Courtesy Bernhard J. Holzner Tolerance and Non-discrimination ODIHR Director Ambassador Janez Lenarčič (left), Ambassador Ferdinand Trauttmansdorff of the Austrian Foreign Ministry and Prof. Yehuda Bauer at a meeting on combating anti-Semitism in the OSCE region, Vienna, 10 November 2008. 54 importance of consultations with participating States in the phases preceding and following legislative reviews. They were also made possible by the willingness of participating States to ask ODIHR for assistance and engage in a constructive dialogue. In order to further examine and raise awareness about manifestations of intolerance and discrimination against Christians, including violations of religious freedoms, ODIHR convened a small expert meeting to develop an agenda and framework for a larger roundtable meeting scheduled to take place in early 2009. The Advisory Panel completed a trainingseminar module on freedom of religion or belief for government officials, civil society and religious communities. Preparations were made to start assessment visits in participating States interested in holding training sessions or seminars on this issue. In order to discuss the future work and priorities of the Advisory Panel, an annual meeting of the Advisory Council, which included an informal briefing for the delegations of the participating States, was held on 6-8 February in Vienna. Annual Report 2008 Members of ODIHR’s Advisory Panel also participated in the HDIM, both by providing input to the sessions on freedom of religion or belief and to the discussion of OSCE commitments related to the right to the establishment, attendance and protection of places of worship. The experts also participated at key national and international meetings related to freedom of religion or belief to liaise with other relevant national and international organizations and agencies and to co-ordinate activities relating to freedom of religion or belief. VI. Establishing Increased Cooperation Betweeh ODIHR and other Key InterGovernmental Partners According to its tasking, ODIHR continued its close co-operation with other OSCE institutions. This included close collaboration with the Personal Representatives of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office in their efforts to raise awareness about OSCE commitments related to tolerance and non-discrimination, and through followup with governments on their implementation. ODIHR also maintained close co-operation