Documents

Chairman's Conclusions
Ambassador Kim Traavik

The Working Table on Security Issues held its fourth meeting in Zagreb on June 12-13, 2001. The meeting was opened by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, H.E. Dr. Vesna Cvjetkovi?-Kurelec. It was addressed by the Special Coordinator of the Stability Pact, Mr. Bodo Hombach. Introductory remarks were made by Director General Per Sjögren on behalf of the Presidency of the European Union, by the Chairman of the Working Table, Ambassador Kim Traavik, and by the co-chairman, Ambassador Vladimir Drobnjak. Assistant Foreign Minister Vladimir Matek reported on the results of the meetings on June 11 of the SEEGROUP and the Steering Board of SPOC, in preparation for the Working Table Meeting.

The Working Table took place against a backdrop of significant progress as well as serious problems in South Eastern Europe. The participation of the representatives of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia at their first meeting of the Working Table was warmly welcomed by all participants. It was noted that only eight months ago the people of Serbia had taken to the streets in defence of their democratic revolution. Yet the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia had already become actively and constructively involved across the range of Working Table activities.

Participants expressed concern about the deteriorating security situation in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia as a result of terrorist actions by armed ethnic Albanian extremists. Participants called on the extremists to lay down their arms and pursue their objectives through political means. It was emphasised that any response to terrorist actions must remain proportionate. There was broad support for the efforts of the EU, supported by NATO, to facilitate a political resolution of the crisis. President Trajkovski's strategy for disarmament was welcomed as a constructive contribution to that end. The readiness of all the parties in the coalition government to enter into an inter-ethnic dialogue on political reform was seen as a promising development.

In the course of the meeting, countries of the region reported on policies and measures implemented in support of Stability Pact objectives in the security domain. The Working Table welcomed written progress reports circulated by Albania, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Working Table noted the wish of the Czech Republic and Poland to become full participants of the Stability Pact.

Plenary Discussion on the Way Ahead

In light of recent developments in the region and lessons learnt through the first three meetings of the Working Table, participants discussed future priorities and activities of the Working Table. At the request of the Chair, Professor Susan Woodward, City University of New York, had prepared a discussion paper as food for thought for the debate.

The continued role of the Working Table in facilitating and contributing to the integration of the countries of the region into European and Euro-Atlantic structures was pointed out.

There was broad agreement on the need to ensure complementarity between the activities of the Working Table and the Stabilisation and Association Process, which is the key EU policy instrument in the region, as well as of other EU related processes and programs, such as the European Commission CARDS strategy. At the same time Delegations noted the importance of regional ownership and leadership. The importance of SEEGROUP as an instrument for regional co-ordination on security issues was stressed by participants.

Participants reiterated their support for the priorities of the Working Table. It was emphasised that the main challenge at the present juncture was to strengthen implementation and ensure the achievement of tangible results on the basis of these priorities. The idea of formulating for each priority area a program of action was widely supported. The donor community was encouraged to make the necessary funds available, and the countries of the region were called upon to focus on their needs and priorities.

The importance of optimising synergies between internal and external aspects of security was emphasised. In this context it was noted that the crisis in the former Yugoslav Republic Macedonia has underlined the need for a comprehensive approach to the problem of Small Arms and Light Weapons, including efforts to deal with the problem of trafficking in Small Arms and Light Weapons. Reference was made in this regard to the need for enhanced co-operation between police forces of the region. Reference was made furthermore to plans for regional police training with a focus on all kinds of trafficking being developed in the context of the Stability Pact Police Co-operation and Training Initiative.

There was a broadly held view that the Working Table could provide value added through its broad and comprehensive approach to security issues, combining the internal and external aspects of security. In this regard reference was made to the landmark achievement represented by the South East Europe Common Assessment Paper on Regional Security Challenges. SEECAP was hailed as a regionally driven process supported by the Stability Pact and NATO.

There was a widely shared view that further thought should be given, as a matter of priority, to how the Stability Pact, through Working Table III, could contribute to the follow-up of SEECAP, in close co-operation with the countries of the region and NATO.

There was widespread support for the idea that the attention of the Working Table should increasingly be directed to the area of Security Sector Reform. Building on on-going activities (such as the programs for retraining of demobilised military personnel), and bearing in mind the Stability Pact's role as a facilitating framework and the need to avoid duplication of efforts, there was a widely shared view that further consideration was needed on the exact nature of the Working Table's engagement in the area of Security Sector Reform. The Chair's proposal that this should be further pursued in the context of an ad-hoc expert group was positively received. Potential involvement of the SEEGROUP and close relationship with the SEECAP was also noted.

