BUSEK PRESENTS SECOND PHASE OF STABILITY PACT

BELGRADE, March 7 (Hina) - The plan of the Stability Pact is to become more efficient, its special coordinator for Southeast Europe said on Thursday. Erhard Busek presented a future Pact strategy to the diplomatic corps and reporters in Belgrade. Germany's Bodo Hombach, Busek's predecessor, set the foundations for the Pact and focused on acquiring projects and funds, Busek said. Now that this phase is over, he stressed, the organization must become efficient. He said the pact's money -- the exact amount being unknown -- should start being distributed. The funds came from donations, loans and other forms of assistance, said Busek. It is important to develop joint and individual infrastructure projects and trans-border cooperation, as well as to combat organised crime with Interpol involved, the coordinator told reporters. Refugees are another priority of the Stability Pact, which will focus on their employment, property and housing problems, private ownership and social rights. Southeastern European countries are expected to carry out necessary economic, political and democratic reforms so they will not be just passive receptors of assistance for development, Busek said. (hina) lml sb