FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 2, 1999
CONTACT: Lisette McSoud Mondello
SENATOR KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON NAMED TO
COMMISSION
ON EUROPEAN SECURITY
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) has been named to the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, the only formal security organization in Europe that includes both the United States and Russia.
The Helsinki Commission is responsible for oversight of the Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). OSCE is currently guaranteeing the October peace agreement in Kosovo and is involved in a host of other strategic security matters in Europe.
Senator Hutchison said her priority on the commission will be to strengthen the security relationship between the United States and her European allies.
"It is important to ensure that the United States can maintain its global superpower responsibilities while assisting Europe's efforts to maintain regional security," the Senator said.
"I am pleased that Senator Hutchison has agreed to bring her unique insight and expertise on a range of foreign policy matters to this important position," Majority Leader Trent Lott said. "The Senate and the entire nation will benefit from her work on the Commission."
The U.S. delegation to the commission is made up of nine members from the U.S. Senate, nine members from the House of Representatives, and one representative each from the U.S. Departments of State, Defense and Commerce.
The commission, which provides a forum on security, economic and human rights issues, was created as part of the Helsinki Final Act, a 1975 agreement among 35 nations; 54 nations now participate.
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