Opening
Statement by the Prime Minister,
Mr. Constantinos Simitis
Mr. Chairman,
I would like to thank President Trajkovski, in his capacity as current
chairman of the SEECP, for organizing at such short notice, this informal
meeting which, in the light of recent developments in the FRY, is particularly
topical.
It is important
that the newly elected leadership in the FRY is strongly supported and
assisted to further enhance the democratization process. Greece is fully
prepared, for its part, to grant the necessary support in the context,
of its contribution for peace and stability in the whole region.
The participation
of President Kostunica in our meeting is an extremely positive development
in relations between the countries participating in the SEECP process
as it will allow all of us to address the problems of our region effectively.
and in a spirit of close cooperation. Furthermore, I believe that these
new circumstances allow us to give a new impetus to the SEECP - process
and to, implement the Charter which we signed at our Summit in Bucharest.
Our region
continues to face difficult problems, both political and economic, which
will require strong and determined leadership from all sides as well
as full and long term commitment to ensure peace and stability in South
East Europe.
In order
to achieve our target, we should always keep in mind that the adherence
to the rules of international law is a necessity. These include the
inviolability of existing borders, the respect of democratic principles
and civil rights, the protection of the rights of minorities and the
holding of free and fair elections. I would like to stress the importance
of this last point, as in many countries of the region the electoral
process has and will be tested in a short period of time and it is of
paramount importance that the correct message of democratic progress
is sent to the people of the region and the international community.
Any shortcomings that have occurred in this respect must be scrupulously
examined and dealt with.
In this context,
one of the important tasks is to deal, as a matter of priority, with
the issue of Kosovo, where the conditions for a multiethnic society
must be guaranteed in full implementation of the Security Council resolution
no. 1244. Furthermore, the obvious corollary to ensuring democratic
progress must be to effectively address the economic problems of the
countries in South East Europe, so that long-term and sustainable development
can be achieved. In this respect, international assistance is necessary
but needs to be accompanied by the commitment of the countries in the
region to undertake those reforms which will allow for sustainable growth
and an increase in foreign investment.
The European
Union, to which the countries of the region aspire to become members,
is the major contributor of technical and financial assistance to promote
reforms. Furthermore, the European Union has committed itself to a process
of enlargement, which, following the decision of the European Council
at Helsinki has included some of the countries of the region. In addition
to that, a new generation of contractual relations will provide the
necessary framework for further enhancing and-deepening relations between
the rest of the countries and the European Union.
My government
has always supported the integration of the region into European structures
and is committed to continue to do so. I am convinced that the adherence
to European norms is the best guarantee for ensuring stability and good
neighbourly relations in the European continent.
To ensure
that our goals are achieved, it is necessary for the targeted countries
to make full advantage of the possibilities provided for by the Stability
Pact. We would like to commend the efforts of the Special Coordinator
Mr. Hombach and his collaborators concerning the progress of work in
the three working tables. I would like to encourage Mr. Hombach in carrying
forward the principles of the Stability Pact in a spirit of pragmatism
and urge all participating countries to maximize their efforts so that
the goals of the Pact can be achieved. Greece is fully committed to
supporting this process and I would like to emphasize the decision of
the Greek Government to implement a Plan for the reconstruction of the
countries of the region which will make available 180 billion drachmas
over the next five years. We are looking forward to commencing discussions
with the beneficiary countries to decide on which projects we will concentrate
our efforts.
I am convinced
that no effort will be spared by the countries of the region to take
advantage of the current momentum, which is particularly advantageous
for achieving concrete progress in reaching our common goals and I look
forward to taking stock of the results of our endeavours at our upcoming
Summit in February 2001.
