Brussels, 17/07/2001 (Agence Europe) - As at each General Affairs Council, the Fifteen discussed the situation in the different countries of the Balkans on Monday and relations between them and the EU. The two main points on these conclusions are, as we already mentioned, the adoption of a common position on the ban on visas for extremists Albanians in Macedonia, and aid to the FRY.
The common position was accompanied by a draft list of some forty names, that was finally not adopted - the Council may adopt it, depending on developments in the situation and negotiations in Macedonia. "It is an instrument of pressure", according to Javier Solana, "a strong signal addressed at the extremists", for Council President Louis Michel.
The macro-financial aid of 300 million euro to the FRY will be made up of 75 million in grants and 225 million in long-term loans (maximum 15 years), provided in two slices, as June's EcoFin Council decided - which Commissioner Patten said he regretted, considering the Commission's proposal (120 million in grants and 180 million in loans) to be more adapted to the situation. The General Affairs Council did, however, say it was prepared "to provide complementary assistance" in case of "additional tension on the balance of payments in the FRY", and invited the Commission to submit such a proposal, if necessary. Chris Patten stipulated that the Commission hopes to sign an agreement next week with the Yugoslav authorities, so that the first slice may be paid end-August, early-September.
The Council also: - "welcomed the beginning of the political dialogue between the political leaders" of Macedonia "on the basis of a framework-document submitted by the EU's special representative, Mr. Leotard, and American special envoy, Mr. Pardew. The leaders of the main political parties "are now faced with their responsibilities"; - "reminded all countries of the region of the need to fully co-operate with the International Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia", and "welcomed the decision of the Croat Government", confirmed by Parliament, to allow the extradition of two Croats to the Hague; - endorsed the creation of the "EU-FRY Consultative Task-Force" that is to meet for the first time on 23 July in Belgrade to begin to prepare negotiations over a Stabilisation and Association Agreement; - recalled the importance of establishing, as soon as possible, a dialogue between Podgorica and Belgrade on a future constitutional arrangement acceptable to all: - says it is "encouraged" by the relatively good conduct of the elections in Albania; - encouraged the authorities of Bosnia-Herzegovina to pursue their efforts" at reform.