Address by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Dimitrij Rupel at the NATO/EAPC meeting
Budapest, 30 May 2001
Secretary General, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
1. For the first time we have a situation that all the governments
of the region have been democratically elected. We have to support and
preserve this overall situation by political, economic and security
measures. Nevertheless, peace and stability in the region are still
seriously challenged.
2. The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia has contributed significantly
to the stability in the region and enabled enhanced cooperation
between the countries in the region. That is why the democratic
government in Belgrade needs the support of the international
community. Slovenia is willing further to assist with its knowledge
and experience.
3. We support Macedonia's sovereignty and territorial integrity
and, at the same time, we advocate strengthening democratic dialogue
and peaceful means of resolving inter-ethnic issues, as well as
introducing an adequate representation of all ethnic communities.
4. NATO and the EU have in recent events in Macedonia proved to be
willing and able to act together in managing the crisis. This is the
best proof that good and stable Trans-Atlantic relations are in the
common interest of all of us.
5. Slovenia has actively supported Croatia's membership in the
Partnership for Peace. We welcomed Croatia's participation in the
"Vilnius Group" as the way to prepare for its future MAP
activities.
6. We also offer our support to the candidacy of Bosnia and
Herzegovina for the PfP, when the conditions allow such a step, since
the PfP membership is an important additional guarantee for the
security of the neighbouring countries and of the whole region.
7. Slovenia will continue to be constructively involved in the
stabilization process in the countries of South-Eastern Europe by the
increased participation in SFOR and will also expand its ITF
activities.
8. We believe that the Stability Pact is the most adequate
framework for such efforts, since it is a common pledge of a great
number of countries that are either affected by the crisis or those
that have a serious interest in the resolution of the problems. As
such it should develop into the prime diversity management mechanism
and NATO could play a significant role in it.
9. Yesterday, we endorsed the common assessment paper on regional
security challenges and opportunities - SEECAP. Only with political
determination, realism and flexibility, countries as diverse as there
are in the region and its vicinity were able to successfully
accomplish this demanding task. The document itself is the best proof
of a new political and security situation in the region.
10. Slovenia represents a gate to South-Eastern Europe and is a
herald and interpreter of the Transatlantic Policy in the region. On
the other hand, it is also a link between Italy and Hungary, both NATO
members. That is why good and stable Trans-Atlantic relations are of
great importance to Slovenia; its vital security and other interests
can only be realized by its membership in both, NATO and the EU.
11. The forthcoming meeting between the presidents of the United
States and the Russian Federation in Slovenia will be an opportunity
to let them know of the importance of the PfP and the broad spectrum
of cooperation in the Euro-Atlantic area as well as to enhance
regional security and stability.
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