ZAGREB ZAGREB, May 22 (Hina) - In order for the Stability Pact for South-Eastern Europe to reach goals of promoting democracy, economic prosperity and stability, it must be based on the bases of transparency, equality, efficiency,
clarity and reality, representatives of countries surrounding Yugoslavia, said in Zagreb on Saturday at talks about the Stability Pact. In attendance were officials from Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Macedonia, Romania, Slovenia, Turkey, and German and Austrian ambassadors to Croatia, as well as representatives of Montenegro, in the capacity of observers. The Zagreb consultations were preliminary talks for a conference to be held in Bonn on May 26 and 27, in assistance for countries which will be included in the German proposal aimed at establishing lasting peace in the region. "Assuming their responsibility for the stability in the region, the participants extended their overall
ZAGREB, May 22 (Hina) - In order for the Stability Pact for South-
Eastern Europe to reach goals of promoting democracy, economic
prosperity and stability, it must be based on the bases of
transparency, equality, efficiency, clarity and reality,
representatives of countries surrounding Yugoslavia, said in
Zagreb on Saturday at talks about the Stability Pact.
In attendance were officials from Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina,
Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Macedonia, Romania, Slovenia, Turkey,
and German and Austrian ambassadors to Croatia, as well as
representatives of Montenegro, in the capacity of observers.
The Zagreb consultations were preliminary talks for a conference to
be held in Bonn on May 26 and 27, in assistance for countries which
will be included in the German proposal aimed at establishing
lasting peace in the region.
"Assuming their responsibility for the stability in the region, the
participants extended their overall support to the draft text of
the Pact and expressed appreciation for the efforts of the European
Union and the United States, which have launched this timely
process," the conclusions of the meeting said.
Participants of the meeting, chaired by Croatian Assistant Foreign
Minister Vladimir Drobnjak, were addressed by Deputy Foreign
Minister Ivo Sanader, who applauded the fact that "the Pact opens up
a clear prospect of the countries in the region upgrading
relations, leading to an eventual membership, with the EU and
NATO," with which representatives of the other countries agreed.
Participants spoke about many general and specific aspects of the
Pact and its implementation. Among other things, it was concluded
the "Pact will strengthen regional organisations and initiatives,
enabling them to maximise their potentials by taking a leading role
in implementing the various areas of the Pact".
"A number of participants presented concrete proposals that are
intended to improve the existing Draft by making it more beneficial
to the countries of the region and more efficient in implementing
various programmes," the conclusions read, adding the "economic
and financial assistance to the countries in the region was
recognised as a clear priority".
The participants stressed the need for finding a permanent solution
for Kosovo, and most of the representatives pointed out the Pact
should remain open for Yugoslavia's access, after this country
fulfils conditions set by the international community.
"The provisions of the Stability Pact have to provide the states in
the region, working jointly with the leading international and
regional organisations, with an effective instrument for promoting
their overall individual and common, mutually beneficial
development, aiming to facilitate and speed up their accession to
Euro-Atlantic political, economic and security integrations," the
chairman's conclusions said.
(hina) lml