SEKESZFEHERVAR, April 28 (Hina) - Participants in the seventh summit of central European countries, that is taking place in the Hungarian town of Sekeszfehervar, held a round table on the foundations of the joint life in the third
millennium, during the first day of their meeting. Croatian President Stjepan Mesic is taking part in the event along with 11 Presidents of other central European countries. The cooperation between these states should be based on common values and rich historical heritage, democracy and solidarity, regardless of different levels in the economic progress, said the participants in Friday's round table. The host of the event - Hungarian President Arpad Goencz - and other head of states, welcomed Croatia's participation in such summit for the first time. Addressing other participants Croatian President Mesic accentuated a chance offered today to central European states f
SEKESZFEHERVAR, April 28 (Hina) - Participants in the seventh
summit of central European countries, that is taking place in the
Hungarian town of Sekeszfehervar, held a round table on the
foundations of the joint life in the third millennium, during the
first day of their meeting.
Croatian President Stjepan Mesic is taking part in the event along
with 11 Presidents of other central European countries.
The cooperation between these states should be based on common
values and rich historical heritage, democracy and solidarity,
regardless of different levels in the economic progress, said the
participants in Friday's round table.
The host of the event - Hungarian President Arpad Goencz - and other
head of states, welcomed Croatia's participation in such summit for
the first time.
Addressing other participants Croatian President Mesic
accentuated a chance offered today to central European states for
transforming this region in a zone of cooperation, security and
tolerance, political freedom and economic prosperity.
Commenting on the post-war divisions in the Continent and the
changes after the fall of the Communism, Mesic spoke of his
country's difficult path in the past period. Being exposed to a
greater Serbia's aggression, Croatia managed to defend itself and
preserve independence, but Croatia had not immediately found the
right path towards democracy, the rule of law and a civil society,
he added.
Mesic told the summit that the new Croatian leadership was resolute
to implement new political directions and transform the semi-
presidential system into a parliamentary one. This means that the
new authorities are willing to cooperate with the Hague-based
International War Criminal Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia (ICTY),
respect the sovereignty of Bosnia-Herzegovina, give support to the
return of all refugees and show a positive attitude towards
national minorities, he added.
Other participants in the round table pointed to the necessity of
making central Europe stable and prosperous and of helping this
region to integrate into a new united Europe.
(hina) jn ms