Jean-Charles Gardetto has been elected as a new Vice President to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

Founded in 1975, the OSCE is the world's largest regional security organization, performing a range of activities, including arms control, education and election monitoring. The organization's 18th Annual Session took place in Lithuania from 29 June to 3 July this year and was attended by delegates from the Principality's National Council. At the end of the session, the Assembly adopted the Vilnius Declaration, which outlines a set of policy recommendations on a number of issues including the world financial crisis and its social consequences, Iran, Afghanistan, human rights and civil liberties, freedom of expression on the Internet, and a moratorium on the death penalty. In addition, a number of officers were elected, including 3 new Vice Presidents.

The election of Jean-Charles Gardetto to the Parliamentary Assembly is significant for the Principality, and recognizes the Monaco lawyer's work with the OSCE over a number of years.