The Stability Pact Regional Table will hold an extraordinary meeting in Bucharest on 5 June 2002. The Regional Table is the general assembly of all the Stability Pact partners and its highest decision making body. The Regional Table, chaired by Special Co-ordinator Erhard Busek, is expected to admit three new member countries (Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Poland) and to endorse a comprehensive reform package on priorities and working methods. The Regional Table is held in combination with the Working Table III meeting on security issues in order to reflect Erhard Busek's policy of streamlining the Stability Pact operations.

The Working Table III on security issues will discuss security sector reform, counter terrorism, small arms and light weapons, disaster preparedness and prevention, and border guarding during its plenary on 5 June. Next day, it will proceed in sub tables. The Justice and Home Affairs sub table will focus on trafficking in human beings, migration and asylum, law enforcement, border guard initiative, and fight against corruption and organised crime. Whereas in the Defence and Security sub table, arms control, defence economics and mine action will be discussed.

As a highlight of the Bucharest meeting, South East European countries will sign a Declaration on cross-border co-operation in Disaster Prevention and Preparedness.

Media opportunities at Bucharest Parliament Palace:

The arrival of delegations (approx. from 09.15h), the opening sequence of the Regional Table starting at 09.30h on 5 June 2002, and the opening sequence of the Working Table starting at 14.30h are open to media.

Media are invited to a press briefing by Special Co-ordinator Erhard Busek and the Romanian host Foreign Minister Mircea Geoana (to be confirmed) at 12.40h in National Parliament Palace, 5 June 2002, Human Rights Hall.

Prior to the press conference at 12.30h on 5 June 2002, media are invited to a photo opportunity of the signing ceremony of the memorandum on Disaster Preparedness and Prevention, Human Rights Hall.

The results of the Working Table III meeting will be presented to media at a press conference on 6 June at 13.40h by Working Table co-chairs, Ambassador Vladimir Drobnjak and Romanian Minister of Interior Ioan Rus.

For accreditation, journalists are kindly asked to refer to the Directorate for Public Relations (Ministry of Interior), Tel/Fax +40 (1) 310 30 72, Ms. Ioana Georgescu.