Biarritz, 13/10/2000 (Agence Europe) - During his press conference on Friday, half way through the Biarritz summit, President Chirac pointed out that, during the lunch by Heads of State and Government, Council President Hubert Védrine had reported on his visit to Serbia where "things are shaping up very positively". He said they were pleased by this evolution, and were "willing to provide the necessary aid to the new president, Kostunica" (that the European Council is to meet on Saturday at lunch in Biarritz). Mr Chirac announced, moreover, that, in the context of the preparation of the EU/Balkans Summit on 24 and 25 November in Zagreb, Mr Védrine and the High Representative for CFSP will be in the region.
European Commission President Romano Prodi had announced on Thursday evening that the Commission was to present an action plan to the European Council, a "substantial package" to provide immediate and additional aid to the Serb people. Are there conditions to the package? No, "democracy has come to Serbia, and I hope that the majority parties stay together and show unity of action", explained Mr Prodi. Furthermore, to the question of knowing whether the amounts earmarked for Serbia are taken from elsewhere, he replied: "When I say additional, I mean additional" - above all, the funds intended for Kosovo will not be affected.
Commissioner Chris Patten presented the Commission proposal insisting on the need to release aid for the winter as soon as possible. See on this the article on page 10.