The former Finnish Defence Minister and SRSG in Bosnia-Herzegovina Elisabeth Rehn has been appointed to chair the Stability Pact Working Table I focussing on democratisation and human rights. Ms. Rehn succeeds Alexander Rondos in this position.

The Special Co-ordinator Erhard Busek welcomes the new Chairperson and wishes her all success in the challenging domain of Working Table I.

Dr. Busek expressed his gratitude to Alexander Rondos for his contribution to the Working Table I since June 2001 in all its activities.

The Special Co-ordinator also thanks the Greek and Finnish governments for their support, which makes the functioning of the chairperson possible.

The upcoming Regional Table, 26-27 May in Croatia, will have to formally endorse the nomination of Ms Rehn, although the new chair is fully operative as an acting chair as of 3 March 2003.