Stage II of Helsinki negotiations finish

Experts from the 35 participating States engaged in the first ever multilateral East-West negotiation process, producing the CSCECSCE
Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe Final Act.

The Act, also known as the Helsinki Accords, was signed by the Heads of State or Government of the 35 States on 1 August 1975, the last day of the Helsinki Summit (Stage III). Forming the backbone of the Organization's activities, the Final Act covers several themes:

• sovereign equality, respect for the rights inherent in sovereignty 
• refraining from the threat or use of force 
• inviolability of frontiers 
• territorial integrity of States 
• peaceful settlement of disputes 
• non-intervention in internal affairs 
• respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms (including the freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief) 
• equal rights and self-determination of peoples 
• co-operation among States 
• fulfillment in good faith of obligations under international law