Local Democracy

• Participants of the conference agreed that Southeast Europe, the various forms of co-operation in the region, the creation and operation of legal, institutional background, the reconstruction and development of the economy continue to deserve special attention.

• They emphasised that the stability of the region greatly depends on the consolidation of democracy, on the protection of human and minority rights and on a successful economic transition.

• Participants welcomed that in 2003 the Szeged Process focuses on the institutional, jurisdictional reform, on the economic development and liberalisation in the four target countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia and Serbia and Montenegro. They wished to draw the attention to the fact the creation and operation of a sufficient legal, institutional background and a prosperous economy are indispensable for a successful transition.

• The creation of a legal and institutional system firmly based on European values can not be realised without the participation of local governments. In this process the construction of the local self-governmental and jurisdictional system, that of the civil sector has outstanding importance. This requires a well structured administrational system working in accordance with the rules and procedures of a State based on the rule of law and qualified civil servants with adequate legal status and working conditions.

• Promotion of European integration remains the message of the Szeged Process. Self governments and cross-border co-operation put in the focus of the Process help the acceptance and adaptation of European norms. Participants underlined that the Szeged Process can contribute to the successful transition and European integration of the countries of the region by transmitting Hungarian and international experience.

• Participants of the conference welcomed the fact that the Stability Pact has made Local Democracy and Cross Border Cooperation one of its six core objectives for 2003. The Pact has recognized that local capacity building is a key element for effective cross border cooperation and in doing so, the Pact will seek to use the experiences of the Szeged Process in promoting its work in this field. Furthermore, the Pact values the contribution of the Szeged Process in promoting enhanced cross border cooperation through the support of Euroregions in South Eastern Europe.

• Participants also welcomed that courses of the training program will be continued in 2003. They noted with satisfaction that - besides issues like self-governments, European integration and human resource development - new themes like environmental protection, role of self governments in economic development, institutional reform, jurisdictional reform and the small-arms process will also be dealt with in the framework of training courses.

• Participants of the 5th Szeged conference were shocked and saddened by the assassination of Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic. As a leading Serbian politician during the last decade, he played an outstanding role in the democratic transformation of Serbia. Mr. Djindjic is remembered for his commitment to and active participation in the Szeged Process and his successful efforts as Prime Minister to bring his country closer to Europe.

• They offer their most sincere condolences to the family, friends and followers of Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic and express their hope that the perpetrators of this brutal act will be brought soon to justice.

• Participants express their firm conviction that despite this tragic event, Serbia as well as the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro will continue to follow the path of democratisation and the rule of law, combating organized crime and introducing civil control over the military. We expect that progress made during the past years aimed at moving the country towards the European mainstream in the field human rights will not be derailed by this criminal act of violence.

• Participants of the Szeged Process as well as the international community will continue to support in Serbia all those committed to building the future of their country in accordance with the values of democracy and reforms which are the only guarantees for the successful development and prosperity of the country.

• Participants of the Szeged Conference of the Stability Pact for Southeast Europe welcome the Resolution of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe adopted on 26 th March 2003 on the invitation of Serbia and Montenegro to become a member of the Council of Europe. As a result of this decision, Serbia and Montenegro will become the 45 th member state of the Council of Europe. Participants expressed their conviction that the accession of Serbia and Montenegro to the Council of Europe will give a new impetus to the democratic transition process in the country which will thus become part of the democratic Europe linked to the values based on human rights and freedom.