Brussels, 27/06/2001 (Agence Europe) - The Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe presented on Wednesday in Brussels two new initiative, which, according to the special co-ordinator Bodo Hombach, represent a significant step towards the integration of the countries of the region into the Euro-Atlantic structures. Two years after the setting up of the Stability Pact, we have managed to achieve (…) in the field of regional cooperation (…) things that would have been unimaginable two years ago, stated Mr Hombach to the press. The Stability Pact proved once more that it can act as the ideal forum for deepening the cooperation between the countries of the region, he felt.
In concrete terms, the two initiatives supported by the Stability Pact concern:
The signing, on Wednesday, of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) by Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Macedonia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia on the liberalisation and simplification of regional trade. In concrete terms, the seven countries undertake to begin bilateral negotiations to conclude free trade agreements, the aim being to create a network of free trade agreements by the end of 2002. To do this, at least 90% of the trade in goods should take place without tariffs and customs duties, thus creating a more integrated regional market, with 55 million consumers. Moldova signalled its interest in joining the plan (a statement of intent has already been signed on Wednesday);
The launch by Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) of the "Agenda for regional action" for refugees and displaced persons. Through this agenda (containing a series of precise political and legislative measures to be adopted by the parties concerned), the three countries want to create the practical conditions allowing for some 490,000 refugees and 760,000 displaced persons to return in peace and safety to their regions of origin.
The European Commissioner Pascal Lamy, in a speech made during the signing of the agreement, told the countries concerned that "through this memorandum, you have made significant undertakings, exceeding even the best practices (…) However, the creation of a free trade area is in fact a complex task", which requires political commitment to apply the rule of the game and administrative reforms. For some of you, an additional task is added to the process, a proper preparation for a rapid accession to the WTO insisted on underlining the Commissioner for Trade.