The ODIHR, as any international institution, is an instrument for assisting participating States to meet these ends. The effectiveness of its activities can only be measured against fair and realistic benchmarks. In carrying out its mandate, the ODIHR serves the OSCE community as a whole, guided by the language of, and the reasoning behind, the commitments and its mandate, rather than particular interests of individual States. In presenting this report, we at the ODIHR seek to renew our partnership with the OSCE community as a whole, to reconfirm our own commitment to serve the values that the ODIHR was created to pursue, and to continue to seek constructive ways of meeting the challenges that lie ahead. The process of compiling this report has been a valuable exercise for the whole of my Office; it encouraged staff to reflect upon their work and on ways through which our assistance to OSCE States can be further strengthened. I would like to express my appreciation to all participating States, and in particular to the Belgian Chairmanship, for their support, as well as to my colleagues for their collaboration in preparing this report. It is my sincere hope that it will serve as a useful tool for assisting the Ministerial Council in its important deliberations and endeavours on how to better live up to the responsibility shared by all States to fully implement their commitments. Christian Strohal Warsaw, 10 November 2006 xii Common Responsibility: Commitments and Implementation