Speech
of the Special Co-ordinator of the Stability Pact for South Eastern
Europe, Bodo Hombach
Excellencies;
Ladies and gentlemen,
Because of the situation
in Macedonia, this meeting has gained great importance and responsibility.
The highest representatives of the peoples of the countries of south
eastern Europe must send a unified message.
1. The violence and terror of the armed groups must end. Political goals
can only be resolved peacefully in a democratic society. All political
parties in Macedonia must now search intensively, by means of dialogue,
for sustainable solutions to assure inter-ethnic coexistence.
2. A strong signal in support of the territorial integrity and national
sovereignty of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. A call to
the Government of Macedonia to continue its moderate policy and to continue
more intensively a process of integration of all ethnic groups in the
country. And a call to the leaders of the ethnic Albanian community
in Macedonia to distance themselves still further from violence, and
to contribute to restoring peaceful circumstances.
3. Support for regional solidarity and co-operation in resolving the
crisis. This will be a signal to all extremists that they are isolated
and cannot expect support from anyone.
I have repeatedly called also on the international community to live
up to its responsibility. In my view the EU must take the leading role
in dampening down the crisis. Today's visit of the EU High Representative
Javier Solana in Skopje shows that the EU is ready to do so. KFOR in
Kosovo must do everything, right up to its frontiers, so that no danger
issues from there into Macedonia. It must however also be clear that
not all of this trouble comes from Kosovo. Demonisation just diverts
ones gaze from ones own tasks.
Beyond my individual conversations
with political representatives I will do two things here:
= Set in train a "National
Dialogue for Unity and Justice". For that, I will meet in a Round
Table with the leaders of all parties represented in the Macedonian
Parliament. The goal is to reach a clear, cross-party agreement against
violence and for the continuation of the peaceful inter-ethnic model.
Building on that I hope we can have a sustained dialogue about the need
for reform of this model; the EU should be actively brought in on this.
= Examination of the possibilities
of a broad alliance of civil society, across ethnic boundaries, against
violence and terror with the motto "Building stability together
- no peace, no future" (see the posters and badges). In that cause
I have organised meetings with groups of civil society, including for
example with all women's groups in Macedonia.
Such a campaign would have much greater impact if you, the presidents
of the parliaments of the SEECP, could place it on a broad inter-parliamentary
basis, rooted in civil society, in your countries too. I cordially invite
you to do so.
Parliaments can - and
must - play a key role in safeguarding stability and security in the
region. Parliamentarians can positively influence the perception the
people have of certain events and be instrumental in achieving constraint.
Playing this role requires strong parliaments that can take an independent
stand when necessary. The Stability Pact's activities aim at strengthening
the position of parliaments.
Therefore I am very grateful
for the initiative taken by President Andov of the Macedonian Parliament
to organize this conference of Presidents of Parliaments of South Eastern
Europe in the framework of Macedonia's outgoing chairmanship of the
SEECP. I particularly appreciate the hospitality and the efforts made
in view of the very serious problems this country is currently facing.
At the Zagreb Parliamentary Summit in September 2000 the goals of peace,
stability and security in South East Europe were stressed. It also showed
the importance of parliamentary co-operation and exchange in the framework
of the Stability Pact. I am confident that in this conference we shall
find ways to follow up on the agreements that were laid down in the
Zagreb declaration.
I welcome the progress that has been made in bringing about a co-operation
between the parliaments in South Eastern Europe on the one hand and
the European Parliament and the Parliamentary Assemblies of the Council
of Europe and the OSCE on the other hand. I expect their troika sponsorship
role for the Stability Pact Task Force on parliamentary co-operation
to take off in concrete terms before this summer.
I witness increasing political support for our goals from the European
Union's Institutions and its Member States, and also from our trans-Atlantic
partners. This positive development clearly shows the international
community's continuous support of the democratisation process in the
region. Functioning Parliaments constitute a major element for the success
of this democratisation process.
Most of you are aware of the Stability Pacts Quick Start projects for
Parliamentary co-operation. One is funding the activities of a Network
of Members of Parliaments. This project brings MPs and Members of the
European Parliament together to debate on Stability Pact issues. Their
second meeting took place in this very city just about three weeks ago.
Fruitful discussions were held on the combat against trafficking in
human beings, on minority rights and on the return of refugees and internally
displaced persons in South Eastern Europe.
In my view the Conference of Presidents of Parliaments is an important
forum for complementing the above types of discussions. Furthermore
you can play a leading role in strengthening the position, improving
the day-to-day functioning and thus enhancing the effectiveness of your
national assemblies.
What concrete contributions could parliaments in South Eastern Europe
make to the achievement of the Stability Pact objectives? I would like
you to consider creating a committee on Stability Pact issues in each
national parliament. Such committees could support the work being done
in the framework of the Stability Pact, by monitoring the extent to
which their governments adhere to the commitments they have made and
by pushing for the necessary internal structural reforms in their countries.
In view of the tense situation we face in our host country at present
I make an appeal to each of you for continued support to the values
of democracy, rule of law, respect for human rights and for fundamental
freedom. You, Honourable Presidents and Members of Parliament, are in
a position to exercise these powers. I trust you will not fail your
constituents, neighbouring countries and the international community
at large.
