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Conclusions by the Acting WT Chairman Zsolt Németh
The Working Table was addressed
by the Foreign Minister of Hungary, Mr. János Martonyi,
the Special Coordinator Mr Bodo Hombach, the EU Presidency and
the Representative of the OSCE Chairman in Office. Minister Martonyi
highlighted the importance of filling the framework of Working
Table I of the Pact with substance. The Pact could be a success
only if democratic principles and values were upheld throughout
the entire region. Minister Martonyi stressed. It was important
to find the right balance between the intent of support and the
establishment of the conditions for assistance. Hungary would
do its part in assisting the development of democracy in other
countries in South Eastern Europe. Concrete commitment to the
Szeged process was proof of Hungary’s engagement. An important
goal of the Hungarian co-Chairmanship was to provide the Regional
Financing Conference with an appropriate list of projects from
Table I. The Special
Coordinator underlined the importance of the activities carried
forward by the I Working Table. A very significant percentage
of projects considered by the Financing Conference had to be activities
that promoted Democracy and Human Rights. For the Stability Pact
it was essential to achieve the correct balance between the three
Working Tables. Mr Hombach underlined the importance for the Table
to produce a clear set of priorities and priority projects, with
particular attention to those that can be started quickly.
The EU Commissioner
for Enlargement, Günther Verheugen, who participated in the
meeting as special guest of the Hungarian government, presented
European Commission project proposals that amount to €160
million, the funding of which has been secured, in the fields
of institution building and good governance, media, education,
human rights and minorities, gender issues and refugee return.
The Commissioner noted that we must not disappoint the high expectations
of the region. He reaffirmed the Commission’s support for
the Serb democratic opposition. Human Rights
and National Minorities Slovenia informed
on the Task Force meeting that took place on 17 February, in which,
i.a., the list of projects to be carried out within its framework
was agreed. The concept of the Conference on inter-ethnic relations
and minorities scheduled for the 16-17 March in Portoroz, Slovenia
was also agreed. The Task Force proposed the following criteria
be used for prioritising the project list: projects in progress
and regarded as possible quick-start ones; projects with participation
of more countries concerned; projects that will not duplicate
the existing activities but integrating different institutions
working in the same field; projects with ensured partial financial
support; interdisciplinary projects concerning also the field
of work of other Task Forces. Slovenia also pointed out that closer
cooperation between Task Forces is necessary. Among the projects,
the Task Force sponsor mentioned the "Awareness-Raising Campaign",
the "International Centre for interethnic relations and the
protection of National Minorities in SE Europe", the "Roma
Projects and Initiatives" and the "International University
for Central and South Eastern Europe". Delegations
emphasised that the projects presented should not establish new
institutions nor duplicate existing efforts. Representatives of
minorities and of NGOs that work in the field of minorities should
be regularly informed about the Task Force activities. All countries
in the region should also be included in relevant projects involving
minorities. It was emphasised that the Task Force was not advocating
new standards or new control mechanisms, but the full implementation
of the existing ones, with the full participation of all countries
in the region. In summarising
the discussion the Chairman underlined that the critical challenge
for the Working Table was to develop a priority program of projects
with a "quick start capacity" to be brought to the attention
of the Regional Financing Conference. The Task Force had made
a very good step in that direction by highlighting the perceived
priority proposals. The Chairman also appreciated Germany’s
contribution to supporting the Working Table’s activities.
Germany has earmarked 125 million DMs for Working Table I of an
annual total of 300 Million DMs for Stability Pact projects. The
Chairman looked forward to commitments by other donors and noted
the proposal by the US to involve representatives of national
minorities in their own right in Stability Pact activities.
Refugee
Return The UNHCR presented
return projects that have been elaborated together with the Governments
of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia. The socio-economic dimension
should be an integral part of the process. These measures should
benefit not only the minority returnee population but the entire
community of the area concerned. The UNHCR pledged to work with
the Office of the Special Coordinator regarding the establishment
of an ad hoc steering group for refugee return. President of the
Bosnia-Croatian Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Ganic illustrated
a multi-ethnic regional project prepared by the authorities of
BiH, under the guidance of UNHCR, for the return of 100.000 families
that have applied for return. The ICRC underlined the issue of
missing persons, on which more cooperation from the authorities
of countries in the region was necessary. OHR underlined the need
for a full coordination at regional level of the proposed initiatives,
together with the need to take full account of ongoing projects
in this field. Croatia reiterated its commitment to the early
return of refugees and to putting quickly in place the relevant
measures to enable the process to commence within this year. The
European Commission illustrated its programs on refugee return,
to which it had committed 140 million EUROs in 1999. The Representative
of the Serb Democratic Forces reminded of the plight of around
800.000 refugees and internally displaced persons currently within
the FRY. The CoE and the IOM raised the issue of Roma return.
