1. Keep the Chairmanship in perspective.
- Author
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Kemp, Walter
- Subjects
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AUTHORITY , *INTERNATIONAL law , *SOCIAL role , *POLITICAL leadership , *HUMAN rights , *ROLE expectation , *POLITICAL debates , *DEBATE , *ORGANIZATIONAL change ,HISTORY of Kazakhstan, 1991- - Abstract
The issue of whether or not Kazakhstan should become the Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE is one of the hottest debates the Organization has seen for some time. It is controversial, not least because of Kazakhstan's human rights record. But whatever one may think about Kazakhstan, let us be clear about what they can and cannot do in their role as the OSCE Chairmanship-in-Office. Some opponents of the Kazakh bid — including the article by Mr. Thames in this issue of the journal — leave the impression that it is dangerous to put a country like Kazakhstan in charge of Europe for a year. Just think of how they would abuse this position of power! Well, a careful reading of the Chairmanship's mandate and a short conversation with any former Chairman-in-Office would demonstrate that the Chairmanship's powers are very limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2007
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