it more practical
missions, particularly in strengthening the new democracies of
Central and Eastern Europe and fostering stability after a year of
revolutionary change. We have supported the creation of new CSCE
institutions to help do the job.
A free Europe must have a secure foundation. That is why I am
so pleased about the conclusion of the CFE Treaty 2 days ago, the
most important arms control agreement in the history of this
continent. This treaty fulfills one of the most important goals of
my presidency. I have long felt that reducing the burden of
conventional armaments in Europe was paramount for stability. The
CFE Treaty will redraw the military map of Europe. It ends the
military imbalance that has cast such a long shadow over the
continent for nearly half a century.
As the Cold War ends, we are looking ahead, to using the
success of our ideals in Europe to help create a broader
commonwealth of freedom based on the principles I described in
Prague and Paris. When I visited Czechoslovakia, we celebrated the
anniversary of that country's liberation, a revolution animated by
those same principles. During the last 2 years we have passed
through a crossroads here in Europe, and together we chose a course
for Europe's future.
During these past few days, I met with the 34 leaders of the
CSCE states and talked separately with Chancellor Kohl, President
Mitterrand, Prime Minister Thatcher, Prime Minister Lubbers,
President Gorbachev, President Ozal, Prime Minister Mazowiecki,
and Prime Minister Mitsotakis. We all spoke of our hopes for the
new world that is emerging, hopes symbolized by the conference we
concluded here today. We talked of a world that is no longer divided
between East and West, a world where the principles CSCE members
agreed to today count for something.
President Havel governs a country that faces grave economic
troubles, and the Gulf crisis has hit his people hard. But when asked
how he thought the issue should be settled, he said:
"Czechoslovakia has made it clear on a number of occasions that it
is necessary to resist evil, that is is necessary to resist
aggression, because our own history has taught us ample lessons
about the consequences of appeasement." The United States has
learned these lessons, too, and our resolve in defending what we
hold dear has made possible the triumph we celebrate today in
Paris.
Joint Declaration of Twenty-Two States
Signed in Paris by the heads of state or government of 22 states,
November 19, 1990.
The Heads of State or Government of Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, the
Czech and Slovak Federal Republic, Denmark, France, Germany,
Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands,
Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Turkey, the Union of
Soviet Socialist Republics, the United Kingdom and the United
States of America.
greatly welcoming the historic changes in Europe,
gratified by the growing implementation throughout Europe of a
common commitment to pluralist democracy, the rule of law and
human rights, which are essential to lasting security on the
continent,
affirming the end of the era of division and confrontation which has
lasted for more than four decades, the improvement in relations
among their countries and the contribution this makes to the
security of all,
confident that the signature of the Treaty on Conventional Armed
Forces in Europe represents a major contribution to the common
objective of increased security and stability in Europe, and
convinced that these developments must form part of a continuing
process of co-operation in building the structures of a more united
continent,
Issue the following Declaration:
1. The signatories solemnly declare that, in the new era of
European relations which is beginning, they are no longer
adversaries, will build new partnerships and extend to each other
the hand of friendship.
2. They recall their obligations under the Charter of the United
Nations and reaffirm all of their commitments under the Helsinki
Final Act. They stress that all of the ten Helsinki Principles and of
primary significance and that, accordingly, they will be equally and
unreservedly applied, each of them being interpreted taking into
account the others. In that context, they affirm their obligation and
commitment to refrain from the threat or use of force against the
territorial integrity or the political independence of any State,
from seeking to change existing borders by threat or use of force,
and from acting in any other manner inconsistent with the
principles and purposes of those documents. None of their weapons
will ever be used except in self-defence or otherwise in accordance
with the Charter of the United Nations.
3. They recognize that security is indivisible and that the
security of each of their countries is inextricably linked to the
security of all the States participating in the Conference on
Security and Co-operation in Europe.
4. They undertake to maintain only such military capabilities
as are necessary to prevent war and provide for effective defence.
They will bear in mind the relationship between military
capabilities and doctrines.
