Italy's OSCE presidency to focus on migration next year

By Askin Kiyagan

VIENNA

Mediterranean migration will be the focus of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) next year, Italian Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano said Thursday.

Italy takes over the chairmanship of the body from Austria next year and Alfano outlined his priorities at the OSCE headquarters in Vienna.

He highlighted terrorism and the migration crisis as the most serious threats to Europe.

“The Mediterranean, a small sea for some, maybe just a pool, but for some there is a formation that threatens the peace and security of Europe and the world,” he said.

Alfano added that the crisis should be faced “not only from [a] security perspective but also by fighting against discrimination and intolerance”.

The OSCE is made up of 57 participating states and addresses issues such as conflict prevention, economic development, the sustainable use of natural resources and respect for human rights.

Reporting by Askin Kiyagan; Writing by Ilker Girit