In summarizing
the discussion the Chairman underlined that the issue of refugee
return was of special interest to the Working Table. It was clear
that it had very special funding needs. The expenses to create
infrastructure, rebuild homes and create jobs are great. These
are essential conditions for a successful return program. However
such programs will only produce results if there is the commitment
of the countries in the region to do away with political and administrative
barriers and create the conditions for return. We have a new opportunity
with recent political changes make returns a high priority. The
Chairman also noted the need to consider the needs of the refugees
within the FRY, preparing for action to be taken when the conditions
permit. The Chairman further noted that the issue of missing persons,
raised by the ICRC deserved to be pursued further with concerned
countries. The Chairman
noted that the Stability Pact needed a coordinated effort for
a fast follow-up in order to make a strong appeal to the Regional
Financing Conference. The Special Coordinator will make contact
with the main actors in this field, consistent with the lines
of what has been requested by UNHCR. He will put together a proposal
within the next few days. Gender Issues
The Chairperson
of the Task Force outlined the action taken by the Task Force
and the proposed projects. Women were still a small political
minority in the region, a situation that demanded a plan of action
to enhance their political power. A number of
delegations took the floor to support the findings of the Task
Force, underlining the need for a sustained effort in this field.
At the same time, it was noted that the scope of the Task Force
should include broader aspects of gender issues, in particular
trafficking on women, where the Pact could offer a framework for
a broad collaborative effort. In summarising
the discussion, the Chairman noted the Task Force leader’s
comment underlined that the percentage of women active in politics
in the countries in the region has actually declined in some instances.
This showed the need for a sustained effort in this field. Mr
Nemeth appreciated the interventions from the floor, noting the
suggestions to broaden the focus of the Task Force to consider
questions such as trafficking of women and violence against women.
The Council of Europe had, in particular, focused on the need
for a broad collaborative effort of the various partners and international
actors dealing with trafficking issues, and requested the Working
Table to give impulse to this idea. The acting Chairman also noted
the activities of the IOM in this field co-financed, among others,
by Italy. The Chairman finally noted that gender issues should,
as such, be considered in all task Forces, along the lines advocated
by the Netherlands. Good Governance
The Council
of Europe outlined its action plan on independent national human
rights protection institutions, including ombudsmen. The plan
was articulated in a number of measures, such as developing links
between institutions in the region, intensifying work of existing
institutions, training and providing legislative expertise, information
and awareness-raising. As for local government, the plan had been
revised to accommodate the opinions and projects of involved parties.
This Action Plan will be considered in the Bucharest Forum on
Decentralisation, Democracy and Stability on the February 23-24.
References were made to the need for close involvement of the
NGO community, together with the enhancement of trans-frontier
cooperation. In summarizing
the debate the Chairman welcomed the very substantial efforts
made by the Council of Europe in managing this very diverse Task
Force. The Table welcomed the sponsorship by the Council of Europe
of the Bucharest Forum. It is a very timely meeting. The substantial
resources required for implementing an effective program on local
government and public administration reform made it to reach decisions
on priorities without delay. The Chairman
noted that Good Governance activities have a logical tie with
the anti-corruption initiative of the Stability Pact. This relationship
must be developed further. The Chairman highlighted the references
made to encouraging deeper NGO involvement and to enhancing trans-frontier
cooperation. Media
The UK sponsor
presented reviewed the state of negotiations on a Media Charter.
He noted that conceptual differences on a number of issues have
delayed consensus on the Charter. As for the media projects, 65
had been received. The Task Force was in the process of prioritising
a list will be submitted to the Special Coordinator. The Task
Force sponsor said that a number of priority areas have been identified
such as a regional independent network, Public Service Broadcasting
networks, community radio networks, independent printing and distribution
networks and the establishment of academic centres.
The discussion
on the Media Charter made it clear that these were still points
to be clarified. The Government of Montenegro and the Serbian
Democratic Forces highlighted the need for action in support of
independent media in the FRY. The Chairman
noted that the large number of media projects suggested the high
importance attached by the Table to a vigorous program in support
of the media. The Task Force leader’s efforts to set forth
priorities among the project proposals received is fundamental
to the efforts to prepare for the Regional Financing Conference.
The Chairman expressed the hope that differences that have delayed
the conclusion of the Media Charter could be resolved quickly.
