BARI, Oct 9 (Hina) - The Stability Pact's Economy Task Force, which held its inaugural session in Bari, Italy, on Saturday, fulfilled expectations of those who approached it realistically, said Vladimir Drobnjak, an Assistant to
Croatia's Foreign Minister and national coordinator of the Stability Pact for South-Eastern Europe.
BARI, Oct 9 (Hina) - The Stability Pact's Economy Task Force, which
held its inaugural session in Bari, Italy, on Saturday, fulfilled
expectations of those who approached it realistically, said
Vladimir Drobnjak, an Assistant to Croatia's Foreign Minister and
national coordinator of the Stability Pact for South-Eastern
Europe.#L#
Drobnjak, who headed Croatia's delegation to the Bari event, said
no concrete conclusion had been made, no concrete obligations had
been assumed, nor had any task been imposed on any participant.
"The train has departed, and there are many wagons," Drobnjak said
and quoted the Stability Pact's Special Coordinator, German
diplomat Bodo Hombach, as saying that the Bari gathering was the
start of a marathon.
The Croatian official added that a wealth of initiatives had been
heard at the session, and at the moment it was difficult for him to
make a comprehensive analysis of the event.
Three conclusions can be made, however. The European dimension of
the entire process has been evident, being accentuated by the
European Commission and Finland, which is chairing the European
Union. Then, leading financial institutions have clearly shown
their readiness to support implementation of the main objectives of
the Stability Pact in the economic sector. Finally, eastern
European countries have come with a few strategic projects.
Croatia's proposal for the construction of the Adriatic-Ionian
motorway received full support of the governments of Slovenia,
Bosnia-Herzegovina and Albania. In addition, Italy and Greece
backed that project as well. Drobnjak explained that under the
Amsterdam agreement, Italy and Greece being EU member-states have
no right to sign a joint statement before they get consent from the
European Commission. Montenegro, that attended the Bari session as
a guest and the Pact's beneficiary, joined that statement on the
Adriatic-Ionian motorway.
Drobnjak reiterated that no spectacular results had been expected
from the Bari session.
Croatia's proposals have been recorded, and their feasibility is to
be considered in the future.
A process of the choice of projects (which will be implemented) will
proceed on two tracks - within the Pact's Task Force and through
financial institutions that will take them on, the Croatian
diplomat added.
The next session of this Task Force is convened for January in
Macedonia.
(hina) ms
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