At the outset, let me express my deepest appreciation to Foreign Minister Kawaguchi for arranging this important meeting.  During the past 5 years the Western Balkans have clearly moved ahead towards closer integration into the European and Euro-Atlantic institutions.  Their progress towards the European structures and conditions has been significantly strengthened through a global support network.  Our presence here in Japan illustrates the high political importance that the International Community continues to attach to the Western Balkans.

Thanks to the great and valuable help of all the donors, as well as the regional ownership of the reforms, the much-needed healing process is well underway.  The impressive exchanges of apologies between leaders of different communities have made a difference.  Multiple, open and fair elections have shown that the process of democratization is irreversible. Considering the wars that were fought in the 90’s, we are only to a limited degree dealing with military structures in security matters, but more often with Justice and Home Affairs. This is a sign of progress as well. The economic reforms have brought growth, which has spread across the entire region.  In fact, the Western Balkans are enjoying higher growth rates than most economies in Europe.

While the clashes in Kosovo in March were deplorable, they were mercifully short lived.  Nevertheless, during the horrible nights, ethnic violence left over 20 people dead and another 850 injured, including police and KFOR members, as well as the destruction of private and public property.  The International community has rightly said that the political parties in Kosovo must once and for all purge from their ranks those who turn to the language of violence rather than to political dialogue.

It may be tempting to rip up everything done in Kosovo and start from scratch.  But we should not give up the preposition of a multi-ethnic, safe and prosperous Kosovo, and in the Europe of today violence cannot be a short cut to progress.  We must all work to insure that it is only a temporary set back.  Even though the image of the region received a blow, we must stand with those ready to repair the damage.  To prevent a longer-term effect, the perpetrators must be prosecuted.  All should understand that public concerns might justify demonstrations, and demonstrations are a part of a functioning democracy.  But violence against property and individuals is a crime and needs to be prosecuted.  The clean up offers the Provisional Government the opportunity to buttress the rule of law and prove its ability to lead.  I am confident that UNMIK and the elected provisional government in Kosovo will rise to this latest challenge. We also should not forget that containment of the clashes was a regional success. 

But what about the rest of the Balkans?

Overall, the region needs to attract more investments and create more jobs.  Although, we have seen some improvements, fundamental structural changes are still lacking in some areas.  The Stability Pact has helped the region make serious progress toward knitting itself into a single market of 55 million people with no less than 26 Free Trade Agreements signed.  Sixteen of these are in effect.  Closely related and a crucial precondition for any viable economic development is the need to strengthen democratic institutions and improve the rule of law, in particular the fight against organized crime and corruption.

Fostering regional cooperation, the core mandate of the Stability Pact, is a precondition for closer European integration.  There has been great progress in this area; both on a political level as well as in fields such as infrastructure, energy, migration and security policy.

While we support South Eastern Europe in overcoming the different challenges, regional ownership of these reforms is essential.  The Stability Pact is working closely with the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) to ensure we hear the collective voice of the region.  The recent establishment of regional offices for several Stability Pact activities is another sign of an increased desire by the region to take charge of its reform process.

Ensuring sustainable economic development, open but controlled borders and overall rule of law are vital for continue headway towards a brighter future.  The population needs jobs; young people need to believe in the future to build dreams, dreams that form the fabric of a society that is cohesive and stable.

I would like to thank the Japanese government for its long commitment to the region.  We are pleased Japan is united with the other non-EU donors in support of the goal of EU standards and ultimately EU membership for all of South Eastern Europe.  Japan is making a contribution of the utmost importance.  Not only the financial support – which is of course not of minor significance- but its political will demonstrates the breath of global dedication to proving the countries of the Balkans can transform themselves forever.

Foreign Minister Kawaguchi, Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Matsumiya, distinguished guests, although South Eastern Europe is, geographically speaking, far away from your shores you have played a vital role within the organization I am representing today. For that, the Stability Pact is most grateful!

You have given constructive, passionate and valuable assistance at all times in the delicate process of stabilizing the region.  Given recent events, it will be even more important to underline progress in the region, and continue to support the democratic governments in their great tasks to bring stability and prosperity to their citizens. 

Thank you for your support.