First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dačić, who is OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, attended  the conference “Europe in crisis: A call for a new dialogue 1975-2015: 40 years Helsinki Final Act”, held in the European Parliament on 17 November 2015. With the participation of Gianni Pittella, president of the S&D group, Aleksey Pushkov, chairman of the Committee on International Affairs of Russian State Duma, Michael Roth, Minister of State for Europe of Germany, members of the European Parliament, national parliaments and other speakers from Russia, Georgia, Moldova, Council of Europe and think-tanks, the conference highlighted the need for a new dialogue promoting security, economic cooperation and human rights.

In his introductory statement, first Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Dačić pointed out that Serbia's OSCE Chairmanship has marked this important anniversary in July in Helsinki and that it is important that anniversary also take place in the European Parliament. He expressed his believe that this reflects the awareness of the pivotal role played by the Helsinki Final Act in lessening tensions between Eastern and Western blocs, the affirmation of the concept of collective security and in overcoming divisions in Europe.

Minister Dačić reminded that earlier this year a terrorist attack on Charlie Hebdo satirical magazine has happened and that only a few days ago, we witnessed another unprecedented terror attack on the streets of Paris. Minister Dačić reiterated the strong condemnation of this act of terrorism and to offer our condolences to the families of victims. He stressed that the shock we feel in the face of such terror and extreme violence strengthens our resolve not to let them endanger the fundamental principles of democracy and human rights on which the OSCE and our societies rest, which are guarantors of security and peace for all.

Whole speech of Minister Dačić at the opening of the conference can be found here: http://www.mfa.gov.rs/en/press-service/statements/14857-osce-cio-dacic-participates-at-conference-marking-40th-anniversary-of-the-helsinki-final-act