The proto-OSCE - called Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE) - was created mediate between Europe and the Soviet Union in the cold war - to "serve as a multilateral forum for dialogue and negotiation between East and West." Western European countries wanted to reduce tensions, encourage economic collaboration and improvements in human rights for the people of the communist countries. Mandate and role

1. Works under the UN Charter
2. Specializes in crisis management, post-conflict rehabilitation and conflict prevention

Membership

1. 56 participating states are from Europe, Asia and North America
2. Partners for Co-operation are from the Mediterranean and Asia

Fast Facts

1. 1973: Established as CSCE:
2. 1994: Renamed OSCE
3. Secretariat: Vienna, Austria
4. Members: 56 participating states
5. Partners for co-operation: 11
6. Decisions are by consensus, but not legally binding
7. The OSCE's Secretariat is in Vienna, Austria
8. Satellite offices: Warsaw, Copenhagen, Prague, Geneva, and The Hague
9. OSCE Chairmanship is held by a different country yearly.
10. Secretary General: M. P. de Brichambaut
11. Chairman-in-Office: Ilkka Kanerva
12. Politico-Military Dimension: arms control, terrorism, border management, policing
13. Economic and Environmental Dimension: economic, environmental activities
14. Human Dimension: anti-trafficking, elections, media freedom, human rights