Zannier: Opportunity for positive mediating role

VIENNA - Serbia, which is set to formally assume chairmanship of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) on Thursday, has an opportunity to play the positive, but complex role of a fair mediator, OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier said in Vienna on Wednesday.

Speaking to Serbian reporters who are in Vienna for the start of the Serbian chairmanship, Zannier noted the traditionally good relations between Russia and Serbia, as well as the fact that Serbia has strong European prospects.

Zannier added that he will strive to help the new OSCE chair.

Ukraine remains the biggest challenge for OSCE, but other issues - including relations in the Balkan region - will also be on the agenda, he said.

The decision on the Swiss and Serbian consecutive chairmanships in 2014 and 2015 was taken three years ago at the OSCE headquarters in Vienna.

Serbia is thus to become the first former Yugoslav state to chair the organisation, with Germany to take over next year.

Photo Tanjug Video, camera operator Ivan Pavlovic