Presentation

We have gathered here at this broad forum after almost six months to discuss the contemporary political and security issues in the Euro-Atlantic area and review how EAPC responds to the challenges and contributes to the fostering of security in the area. From the perspective of Slovakia, the importance of our today's meeting is underscored by the fact that it is hosted - for the first time in the history of the EAPC Ministerial meetings - by our close neighbour and friend - Hungary.

Further enlargement of NATO and the EU will be decisive in terms of their influence on the formation of the European security area It is obvious that NATO will remain the core of trans-Atlantic security and European stability. Compliance with the conditions and criteria for accession to NATO will be one of the determinants of the decision on when individual aspirant countries become full members of the Alliance. It is only correct and fair that the preparedness of each and every aspirant will be assessed individually. It is a process where everyone deserves an equal chance and opportunity to become a part of the Alliance. I would like to stress once again mat we consider the process of NATO enlargement a factor of special significance for strengthening of stability and security in Europe.

Slovakia is interested in advancing the activities of EAPC through specific cooperation and regular consultations between the allies and partners of NATO. EAPC provides an ample forum for discussions and exchange of opinions on all aspects of security, including those where the positions of some countries differ. A discussion of this sort confirms that EAPC is a forum where no one is a priori excluded from participation in the building of a common security. Regional cooperation has been an important contribution to the strengthening of the overall Euro-Atlantic security and stability.

The progress achieved to-date in the Enhanced and More Operational Partnership, the Operational Capabilities Concept, the Training and Education Enhancement Program and in the implementation of Political Military Framework bears witness of our realistic preparations for cooperation and approximation to NATO. The efficient use of the EAPC and PfP mechanisms enhances our capacity to lace the broad spectrum of security challenges and risks ahead of us. Let me emphasise that the EAPC, PfP and partnership cooperation have enabled the partners of the Alliance to actively participate in the NATO-led operations in the Balkans and, thereby, helped to prevent the repercussions of the crisis from spilling over to the neighbouring regions and to Europe al large.

Distinguished colleagues,

Allow me to take this opportunity to say a few words about the conference that took place three weeks ago in the nearby capital Bratislava under the title: "Europe's New Democracies: Leadership and Responsibility". The message of the conference on the 'shared vision of European political integration and mutual solidarity' is significant from a number of perspectives. The conference confirmed that new democracies represent a contribution to the European security and stability and have their place in the formation of new Europe. The conference accentuated the mearungfulness of the "open-door policy" pursued by the Alliance, which was confirmed by strengthened security and stability on the Continent when Poland, Czech Republic and Hungary joined NATO. The genuine effort for solidarity and cooperation in the integration processes was mirrored in the joint declaration of the conference whose participants affirmed interest in the whole of Europe and stated that no part of Europe should be automatically omitted on historical of geographical grounds.

The ongoing crisis in the Balkans underscores the necessity for a broader regional understanding of security and makes us wonder whether we have chosen the right mechanisms and adopted the right measures to prevent or address the crisis. I am not the only one to express concerns about the seriousness of the situation in Kosovo, Macedonia and Monte Negro. A key to achieving security and stability in the region of South-Eastem Europe lies in the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution No 1244 The international community should stand united in deploring all acts of violence regardless of what the reasons and who the perpetrators are. I believe thai all the stakeholders are now aware that there is no military solution to the western Balkans and that any further de-stabilisation in the region effectively hampers the building of a multi-ethnic society, whose functioning is the only remedy that can heal the historical, ethnic, religious, economic or political injustice with tragic consequences to the entire population in the area. The responsibility and credibility in the hands of the Balkan stales, coupled with a tangible and well-balanced support by the international community, must materialise in a progress that is irreversible and lays foundations for further development. Equally importantly, any solution put forward must accept the current borders of the states in the region. The crises of this kind should not be viewed as a tool used to "test" the efficiency of procedures applied in international crisis management: we are not here to take lessons from critical situations in other states, we are here to solve them. Admittedly, a quest for solution does bring along a body of invaluable experience that can be used in conflict prevention; which, however, given the depth of these conflicts, was non-existent at the time.

The Kosovo parliamentary elections - whose organisation by UNMIK should be closely coordinated with the government in Beograd - could represent an important step toward ensuring permanent peace in the region. The elected body of representatives should decide on the practical issues of life in Kosovo. The definitive solution concerning the status of the province should be postponed to a later date. I would like to highly appreciate the formation of the broad coalition government in Macedonia in the difficult situation and under heavy pressure. I am convinced that the government in Skopje deserves our full support and recognition. I also believe that the intensive dialogue between Beograd and Podgorica will result in a solution that is acceptable to both sides in the interest of preserving the common stale. Nevertheless, this is an internal affair of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. As a final note on the process of stabilisation in the South-Eastem Europe, let me emphasise that in an effort to solve other acute problems, we should not lose our sight of the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina In this respect, I would like to highly appreciate the recent activities of the high representative of international community. W. Petritsch, who is an embodiment of Ihe united European approach towards stabilisation of the region.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Our basic goal can be formulated in five words - Building a United, Free and Safe Europe. Due to its complexity, this goal is hard to achieve in a short run. However, the integration of new European democracies into well-tested and functioning political and security structures will, undoubtedly, accelerate the process of achieving it.