WORKING TABLE OF STABILITY PACT ON DEMOCRATISATION

BUDAPEST, Feb 21 (Hina) - Economic reconstruction and democratisation in the region are two inseparable processes, coordinator of the Stability Pact for Southeast Europe Bodo Hombach said at a session of a working table discussing democratisation and human rights in Budapest on Monday. Hombach stressed it was important that eastern European countries be aware that the Stability Pact was not helpful only in the field of economy and infrastructure but also in processes of democratisation and the strengthening of security. At the plenary session of the working table, participants will summarise experiences so far and discuss different projects. Henrique Borges, representative of Portugal, the country chairing the European Union, pointed to the significance of broad reforms, the protection of minorities, the return of refugees and good- neighbourly relations as preconditions of the Stability Pact, adding that the European Union would offer financial help. He also pointed to the significance of the independence of judiciary, and the struggle against corruption. Present at the session in Budapest were representatives of the European Union countries, the United States, Russia, southern European countries, with an exception of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia which was represented by the Yugoslav Opposition. (hina) it mm