LJUBLJANA, March 5 (Hina) - Democratic changes, which were brought about with the inauguration of new authorities in Croatia, will have a great impact on Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia/Montenegro),
and will mean a positive U-turn in the Balkans, contrary to events in Austria which has made a negative move for Europe, said U.S. businessman George Soros on Saturday. Soros said in an interview he granted to the Slovene newspaper "Delo" that the assistance should be given to the new Croatian Government to enable it to be more successful than former authorities (led by the late President Franjo Tudjman), get rid of corruption as well as to launch political reforms and lead to prosperity. This world-known businessman, who established and is at the helm of the 'Open Society' foundation, will visit Croatia on Monday and hold talks with Croatia's President Stjepan Mes
LJUBLJANA, March 5 (Hina) - Democratic changes, which were brought
about with the inauguration of new authorities in Croatia, will
have a great impact on Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Federal Republic
of Yugoslavia (Serbia/Montenegro), and will mean a positive U-turn
in the Balkans, contrary to events in Austria which has made a
negative move for Europe, said U.S. businessman George Soros on
Saturday.
Soros said in an interview he granted to the Slovene newspaper
"Delo" that the assistance should be given to the new Croatian
Government to enable it to be more successful than former
authorities (led by the late President Franjo Tudjman), get rid of
corruption as well as to launch political reforms and lead to
prosperity.
This world-known businessman, who established and is at the helm of
the 'Open Society' foundation, will visit Croatia on Monday and
hold talks with Croatia's President Stjepan Mesic, Premier Ivica
Racan, ministers as well as with representatives of non-
governmental organisations (NGOs) and public figures.
Commenting on the response of European governments to the political
developments in Austria upon the inclusion of the far-right party
of Joerg Heider in the government, Soros said it would be far better
to invest in and help democratise southeastern Europe than
isolating Austria due to Heider.
He assessed that the strong reaction of Europeans was caused by
their internal weakness, and it was not sound. The sound reaction
would be speedy investments in the development of open societies.
Let Heider sink down due to his own weight, Soros said adding that
Austrians should be told to vote differently and follow the example
set by Croatians at recent elections.
Commenting on the Stability Pact for Southeast Europe, this
businessman described it as an important project for the entire
Continent, but its success depends on organisation and money, while
Europe has not so far showed enough readiness in the financial
field.
He added that a donors' conference scheduled for the end of March
would show whether the Stability Pact was a serious project or a
shell without contents.
(hina) ms