-that the CSO Vienna Group be empowered to activate the Mechanism under paragraph 13, and that it also be empowered to take follow-up action under par. 11; - that the CSO or Vienna Group review all mission reports. In discussion of the CSCE missions, it was emphasised that Human Dimension monitoring had been an important part of the Missions of Long Duration to Kosovo, Vojvodina, and Sandjak; that the mission to Kosovo had been indispensable in monitoring the observance of human dimension commitments; that other missions should pay attention to their own role in the Human Dimension, and the CSO Vienna Group should discuss Human Dimension issues on a regular basis: this could be achieved through consideration of the Human Dimension aspects of the reports of Missions, and through consideration of reports from the ODIHR on implementation of Human Dimension commitments. It was suggested that periodic public reports should be issued on the work of the missions in order to increase understanding of their work and avoid overlap with other bodies; that the mandate of missions should reflect the importance of the Human Dimension in their work; that the ODIHR should be more involved in the work of the missions, possibly through training and the nomination of mission members; and that a review of the implementation of Human Dimension commitments should figure in the reports of the Missions. In view of the above discussion, the following are informal recommendations concerning the role, support and follow-up of the CSCE Missions in fulfilling tasks within the Human Dimension: - that the CSCE pay urgent attention to Human Dimension issues in the regions mentioned in paragraph 5, with a special focus on Kosovo, notwithstanding the expulsion of the Missions of Long Duration; - that, in accordance with the decision of the 23rd meeting of the CSO on 23 September, the CSCE continue to urge the return of the Missions of Long Duration: - that the CSO consider whether mandates of CSCE Missions give adequate prominence to the Human Dimension of the CSCE; - that the CSO and the CSO Vienna Group give regular attention to the Human Dimension of the CSCE; - that the expertise of the ODIHR be employed to the fullest extent in the preparation of missions; - that reports from the CSCE missions be distributed to participating States in sufficient time to allow study of the reports in capitals before discussion in the CSO or Vienna Group. In discussion of the activities of the High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM), an overwhelming positive assessment of his work to date was evident. It was suggested that it was as yet too early to consider a re-appraisal of his mandate, although his views on the need for additional resources would be given close attention, and consideration could be given to more structured follow up of his recommendations. In view of the above discussion, the following are informal recommendations concerning activities of the CSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities and possible recommendations for furthering strengthening of his role: - that he be asked to report to the Rome Council on his future activities and requirements in the light of experience gained so far; - that the CSO give careful consideration to the HCNM's reports and, on the basis of required comments and feedback from the state or states involved, ensure that the HCNM's recommendations receive appropriate and continuing follow up; - that the HCNM and CSCE institutions and missions continue to pay close attention to co-ordination of their activities; - that the Human Dimension resource list be expanded bearing in mind the HCNM's requirements (see paragraph 4). CLUSTER II The second cluster of agenda items dealt with the following topics: CSCE ODIHR BULLETIN Vol. 2, No. 1 46