BUSEK ON FUTURE STABILITY PACT ACTIVITIES

VIENNA, March 21 (Hina) - The coordinator of the Stability Pact for South-east Europe, Erhard Busek, said in Vienna before the OSCE Permanent Council that the Pact offered new opportunities for South-eastern European countries in approaching European associations. #L# The future activities include the assuming of greater responsibility in the implementation of the Stability Pact in these countries, as well as intensified regional and trans-border cooperation, he said. So far, five million euros have been collected for the implementation of concrete projects, 90 percent of which are about to be carried out, Busek said. For South-east Europe to be a free trade zone, countries in the region must sign 21 agreements, and eight have been signed so far, said Busek. Croatia, Bosnia and Yugoslavia issued a joint statement read by Croatia's Ambassador at the OSCE, Mario Nobilo, whereby they applauded the new concept Busek had in the case of the Stability Pact about the Pact's reforms oriented towards solving concrete problems of each country individually. "The new concept of using the Stability Pact is clearly defined as an instrument of these countries approaching the European Union and NATO," Nobilo said. He added: "There is no more Stability Pact as a form of purgatory, but is s clear instrument of the integration of Croatia, as well as other countries in the region, into the EU." (hina) lml