Sub-Table on Defence and Security Issues

1. Arms Control and Non-Proliferation

   Ambassador Henry Jacolin, Special Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office informed the Sub-Table about the progress and prospects for early conclusion of the negotiations on regional stability mandated by Article V of Annex IB of the Dayton Peace Accords. It was noted that the negotiations are expected to be concluded by the end of the summer. Participants reiterated their commitment to the Dayton Peace Accords. Although the outcome of the Article V negotiations was considered likely to be less comprehensive than earlier foreseen, it was noted that this was primarily due to changed circumstances in the region. It was emphasised that the successful completion of the negotiations at any rate represented a milestone achievement in the implementation of Dayton. Participants stressed the need to maintain close links between Working Table III and Article V. Specific suggestions to that end were noted.

   Croatia reported on the Regional Arms Control Verification and Implementation Assistance Centre (RACVIAC). The centre was held out as a success story of the Stability Pact. The wide-ranging activities of the centre provide a potential to contributing more efficiently to confidence and security building measures in the region.

2. Defence Economics, Military Budgets and Military Contacts

   NATO made a presentation on the programs of retraining of demobilised military personnel in Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia, complemented by the information from these countries. Albania reiterated their wish for a similar programme to be developed for their country. Bosnia and Herzegovina informed about its military reform programme, which is supported by the World Bank.

   Building on this success, NATO offered its technical expertise in developing projects for conversion of military bases and assets to civilian use. Romania and Bulgaria each offered a military base to be used as pilot projects. It was emphasised that the Stability Pact would provide an appropriate framework for support from donors for these projects that are essentially about economic development and reintegration. It was agreed that the issue should be further developed.

   NATO also presented a modified proposal for a facility for destruction of unstable ammunition in Albania. Large amounts of deteriorating ammunition stored close to populated areas constitute a major security threat. Given that many of the countries of the region face similar problems, the project could have beneficial regional implications. NATO underlined the need for additional funding for the project. Several members of the donor community expressed an interest.

   Bulgaria reported on the progress of the Initiative for Transparency of Military Budgeting, which is a key element of overall defence reform. The relevance of this initiative for the follow-up of SEECAP was underlined. The Sofia Group of Experts would be available for providing advice to the countries of the region. It was noted that additional funding is required for the further development of this initiative.

   The Sub-Table was informed that SEEBRIG was declared operational on May 1, 2001, but still required additional funding for a Communication and Information System before it could deploy. The Chair reported on efforts to secure additional funding for this purpose, and concluded, on the basis of indications of donor support, that prospects of bridging the funding gap seemed good, but that donors were still needed.

3. Small Arms and Light Weapons

   Albania reported on the status of the program for collection and destruction of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in Albania, supported by the United States, Germany and Norway. Of the more than 165.000 SALW collected so far, 68.000 have been destroyed.

   It was noted that ongoing programs providing for assessment and destruction of small arms stockpiles could be expanded to include other countries in the region. The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia reacted positively to this, expressing the wish for assistance in destroying surplus SALW.

   It was noted that all the participants of the Stability Pact are bound by the terms of the OSCE Document on Small Arms and Light Weapons, which also includes provisions on regional co-operation. The possibility that the Stability Pact could assist in the implementation of the commitments contained in the OSCE Document was noted.

   There was a broadly held view that the crisis in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia has underlined the need for a comprehensive approach to the problem of SALW. In this context, the importance of providing links between internal and external aspects of security was emphasised. A main concern was the issue of trafficking of SALW. The need to enhance cross-border police co-operation to curb this problem was stressed.

   The Chair confirmed that the Stability Pact is likely to make a presentation to the forthcoming UN Conference on SALW.

4. Humanitarian Demining.

   The Chairman of the Stability Pact Group for Mine Action, named the “Reay Group” in honour of the first Chairman of the group, the late General Gordon Reay, gave an update on its activities. The importance of clear and achievable goals was emphasised. The Group was currently focussing on the achievement of practical results in the following areas: Stockpile destruction; training; and testing and evaluation. Croatia further elaborated on its joint project with Canada concerning testing and evaluation facilities.

