SECI COUNTRIES MEET IN GENEVA

( Editorial: --> 6818 ) GENEVA, April 15 (Hina) - The programme committee of the Southeast European Cooperative Initiative (SECI) will meet on Wednesday at the U.N. headquarters in Geneva in order to consider preparations for the implementation of a group of investment projects in the region. Closest to implementation is a project on extension and modernisation of border crossings between south-east European states. The initiators of the project believe that it will speed up the flow of goods and prevent illegal trade. Participants in the meeting will also discuss the establishment of inter-ministry expert groups in every country of the region with the aim of facilitating the solution of transport and trade-related problems. A special representative of the US Secretary of State, Richard Shifter, said on Tuesday that his country wanted to support the economic development of the region through the SECI. Croatia's delegation at the meeting will be lead by Assistant Foreign Minister Spomenka Cek. (hina) rm 151112 MET apr 98