Intervention
by H.E.
Mr. Marko Bello Deputy
Minister of Defence of the Republic of Albania
at the EAPC Defence Ministers Meeting
Mr. Secretary General,
Distinguished Colleagues
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This Defence EAPC Ministerial corresponds to moments when Southeast Europe
is passing through important changes. Albania is committed to join its
efforts with those of the international community and the other counties
of the region for bringing more stability within the country, which would
mean more stability in the region and beyond.
At the same time, we are also urging the other Albanian factors who live
in Kosova, FYROM or anywhere else, to join this main streamline of democratization,
stabilization and economic progress, as the only way to avoid remnants
of the past history and become partner and member of the family of democratic
world.
At the time when the long awaited changes in Belgrade have already started,
we are all looking forward the translation of the promises made from the
new ruling forces there into practical steps. We have noticed the attention
that the international community has devoted to those changes, and expect
not less than a rapid democratization of the Serb society.
In this framework of changes we think that Kosova will still remain a
test case for the profile of the new regime in Belgrade. The Albanian
Government welcomes any positive changes towards a new approach in this
direction. We believe that a constructive dialogue would offer chances
to a better understanding of the situation, and would also help to find
common solutions.
The Albanian Government has also followed with great concern the recent
developments in the region of Presheva, Bujanovc and Medvegje, where the
flow of refugees from there, along with the recent build up of the Yugoslav
Army provide a worrisome source of instability.
For this reason we have proposed to the OSCE to dispatch a monitoring
team as a measure of early warning and conflict prevention. The Albanian
Government has also publicly expressed its disagreement over the use of
force and has urged a political and diplomatic solution of the situation.
As far as the reform of the Albanian Armed Forces is concerned, I would
like to stress the fact that we have now a new structure of the Ministry
of Defence and our Armed Forces, which have been designed and concluded
in close cooperation and assistance of the allied counties. This year
has been of great importance for our military. Last January, the Parliament
adopted two crucially important documents "The National Security"
and "Defense Policy", which lay down the bases for further changes
towards a modern army and the principle of democratic control over them.
Realism and objectivity would be the basic notions in our future endeavors
aiming at the deepening of the process of Army reform. We will seek to
have a small but an efficient army. That is to say that quality will overrule
quantity.
To this end, I would stress the fact that Albania is deeply engaged in
all five areas of MAP related issues, and will remain committed to this
process until our strategic objective for full membership is fulfilled.
As we are concentrated on building up our future, we should also avoid
the remnants of the past, while at the same trying to deal with the new
security challenges of the new century. It is in this spirit that Albania
has undertaken a significant effort as confirmed by the :
Conclusion of a Memorandum on Destruction of Small Arms and Light Weapons
in Albania, signed by representatives of Albania, USA, Germany and Norway,
thus setting an example for the other countries of Southeast Europe to
undertake such a commitment, which we believe would enhance security and
stability and contribute to the security building measures in the region.
We hope that other countries of Southeast Europe will join us in the near
future.
Albania is in the process of fulfilling its obligations that steam from
its participation as a signatory party to the Ottawa Treaty in close cooperation
with NAMSA.
Also in the field of ammunition destruction and dismantling Albania is
committed to destroy all the amounts in excess, beyond its national needs
for defense purposes.
In the framework of SEDM, Albania has proposed to host the headquarters
of a Coordinating Cell for Humanitarian and Disaster Relief Interventions
in cases of emergencies. We are working with NATO member countries, such
as USA, to develop this initiative and coordinate our efforts with other
countries in the region, which have proposed similar initiatives.
Albania is an active participant in all regional initiatives, especially
those deriving from the Washington Summit Documents. We put much emphases
to our NATO - PfP obligations and will keep closely collaborating in the
future. Albania has also considered of importance the meetings of the
NATO aspiring countries, as a forum where opinions and experiences are
exchanged.
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