CONTRIBUTION OF THE OSCE CHAIRMAN-IN-OFFICE,
MR MIRCEA GEOANA TO THE SECOND REGIONAL CONFERENCE FOR SOUTH-EAST EUROPE - BUCHAREST, 25 OCTOBER 2001

As Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE, under whose auspices the Stability Pact operates, I believe it would be useful to set out briefly some views on how the OSCE and the Stability Pact could work more closely in promoting political and economic development in South East Europe.

The OSCE Chairmanship recognises the critical role and contribution of the Stability Pact?s activities in South East Europe, including its achievements in addressing regional issues that are of concern also to the OSCE. The OSCE promotes regional cooperation as the means to approaching and solving problems and has pointed on many occasions to the Stability Pact as an example of successful cooperation at the regional level which is backed by international support.

A stable and prosperous South East Europe based on regional cooperation and international engagement sends a strong signal to other regions of the OSCE of what can be achieved when countries act together to strengthen their democracies and build up their economies. Solidarity does not diminish national efforts but serves to enhance them.

A stable and prosperous South East Europe can serve to radiate OSCE values outwards to other regions in the OSCE space where democratic institutions and market economies are not yet fully developed.

Together with the EU Stabilisation and Association Process, the Pact is facilitating major projects of economic and political significance for South East Europe. But the projects are many and complex and take time to implement. I have proposed that the OSCE should take seriously its status as the organisation under whose auspices the Pact operates and should offer support, through its Institutions and Missions, in identifying the highest priorities with the strongest regional impact as a means of re-energizing implementation of Pact programmes and stimulating the private sector.

The OSCE is already directly involved with the Stability Pact in a number of areas, particularly under Working Tables I and III, such as media, human trafficking and gender issues. And the OSCE is pursuing its own programmes in South East European countries, such as good governance and anti-corruption projects, development of NGOs and independent media, promotion of multi-ethnicity in education and the public sector, including police forces.

OSCE objectives are consistent and compatible with those of the Stability Pact. I believe that the International Community would make better use of its resources if there were a stronger coordination and liaison between OSCE field activities and the Stability Pact. OSCE Missions on the ground are singularly well-placed to offer objective and expert information and advice not only on priorities but also to monitor implementation of existing international activities.

From the perspective of the OSCE Chairmanship, I would suggest that the strategic path of the Stability Pact should further consider:

- Reordering the Regional Agenda so as to place the rights of the individual - human rights, security, prosperity and solidarity - at the heart of our efforts. Regional cohesion can be reinforced through increased human values in each country throughout South East Europe. The welfare of the citizen should become the main goal in the emancipation of our region in the European sense;

- The Human Dimension remains a core value which must be pursued. There is still much to do throughout the OSCE area to consolidate democracy and the rule of law, to ensure free and fair elections, to eliminate discrimination and intolerance, and to develop strong civil societies. The building of democratic institutions is a long-term goal in which we must remain engaged. There is considerable room for progress on the return of displaced persons and refugees.

- Fighting against trafficking in human beings as part of the wider effort to curb organised crime and corruption. Improved law enforcement throughout the region is not only a national or regional issue. It is increasingly a European issue and will require a concerted European response;

- Creating a secure, stable and trustworthy business environment. This requires a strengthened institutional capacity, professional public administration and an independent, effective judicial system, based on a stable legislative foundation. The Stability Pact?s economic projects should contribute to creating a sound investment climate and sustaining good governance and transparent practices.

I have emphasized on the occasion of The Ninth Meeting of the OSCE Economic Forum “Transparency and Good Governance in Economic Matters” organized in Prague this year that one of the greatest threats to security and stability in the OSCE region is the economic divide. Social and economic disparities, poverty and unemployment threaten our security and undermine our values. We need to boost economic development, promote social cohesion and make a real positive difference to the day-to-day life of individuals. Good governance and transparency are central to developing stable and sustainable economies.

By developing a more focussed approach the Stability Pact can make a real difference in achieving the objectives which the OSCE has set for itself: credible benefits for the individual and a stronger and more stable democratic political and economic system.