PART I
Implementation of Commitments
59
(11a) collect and receive information regarding national minority issues from sources described below (see Supplement paragraphs (23)-(25));
(11b) assess at the earliest possible stage the role of the parties directly concerned, the nature of the tensions and recent developments therein and, where possible, the potential consequences for peace and stability within the CSCE area;
(11c) to this end, be able to pay a visit, in accordance with paragraph (17) and Supplement
paragraphs (27)-(30), to any participating State and communicate in person, subject to the
provisions of paragraph (25), with parties directly concerned to obtain first-hand information
about the situation of national minorities.
(12) The High Commissioner may during a visit to a participating State, while obtaining firsthand information from all parties directly involved, discuss the questions with the parties,
and where appropriate promote dialogue, confidence and co-operation between them.
Provision of early warning
(13) If, on the basis of exchanges of communications and contacts with relevant parties, the
High Commissioner concludes that there is a prima facie risk of potential conflict (as set out
in paragraph (3)) he/she may issue an early warning, which will be communicated promptly
by the Chairman-in-Office to the CSO.
(14) The Chairman-in-Office will include this early warning in the agenda for the next meeting of the CSO. If a State believes that such an early warning merits prompt consultation, it
may initiate the procedure set out in Annex 2 of the Summary of Conclusions of the Berlin
Meeting of the Council (“Emergency Mechanism”).
(15) The High Commissioner will explain to the CSO the reasons for issuing the early warning.
Early action
(16) The High Commissioner may recommend that he/she be authorized to enter into further
contact and closer consultations with the parties concerned with a view to possible solutions,
according to a mandate to be decided by the CSO. The CSO may decide accordingly.
Accountability
(17) The High Commissioner will consult the Chairman-in-Office prior to a departure for
a participating State to address a tension involving national minorities. The Chairman-inOffice will consult, in confidence, the participating State(s) concerned and may consult more
widely.
(18) After a visit to a participating State, the High Commissioner will provide strictly confidential reports to the Chairman-in-Office on the findings and progress of the High
Commissioner’s involvement in a particular question.
(19) After termination of the involvement of the High Commissioner in a particular issue, the
High Commissioner will report to the Chairman-in-Office on the findings, results and conclusions. Within a period of one month, the Chairman-in-Office will consult, in confidence,
on the findings, results and conclusions the participating State(s) concerned and may consult
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