ZAGREB, Nov 21 (Hina) - Prime ministers of governments of CEI member +countries hold that the consolidation of dialogue between the +Central European Initiative (CEI) and the European Union was an +important step on the path to
strengthening European cohesion, and +applauded the first meeting between the CEI Troika and the EU +president which was held in Zagreb on Saturday, Croatian Prime +Minister Zlatko Matesa told a press conference held upon the +conclusion of the two-day CEI Summit in Zagreb.+ On behalf of prime ministers and representatives of governments of +16 CEI member-countries who were also present at the conference, +summarised the most important conclusions of the Summit, which are +also stated in the adopted final document on the Summit.+ CEI prime ministers expressed hope that the strengthening of +dialogue with the EU would lead the EU and European Commission to +consider cooperating
ZAGREB, Nov 21 (Hina) - Prime ministers of governments of CEI member
countries hold that the consolidation of dialogue between the
Central European Initiative (CEI) and the European Union was an
important step on the path to strengthening European cohesion, and
applauded the first meeting between the CEI Troika and the EU
president which was held in Zagreb on Saturday, Croatian Prime
Minister Zlatko Matesa told a press conference held upon the
conclusion of the two-day CEI Summit in Zagreb.
On behalf of prime ministers and representatives of governments of
16 CEI member-countries who were also present at the conference,
summarised the most important conclusions of the Summit, which are
also stated in the adopted final document on the Summit.
CEI prime ministers expressed hope that the strengthening of
dialogue with the EU would lead the EU and European Commission to
consider cooperating with CEI in its projects, including CEI
members who have not yet applied for EU membership, Matesa said.
As regards the situation in Kosovo, the prime ministers expressed
deep concern over the dramatic situation and its serious
implications on peace, security and stability in the whole region.
They expressed full support to the efforts of the international
community aimed at finding a political solution to the Kosovo
situation, and called on all sides involved to refrain from any form
of violent acts.
The prime ministers also expressed support for the Verification
Commission in Kosovo which is led by the Organisation for Security
and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) with the assistance of NATO.
In a joint statement, the premiers hailed efforts within the CEI in
the fight against organised crime, results achieved in the sphere
of human rights protection, cooperation with the OSCE and the UN
Economy Commission for Europe, as well as other regional
initiatives in Europe.
"The heads of government welcomed the strengthening of cooperation
of the CEI with the Council of Europe, (...) in particular the
envisaged realisation of joint projects and cooperation in the
fields of human rights including minority rights, education,
culture, gender equality, combating organised crime and
corruption," the adopted final document read.
"Today we had a constructive exchange of views, clearly showing the
adherence to fundamental principles outlined by the CEI Strategy,
which include the adoption of European standards, dedication to
democratic values and respect of human rights," Matesa said at the
conference.
"We touched all crucial issues in European political, security and
economic cooperation, concluding that the CEI has a particular role
to play in contributing to the overall European stability and
development," Matesa said.
Concluding the conference, Matesa stressed the success of the CEI
Summit Economy Forum which took place in Zagreb for the first time,
and which "will certainly strengthen the economic cooperation of
CEI members."
"We trust the Economic Forum will continue as an annual Central
European Initiative's event," Matesa said.
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