On November 26 from 5:00 P.M. to 6:15 P.M., Doctor John J. Maresca, the United States (U.S.) Ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), gave a special lecture at the International Studies Hall of Korea University (KU). The lecture was organized by KU-KIEP-SBS EU Centre, and was sponsored by Jean Monnet Chair Programme.

 

The speech was titled “Negotiating for Peace-Learning from the Helsinki Experience.” Maresca, who had served as the rector of the United Nations mandated University for Peace (UPEACE) in Costa Rica, has had keen interest and knowledge in current security issues. Having been involved as one of the negotiators of the Helsinki Final Act during the 1990s, Maresca said, “I argued that the Newly Independent States (NIS) of the Soviet Union should be offered immediate membership into OSCE. I believe my views were critical in shaping the U.S. position on admitting the NIS to this European Conference.”

 

Overall, the lecture centered on the necessity of international commitment, especially when it comes to peace negotiation issues. With his knowledge and personal involvement in the Helsinki Final Act, he emphasized that Russia alone cannot solve this problem, and other nations, including the U.S. should have taken, and should take a more active role.