Expressing satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting in light of the fact that all participants supported a declaration adopted by Croatia, Macedonia, Albania and the United States on Friday, Zuzul welcomed the desire of Serbia and Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina to join Partnership for Peace and reiterated that South-East Europe could be stabilised only through integration with the European Union and NATO.
In the declaration published yesterday, the ministers expressed readiness for more active participation in NATO missions, tasks and operations, such as the NATO mission in Afghanistan and the training of Iraqi soldiers.
Asked whether Croatia would take part in antiterrorist operations to catch Bin Laden and in military missions in Iraq, Zuzul said that Croatia had already deployed units in Afghanistan and would send three civilians to take part in the reconstruction of Iraq, in line with an agreement signed with Germany.
"Croatia understands the need for unity in fighting terrorism," he said.
Addressing reporters, Serbia and Montenegro's Foreign Minister Vuk Draskovic said that the strategic goals of his country were admission to Partnership for Peace, NATO, the EU and other Euro-Atlantic associations.
"We are aware of our huge economic, democratic and other resources, but the door is closed to us everywhere because we are not fulfilling our obligations towards the Hague tribunal," Draskovic said, adding that those obligations had to be fulfilled.
After Serbia and Montenegro becomes a member of NATO and the EU, its most important task will be to maintain good relations with its neighbours, Draskovic said.
Bosnia's Foreign Minister Mladen Ivanic considers the Brijuni meeting very important for his country, because it confirms that countries in the region, with the help of the United States, are helping Bosnia join Euro-Atlantic integration processes.
NATO director for Euro-Atlantic integration Yaroslav Skonieczki said that all countries wishing to join NATO should meet the set criteria which could not be negotiated, taking into account that their progress would depend on individual achievements.