Toward stability in the Balkans...

The Bulgarian government invited Prime Ministers of countries neighbouring the Former Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) - Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1) and Romania - to meet for informal discussions on the situation in the region, at Hissar on 20-21 January.

Dr. Javier Solana, the High Representative of the Common European Foreign and Security Policy, and Ambassador Sergio Balanzino, the Deputy Secretary General of NATO, participated in the discussions on the political situation in the FRY (including Montenegro), the Stability Pact, Danube shipping and general policies initiated to develop stability and security in the region. Ambassador Balanzino highlighted NATO s stabilising role in the region through the ongoing peacekeeping efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo, and the Alliance s complementary role in the Stability Pact through the South East Europe Initiative.

1. Turkey recognises the Republic of Macedonia with its constitutional name.