ZAGREB, June 7 (Hina) - Croatia's foreign minister joined counterparts from countries in Southeast Europe and their neighbours in Salonika, Greece, on Wednesday at an informal meeting which, among else, addressed the implementation of
projects from the Stability Pact for Southeast Europe. The meeting is chaired by Greek Foreign Minister Georges Papandreu, and attended by foreign or deputy foreign ministers of Croatia, Turkey, Albania, Macedonia, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Slovenia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria. Also in attendance is a representative of Austria which presides the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Stability Pact special coordinator Bodo Hombach, and the European Union's high representative for joint foreign and security affairs, Javier Solana. According to a statement from the Croatian Foreign Ministry, the meeting discussed the situation in the Stability
ZAGREB, June 7 (Hina) - Croatia's foreign minister joined
counterparts from countries in Southeast Europe and their
neighbours in Salonika, Greece, on Wednesday at an informal meeting
which, among else, addressed the implementation of projects from
the Stability Pact for Southeast Europe.
The meeting is chaired by Greek Foreign Minister Georges Papandreu,
and attended by foreign or deputy foreign ministers of Croatia,
Turkey, Albania, Macedonia, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina,
Slovenia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria.
Also in attendance is a representative of Austria which presides
the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Stability
Pact special coordinator Bodo Hombach, and the European Union's
high representative for joint foreign and security affairs, Javier
Solana.
According to a statement from the Croatian Foreign Ministry, the
meeting discussed the situation in the Stability Pact ahead of a
meeting its regional table holds this Thursday. The participants
pointed to the need of applying as best as possible the results of a
Brussels regional financial conference for the development and
reforms of the region, and of stepping up the opening of financial
lines for the implementation of all okayed projects.
It was also pointed out a lot had to be done in view of effectively
and transparently implementing the Stability Pact as a complex
mechanism, especially in its financial part. The meeting said the
Pact had a significant role as a process complementing the
integration of Southeast Europe countries with Euro-Atlantic
structures.
Croatian Foreign Minister Tonino Picula held separate talks with
Greek counterpart Papandreu, who briefed him in detail on Croatia's
negotiations with the EU, which Greece fully supports.
According to the Croatian Foreign Ministry statement, Greece also
fully supports a project for the building of an Adriatic-Ionian
highway, and is willing to organise an expert working meeting on
this issue in the autumn.
Greece is willing to actively advocate Croatia's integration with
Euro-Atlantic structures, as well as joint projects within the
Stability Pact. Croatia's role has been assessed as generating
stability and understanding in the region.
Minister Picula also held talks with Bulgaria's Deputy Foreign
Minister Marin Rajkovic, proposing work on a free trade agreement.
(hina) ha jn