The Charter must enhance, and certainly not delay, a comprehensive
package of concrete actions to support the media. The Table appreciated
Montenegro’s appeal for assistance to the media and the specific
proposals from Montenegro. The Table also endorsed the appeal
of the Serbian Democratic Forces to help support the free media
in Serbia. Education
Austria informed
participants about the activities of the Graz Process to select
and prioritize from the numerous proposals they received. As a
result of a thorough evaluation process, 43 from 100 projects
have been selected with an overall budget request of 30 million
Euros. The following criteria were used when drawing up the project
list: emphasis on a regional focus, local and international expertise
and the European dimension, impact on the system and the process
of reform, impact on civil society, technical and financial quality
of the project. An enlarged meeting of the Graz Process will take
place on 9-10 March where possible donors will also take part.
Participants made special mention of history teaching projects
and a children-broadcasting programme in Macedonia. Actions on
history teaching were supported by the Council of Europe and the
US. The inclusive
approach of work of the Graz Process was recognized. The ICRC
proposed that humanitarian law be included in school and university
teaching curricula. The Council of Europe reiterated its proposal
to include culture into the work of Working Table I, however admitted
that Graz Process could not be overburdened with this issue. It
suggested that cultural activities focusing on issues such as
"culture and conflict prevention" in the framework of
the Task Force on Human Rights and National Minorities. Several
participants also supported this idea. The Chair in
its summary expressed his special appreciation for the enormous
efforts that the enhanced Graz Process had made to develop an
effective mechanism for dealing with the very broad question of
education. Parliamentary
Co-operation The representative
of the Royaumont Process informed the participants of the Action
Plan for promoting parliamentary cooperation in South Eastern
Europe, drawn up by the International Institute for Democracy.
It would mainly focus: creating links between parliamentarians
and organizing training and exchange programs for newly elected
parliamentarians and parliamentary staff. The wish expressed by
Montenegro to be included into parliamentary cooperation possibilities
would be examined in a positive spirit. Croatia proposed to host
a conference of parliamentary speakers from South East Europe
in Zagreb in May 2000. It also introduced the creation of a Center
for Parliamentary Co-operation and Training as a possible related
project. The ensuing
discussion recognized the importance of Networks being created
among parliamentarians. It was also emphasized that parliamentary
co-operation is reflected in the planned activities of other Task
Forces. In summarizing the discussion the Chair underlined the
need for strengthened parliamentary input into the activities
of Working Table I. Co-operation
with the Democratic Forces in Serbia and Montenegro
The representative
from Montenegro stated that Montenegro wanted to be fully integrated
into the activities of the Stability Pact and would support the
democratic forces in Serbia. Within Working Table I, initiatives
in the fields of education, media and tolerance were of greatest
importance. Representatives
of the Serbian opposition requested that the sanctions presently
applied to FRY should be completely lifted. Sanctions created
difficulties for the opposition. Assistance by the Stability Pact
in the fields of city partnership and media were particularly
welcomed. While participants
stressed the importance of increased assistance to the democratic
forces in Serbia, it was also pointed out that the support to
Montenegro was a question of urgency. Legal impediments caused
by institutional links to Serbia had to be overcome.
The Chair welcomed
the active participation of representatives from Montenegro and
the Serbian opposition forces in the meeting and stated the Stability
Pact’s commitment to the Action Plan in support of Montenegro
and to the co-ordinated participation of the Serbian opposition
forces in all activities of Working table I. This commitment is
particularly strong among country representatives who recently
freed themselves of communist authoritarian regimes and therefore
feel a moral obligation to assist Montenegro and the Serbian opposition.
Donors were urged to give careful and sympathetic attention to
the series of proposals that the government of Montenegro submitted.
Likewise, the development of a common programme with the Serbian
opposition forces should be further encouraged. Practical steps
can be developed in view of the second Conference scheduled to
take place in Szeged on March 23-24. In particular, the Conference
will discuss increased help to cities, humanitarian assistance
and support to the media. Future activities
of Working Table I Participants
proposed several measures that could improve the running of Task
Force activities: The Chair thanked
all participants for their active involvement in the meeting as
their ideas and proposals are absolutely essential. The Stability
Pact cannot achieve its goals without successful projects in the
fields of human rights and democratization. The Task Force structure
is essential to guide the activities of Working Table I with adjustments
only if absolutely necessary in order to accommodate priority
proposals. The speedy definition of priority projects to be submitted
to the Financing Conference that will take place on 29 and 30
March, is essential. Task Forces were all strongly urged to provide
prioritized recommendations for quick start projects to the Special
Coordinator’s office without delay. |
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