At the Stability Pact Regional Table in Dubrovnik 27 May in a statement read on his behalf, US Secretary of State Colin Powell lauded the Stability Pact as a strong and vibrant form of transatlantic partnership. He emphasised that, while newly democratic societies are shaping new institutions, much work is still left to do, such as tackling corruption, returning refugees and apprehending war criminals. Powell also stressed that «much progress» has been made.

Such improvements resonated at the ministerial-level Regional Table, held for the first time in conjunction with the three Working Tables of the Pact. Substantial progress was reported on the Pact's core objectives** for the year 2003. Of particular importance are improvements in cross border co-operation, with new Euroregional co-operation put in place. In the field of media development, new broadcast laws in line with EU standards have been adopted in several countries since the beginning of the year. The network of bilateral free trade agreements was completed in February 2003 and further progress made towards creating a regional electricity market and developing a regional approach to transportation, as well as improving the investment climate. The Regional Table welcomed efforts to assist SEE countries to improve border security and management, as set in motion in Ohrid the previous week, as an important follow up to the London Conference against organized crime of November 2002.

Special Co-ordinator Erhard Busek underlined that regional co-operation has significantly improved and is yielding benefits to SEE, while at the same time complementing the Accession as well as the Stabilisation and Association Processes of the European Union. «Our aim is your aim! To help you join the European Union at the appropriate moment. With this in mind, the Stability Pact stands ready to continue fostering regional co-operation following the Thessaloniki EU-Western Balkans summit», Busek said. Enhanced regional co-operation is a prerequisite for further integration in the EU.

As living proof of the much-increased regional co-operation, a ministerial meeting accompanied the Regional Table. It was hosted by Croatian Foreign Minister Tonino Picula. The President of Croatia, Stjepan Mesic, and Romanian President Ion Iliescu on state visit to Croatia, arrived to express their support to the Regional Table and participated in one sequence of the conference. Romanian Minister of Transport, Miron Mitrea, and Foreign Ministers of Romania, Mircea Geoana, of Montenegro, Dragisa Burzan, and of Slovenia, Dimitrij Rupel attended along with Bosnia-Herzegovina Foreign Minister Mladen Ivanic, presently holding the Presidency of South East European Co-operation Process (SEECP).

The Regional Table also approved Ms Elisabeth Rehn of Finland as new chair of the Democratization and Human Rights Working Table. After having acted in this capacity for four months, she officially succeeds Mr Alexander Rondos of Greece, whose dedicated work for the Stability Pact was praised by Erhard Busek.

** (See SP Press Release, N° PR2003/028 of 19 May 2003)

Statement by US Secretary of State Colin Powell

Regional Table Chairman’s Conclusions