Serbia Takes over as OSCE Head

Serbia takes over the presidency of the OSCE from Switzerland on Thursday, as the multinational body plays a prominent role in efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict.

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, headquartered in Vienna and representing 57 states, was created as an East-West forum during the Cold War.

The OSCE sent hundreds of observers into Ukraine as violence erupted there in April, and took part in talks for a September ceasefire agreement, which failed to stop the fighting.

Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic is due to present the priorities of the presidency on January 15 in Vienna.