CEI FOREIGN MINISTERS DISCUSS FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM

TRIESTE, Nov 22 (Hina) - The foreign ministers of 17 countries, members of the Central European Initiative (CEI), met in Trieste on Thursday evening to discuss the countries' contribution in the global fight against terrorism. After September's terrorist attacks on the United States, member countries of every regional initiative must talks about their contribution to the fight against terrorism, Croatia's Tonino Picula said. The meeting also focused on the financial and intelligence cooperation in the field, strengthening democracy in the region, mutual support by CEI countries in joining European associations, and the promotion of bilateral relations among members. "Today was an important and successful day because we have shown that CEI countries shared the same values and principles whether they belong to the European Union on not," Italy's Renato Ruggeiro said and expressed hope that the first wave of expansion of the EU would by completed by the end of 2002, and further expansion follow as soon as possible. The Italian Foreign Minister expressed hope in the renewal of dialogue in Kosovo, reaching permanent peace in Macedonia and the successful result of negotiations between Podgorica and Belgrade. (hina) lml