5. They reaffirm that every State has the right to be or not to
be a party to a treaty of alliance.
6. They note with approval the intensification of political and
military contacts among them to promote mutual understanding and
confidence. They welcome in this context the positive responses
made to recent proposals for new regular diplomatic liaison.
7. They declare their determination to contribute actively to
conventional, nuclear and chemical arms control and disarmament
agreements which enhance security and stability for all. In
particular, they call for the early entry into force of the Treaty on
Conventional Armed Forces in Europe and commit themselves to
continue the process of strengthening peace in Europe through
conventional arms control within the framework of the CSCE. They
welcome the prospect of new negotiations between the United
States and the Soviet Union on the reduction of their short-range
nuclear forces.
8. They welcome the contribution that confidence- and
security-building measures have made to lessening tensions and
fully support the further development of such measures. They
reaffirm the importance of the "Open Skies" initiative and their
determination to bring the negotiations to a successful conclusion
as soon as possible.
9. They pledge to work together with the other CSCE
participating States to strengthen the CSCE process so that it can
make an even greater contribution to security and stability in
Europe. They recognize in particular the need to enhance political
consultations among CSCE participants and to develop other CSCE
mechanisms. They are convinced that the Treaty on Conventional
Armed Forces in Europe and agreement on a substantial new set of
CSBMs, together with new patterns of co-operation in the
framework of the CSCE, will lead to increased security and thus to
enduring peace and stability in Europe.
10. They believe that the preceding points reflect the deep
longing of their peoples for close co-operation and mutual
understanding and declare that they will work steadily for the
further development of their relations in accordance with the
present Declaration as well as with the principles set forth in the
Helsinki Final Act.
The original of this Declaration of which the English, French,
German, Italian, Russian and Spanish texts are equally authentic
will be transmitted to the Government of France which will retain
it in its archives. The Government of France is requested to
transmit the text of the Declaration to the Secretary-General of the
United Nations, with a view to its circulation to all the members of
the organization as an official document of the United Nations,
indicating that it is not eligible for registration under Article 102
of the Charter of the United Nations. Each of the signatory States
will receive from the Government of France a true copy of this
Declaration.
In witness whereof the undersigned High Representatives have
subscribed their signatures below.
[signatures]
The Federal Republic of Germany
Helmut Kohl
Federal Chancellor
The United States of America
George H. W. Bush
President of the United States of America
The Kingdom of Belgium
Wilfried Martens
Prime Minister
The Republic of Bulgaria
Jelyu Jelev
President of the Republic
Canada
Martin Brian Mulroney
Prime Minister
The Kingdom of Denmark
Poul Schluter
Prime Minister
The Kingdom of Spain
Felipe Gonzalez Marquez
Prime Minister
The French Republic
Francois Mitterrand
President of the French Republic
The United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Northern Ireland
The Rt. Hon. Margaret Thatcher, F.R.S., M.P.
Prime Minister, First Lord of the Treasury and Minister
The Hellenic Republic
Constantin Mitsotakis
Prime Minister
The Republic of Hungary
Jozsef Antall
Prime Minister
The Republic of Iceland
Steingrimur Hermannsson
Prime Minister
The Italian Republic
Giulio Andreotti
Prime Minister
The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Jacques Santer
Prime Minister, Stateminister
The Kingdom of Norway
Gro Harlem Brundtland
Prime Minister
The Kingdom of the Netherlands
Ruud F.M. Lubbers
Prime Minister
The Republic of Poland
Tadeusz Mazowiecki
President of the Council of Ministers
The Portuguese Republic
Anibal Cavaco Silva
Prime Minister
Romania
Ion Iliescu
President of Romania
The Czech and Slovak
Federal Republic
Vaclav Havel
President of the Czech and Slovak
Federal Republic
The Republic of Turkey
Turgut Ozal
President of the Republic of Turkey
The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
M. Gorbachev
President of the Union of
Soviet Socialist Republics
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