Meeting of the EAPC at the level of Foreign Ministers Brussels 16 Dec. 1999

Intervention of H.E. Ben Blushi Deputy Foreign Minister of Albania Honorable Secretary General, Honorable Colleagues, The Kosova conflict that dominated this year's politics and international diplomacy was concluded with the Alliance's intervention that obliged the Belgrade's regime to withdraw from Kosova and paved the way to the implementation of the Resolution 1244 of the Security Council deployment of KFOR and civilian administration of UNMIK. I presume, it's more than clear for everybody that NATO air strikes over FRY were not aimed at the independence of Kosova, but rather at extending a powerful message that the civilized nations can not permit the violation of the universal values and principles that constitute the basis of democracy I believe that all of us should be convinced that air strikes were the most adequate and functional solution in putting an end to genocide in Kosova and I take this opportunity to thank all the Allied nations for their serious engagement in stopping this tragedy. During the conflict Albania aligned itself totally in the side of the Alliance by making available its entire aeroportual, seaports and land infrastructure. As a result of this engagement, Belgrade interrupted unilaterally diplomatic relations with my country, while the Serbian army violated our land and airspace in many cases. Albania also turned out to be an important factor of preserving the delicate balance in the region by providing shelter for more than 650.000 forcefully deported people. We also contributed in the stability of the neighboring nations especially that of FYROM by accepting a large number of deportees that FYROM was not able to afford. As we speak the conflict in Kosova is over but the crisis is far from over. Kosova is undergoing a delicate period of reconstruction and function of its governing structures. UNMIK is sparing no effort in creating normal living conditions. Achievements in several fields such as; the adoption of DM as the currency of Kosova, the creation of customs, the creation of the first unit of the local police, the creation of Kosova Protection Corps constitute steps of outmost importance in rising the foundations of a democratic state. Albania would call on a greater international engagement, in order to enable Kosova to enter in the process of creation of an open and multiethnic society. It needs solid institutions that can guarantee equality, physical security, and the security of propriety for all its historical inhabitants, regardless their ethnicity. Also the return of the displaced persons along with the halt of violent acts from whatever side they come, the conduct of the local elections in a suitable date into the not distant future, would create the premises for bringing the situation fully under control and will enable the functionality of the state institutions. It is clear now that the Albanians of Kosova can not live any longer under the administration of Belgrade as a capital of Serbia, because Belgrade has already lost this right. Although the future status of Kosova is not an immediate issue whatever the solution that will come after the necessary period of international administration it must take into account the free vote expressed will of all the people of Kosova. Stability in Kosova requests the contribution of the serbian opposition as well. It must make it crystal clear in front of the international community that it condemns Milosevi not simply for the isolation and destruction of Serbia but above all for his 10 years of policies of conflicts, and genocide unleashed upon the Albanian population of Kosova. It is through this filter that its relations with the euroatlantic nations and institutions must go through. In order for the Serbian opposition to clearly separate itself from the regime of Milosevi, it must openly support the mechanisms of the International Tribunal for Crimes in former Yugoslavia. Such a process would clearly identify the responsibilities for the tragedy in Kosova. The punishment of the criminals would in turn contribute to the reconciliation between Serbs and Albanians. The stability of Monte Negro is also of special importance. Albania has hailed the democratic process undertaken by President Gjukanovi and his democratically elected Government. We appreciate his engagement for the creation of a multiethnic society. Albania has opened itself up for cooperation with Monte Negro and we expect soon positive developments in this direction. Albania is also following closely the developments in the relations between Monte Negro and Serbia remaining concerned by the Serbian tendencies of creating a new hot spot in the Balkans. The recent democratic developments in FYROM as well as the steps this country has taken in the process of its European Integration, enshrine in themselves the contribution of the Albanians of FYROM. In the end of this conflict, but based also in the other past and present developments in the region we can emphasize the important conclusion that the Albanian factor in the region constitutes a guaranty for long term development and stability in all the countries where Albanians live. Mr Chairman The process of reconstruction of the region and its transformation in a prosperous and stable space depends basically from the efforts of the democratically elected governments of the majority of South East Europe nations. We are convinced that the process of stability and democratization of our region demands the strengthening of democracy in all of our countries which should enter a final and successful process in our fight against such phenomena as corruption, illegal trafficking lack of stable democratic institutions etc. Albania feels convinced that as far as those phenomena will be present in our societies our chances for stability in the region will remain small, because as proved in former Yugoslavia they instigate and foster ethnic hatred and regional crisis. We think that not only the problems inherited from history, but also the above-mentioned phenomena were the source of all the crises in Yugoslavia. That's why I want to stress that cooperation in this direction is our "golden key" to opening the doors of integration and consolidated peace, that defends and develops itself through institutions that guarantee equality and respect for all of ethnic groups, minorities and the individuals. In this context the Stability Pact that has just begun to be defined is a great chance for all of us. The Albanian Government is of the opinion that NATO's presence in the region is indispensable for the creation of the conditions that would help the Stability Pact become a success story, by creating the necessary security framework of democratic processes and economic development. Let me take this opportunity to repeat our point of view that calls for a speedy implementation especially of the economic dimension of the Stability Pact. Needless to say that economic development is in itself a security factor. The Albanian Government is convinced that the creation of joint security structures and the cooperation with NATO contributes in prevention of crises and the creation of a necessary security and democracy corridor for our region. We believe that the Forum of Consultations for Southeast Europe can play a significant role, although it can not replace the Stability Pact, it can however be a significant complementary element. The Membership Action Plan is also an excellent instrument that would provide for more stability in our countries, region and broader Allow me to conclude my intervention by reaffirming Albania's determination in its aim for full membership in the Alliance by undertaking the necessary steps in fulfilling the engagements that steam from its membership.