   There was general support for the practical, result-oriented approach outlined by the Chairman of the Reay Group. There was agreement that Mine Action should remain a priority of the Stability Pact.

   The participants were encouraged to continue funding demining through the International Trust Fund (ITF), which was seen as the main channel for financing mine-related activities in the region.

   Additional offers for mine action expertise were offered by the Russian Federation.

5. Disaster Preparedness and Prevention

   A representative of the Office of the Special Coordinator briefed the participants on the developments of DPPI. The Regional Report, prepared by the Operational Team, following 12 country visits, is ready and has been published. The assessment stage of the initiative is therefore over. The implementation stage will depend on the outcome of the Geneva DPPI Workshop, which will take up the suggestions included in the Regional Report and will aim to determine a regional strategy. A member of the Operational Team provided additional information on the Regional Report.

   Croatia made a presentation about the regional fire fighting exercise which will be held in Croatia in the summer of 2002 ( “Taming the Dragon-Dalmatia 2002” ). This event was originally suggested at the Stability Pact/DPPI. The planning of the exercise, which is now included in the PWP, is facilitated by NATO EADRCC.

   Bulgaria informed the meeting about the progress of the Civil Military Emergency Planning Council and commented on the complementarily of the two initiatives.

   The Russian Federation offered its support in the further development of DPPI.

6. Any other business

   NATO made reference to a study on improving roads in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Recognising that the issue might have cross/table implications. NATO encouraged donors to look into possibilities for allocating funds in support of the study.

Sub-Table on Justice and Home Affairs

Based on the discussion in the plenary, the Sub-Table on Justice and Home affairs focused on three priority items: the fight against organised crime and corruption, institution-building of law enforcement agencies, as well as on migration and asylum, including trafficking in human beings. The Chair emphasised the importance of streamlining, as well as the need of constructive co-ordination with the relevant actors, during the implementation of the Sub-Table's activities.

The progress of the Sub-Table initiatives was reviewed, taking into account various proposals of the delegations.

The Chair thanked Mr. Thierry Le Roy for his successful chairmanship of the Sub-Table and the achievements reached.

1. Co-operation between the EU's Stabilisation and Association Process and the Stability Pact

   The European Commission presented its view on how synergy and co-ordination between the Stabilisation and Association Process (SAP) of the European Union and the Stability Pact could be improved. The Sub-Table took note of the progress achieved since its last meeting in Sofia in enhancing regional co-operation, as highlighted in the Zagreb Summit and the subsequent Sarajevo Declaration on asylum and migration. It welcomed the European Commission's readiness to take into account Stability Pact priorities when developing the strategies for the SAP countries, especially under the CARDS programme. The Sub-Table called for continued co-operation and co-ordination between the Stability Pact and the European Commission, emphasising the important role and contribution of the Stability Pact to the regional dimension of the SAP. The scope for interaction and synergy between the SAP as a core EU policy mechanism in the Southeast Europe and the Stability Pact was emphasised.

   On the basis of a Croatian proposal that the EU should permanently chair the JHA Sub-Table, participants invited the EU to nominate the Sub-Table Chair, in view of the special importance of EU standards at this particular Sub-Table.

2. Fight against corruption and organised crime

   Participants expressed support for the activities of both the SPOC and SPAI initiatives. Particular emphasis was given to the contribution of SPAI in combating corruption. The importance of the participation of the World Bank, the OECD and the Council of Europe in this initiative was highlighted. The Sub-Table expressed support for the initiative and wished it to continue its constructive work and invited the chair to report in particular about the findings of the next Steering Committee meeting to take place in Washington later this year.

   Participants invited the Steering Group, with the support of the Advisory and Contact Group to elaborate a strategic action plan to be presented as the SPOC report to the regional conference.

   The Sub-Table took note of the Croatian proposal for an operational regional activity, to be elaborated in co-operation with Interpol, Europol and the SECI Centre in scope and time frame.

   Participants noted with concern that a number of countries have not reported on their gaps as they had promised. This analysis will be a pre-condition to elaborate a SPOC- action plan based on the real need.

   Participants invited the CEI as a follow-up of its Trieste declaration to present a concrete action plan in the field of judicial co-operation.

   At the same time, the relationship between these two substantive areas was noted. The Croatian proposal to merge the two initiatives was subject to careful consideration. Following the chair's proposal it was agreed that the Office of the Special Coordinator of the Stability Pact should invite the chairs of the initiatives to discuss closer interaction also including the investment compact. The report of this meeting will be presented at the next meeting of the Sub-Table on JHA.

