Yugoslav foreign minister welcomes OSCE contribution to reform in FRY

VIENNA, 20 June 2002 - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Goran Svilanovic, today welcomed the OSCE's contribution to the process of reform and democratisation in his country.

Addressing the Permanent Council of the 55-nation OSCE in Vienna, he described the relationship between Yugoslavia and the OSCE as "fruitful and constructive."

"We particularly welcome the OSCE's ability to quickly adapt to new realities and to respond to new challenges in a meaningful way," the minister said. "The Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia highly appreciates the contribution by the OSCE, particularly by the OSCE Mission in the FRY, to the on-going process of reforms and democratization. The relation of partnership and co-operation between the Government of the FRY and the OSCE Mission is important to the transition processes in Yugoslavia."

Minister Svilanovic said it was of critical importance to strike the right balance between the three dimensions of the OSCE - the politico-military dimension, the human dimension and the economic and environmental dimension.

Yugoslavia advocated the strengthening of co-operation among OSCE missions in the region, particularly the two Missions in the FRY. "We strongly argue that issues such as refugees, internally displaced persons, missing persons, minority rights or suppression of organized crime are regional issues in their nature and cannot but be solved at the regional level," the minister said.

Outlining Yugoslavia's foreign policy priorities, he singled out the importance of good relations with neighbouring countries: "It is of paramount importance that all states in the region now have democratic governments. All of us embrace the same values and we are committed to the same goals."

Rather than being overly ambitious, countries in the region should concentrate on areas such as the promotion of free trade, energy, transport and telecommunications and the suppression of organized crime.

"In conclusion, let me express my strong conviction that we, in South East Europe, really need the OSCE, as an organization for promoting security and cooperation. At the same time, the OSCE needs a stable, secure and prosperous South East Europe," the minister said.