OSCE ready to serve as platform for improving US-Russia ties



VIENNA (dpa) - The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) could host bilateral talks between its members Russia and the United States, the new head of the regional group, Thomas Greminger, said on Monday.
The Swiss diplomat assumed the post of OSCE chief last month, amid heightened tensions between these two world powers over issues ranging from the conflicts in Ukraine and Syria to US allegations of Russian espionage.



"We are living in very challenging times," Greminger told reporters in Vienna, pointing to the current deep mistrust between East and West.
Greminger pointed to a new dialogue track that the OSCE has launched to defuse concerns about members' military doctrines and security threats.
"That is where I would see a lot of potential" regarding US-Russian talks, the new head of the 57-country security and pro-democracy organization said.
In addition, the OSCE could set up other, informal channels for talks, he added.
Greminger also pointed out, however, that Washington has not posted a new envoy to the OSCE since the new US administration took office in January.
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Tuesday, September 5th 2017
dpa
           


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