   The three UN instruments signed in Palermo on December 12, 2000 (UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and two additional Protocols: Trafficking in Human Beings and Smuggling of Migrants) are of great importance for the region. They provide the basis for the necessary development and adoption of national legislation in the field of Justice and Law Enforcement.

3. Law Enforcement: Institution Building.

   Croatia and Norway presented the report on the results of the two meetings of the Working Group on Regional Civilian Police Training in Southeast Europe. The report emphasised the importance of education and training of the law enforcement officials in the field of illegal immigration and all forms of trafficking and organised crime.

   The Sub-Table endorsed the report and recognised the substantial progress made in the field of police co-operation and training in the past few months. The Sub-Table agreed to implement the Regional Civilian Police Training courses on the basis of the report and Chairmen's Summary of the Belgrade meeting, held on 6 June 2001. The Sub-Table also supported the proposed organisation of short-term, mid-term and long-term training courses, which will be carried out in co-operation with the Association of European Police Colleges (AEPC), the Central European Police Academy and the Nordic Baltic Police Academy. The Sub-Table welcomed the offer of Norway to finance the first two modules, on illegal migration and trafficking in human beings, as well as other forms of trafficking, including trafficking in Small Arms and Light Weapons. The first two courses are expected to take place before the end of this year.

   The Sub-Table appreciated the announcement of Romania that the “gendarmerie law enforcement school” in Bucharest would be open to all Stability Pact Partners. The Sub-Table noted with appreciation the financial and technical support for the school offered by France. The Sub-Table furthermore looked forward to receiving further information about the discussion in Canada to support police training activities. The Sub-Table also took note of the Council of Europe Draft recommendation to develop national codes of police ethics for the countries of the region.

   As part of the law enforcement process several delegations emphasised the need to include the prosecution and judiciary into any educational training action. Similarly the need for regional training and the building of national training systems was underlined.

   The Sub-Table welcomed the results of the border management meeting of the Budapest Group in conjunction with the Stability Pact held in Sarajevo on 21-22 May 2001.

4. Migration and Asylum / Trafficking in Human Beings

   The Sub-Table endorsed the report regarding the results of the first meeting of the MAI Steering Group, welcomed the achieved progress towards the implementation of the initiative. The Sub-Table welcomed the setting up of the Country Teams on asylum and migration, which will enable close working relations between the SAP-countries, EU Member States, and EU candidate countries, as well as other Stability Pact participants. The structure of MAI includes the Support Unit, located in Vienna, which will provide the necessary support to the Country Teams. Contributions and secondments of experts were announced by Germany, Sweden, Austria, UNHCR, IOM, ICMPD.

   The Sub-Table noted with satisfaction already established partnership of Germany, Austria, Slovenia and Croatia, and welcomed the confirmations of other Country Teams (BiH, UK, Turkey; the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, France, Switzerland, Hungary; the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Sweden, Norway, Bulgaria; Albania, Greece). Denmark expressed their wish to be affiliated with the Country Team of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The Chair highlighted the importance of the EU' High Level Working Group for Albania as a significant contribution. It was noted that Moldova wishes to benefit from a similar arrangement.

   The UK emphasised that this initiative represented an example of how the Stability Pact contributed to CARDS programming and other forms of bilateral assistance in border management and fight against illegal migration.

   The Sub-Table noted the offer made by Bosnia and Herzegovina to play a significant role in this initiative.

   The Sub-Table welcomed the report of the Task Force on Trafficking in Human Beings and the three-year Action Plan. Delegations expressed their support and commitment to the implementation of the activities envisaged in this field and the focus put for this year on protection and prevention. Donors were urgently requested to look into the possibilities for financing the action plan. Austria announced the commitment to finance a safe house in Belgrade for victims of trafficking, for the period of one year. Participants also welcomed the Swedish confirmation of 3 million EURO for the support to the IOM regional project on Trafficking in Human Beings, and the Swiss and US announcement to support the secretariat of the Task Force.

5. Any other business

   The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, supported by Germany, referred to its need for assistance in reforming its legal and justice system. The Council of Europe highlighted the importance of the judiciary in the context of the activities of the Sub-Table Justice and Home Affairs. It was proposed that a concept paper on the possible role of the Stability Pact in this sector could be prepared for discussion at the next meeting of the Working Table.