Madrid, Spain 4 June 2003

Speaking Notes for H.E. Mr. Mircea Geoana, Foreign Minister of Romania at the EAPC Meeting PANEL I: New threats to security and the role of Partnership in dealing with them EAPC has contributed effectively to promoting the democratic values across the entire Euro-Atlantic area and beyond, and to the creation of a cooperation culture in the field of security. The future of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership means, to some extent, the future of Euro-Atlantic security, which will involve appropriate ways to respond to the new threats. Romania reaffirms her commitment to remain active in the EAPC framework, focusing on ways to strengthen the cooperation with partner countries, even after her accession to NATO. Romania needs an Alliance strong and efficient, and an EAPC able to contribute to the security of the entire Euro-Atlantic area. The Partnership Action Plan for fighting Terrorism has the potential to substantiate the contribution of the EAPC member states to the fight against the new threats to security. The successful implementation of the new Partnership Instruments requires the active involvement of partners, Allies and invitees. On 29 - 30 June 2003, Romania will organize an EAPC seminar on "the regional approaches to the new security risks" focusing mainly on the security threats to the Euro-Atlantic area, as well as on the merits of regional cooperation and its added value to the security of the Euro-Atlantic space. New threats to security Today we face an increasingly complex and threatening security environment The new security challenges stem from the alarming triad of terrorism, undemocratic or unstable regimes, and the spread of weapons of mass destruction. Together, we are developing the responses to these threats that will secure our shared vision of freedom, peace and prosperity throughout the world. Instability is not confined to the areas in which it originates. There will be a spill-over effect into Europe and North America, in particular through migration, smuggling, and all that goes with it: terrorism, organized crime, illicit trafficking, violence, and drugs. In short, geography will no longer protect us. All these interrelated risks create an uncomfortable security environment that will pose difficult - and probably unforeseeable - challenges. We will have to look at threats functionally, not geographically. We are all vulnerable to terrorism. We will have to be able to act wherever our security and the safety of our people demand action. A strong transatlantic partnership is vital for the long-term security and prosperity of North America and Europe, and stability, freedom and development throughout the world. The combined military and economic might of the United States and Europe, and a common determination to defend shared values are more indispensable than ever. Romania together with other partner and member states brings a strong contribution to the coalition against terrorism by rooting out the funding for terrorist activities i.e. trafficking in drugs, women; clamping down on illegal arms sales; strengthening border security and greater law enforcement cooperation and coordination; sharing intelligence both internally and externally in a way never seen before; and, by providing military and logistical support to the campaign in Afghanistan. In Prague, the Heads of States and Governments of NATO countries have approved a comprehensive package of measures to strengthen the ability of the Alliance to meet the challenges to the security of our forces, populations and territory, from wherever they may come. They were focused on better addressing those, including the threat posed by terrorism and by the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery. The importance of observing and strengthening disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation regimes for preventing the spread and use of weapons of mass destruction was also stressed. Our preparation to join the Alliance includes, also, aligning ourselves to the measures and instruments decided upon by its members. What we need to address these threats and risks to our security environment? More coordination and consultation: Today no country can ensure its security entirely on its own. Counter terrorism is also an area where strength is in numbers. We all need allies and partners. We must stand together against terrorists, consult on threats, coordinate responses, share risks and burdens. NATO is the key consultation forum that brings together North America and Europe. Romania as well as other new comers and credible partners, must strengthen this community of like-minded nations. Make full use of the partnerships: EAPC and PfP have contributed effectively to promoting the democratic values across the entire Euro-Atlantic area and beyond. They have also contributed to the creation of a cooperation culture in the field of security among participating states and have represented a useful tool for speeding up the political and military reforms in the partner countries. EAPC, a unique coalition spreading from North America to the countries of Central Asia, has also represented a vital pillar of the international coalition against terrorism. NATO-Russia relations: There are many security challenges that can be solved together with Russia: terrorism, proliferation of WMD, ballistic missiles, crisis management, to name just the most obvious. The recent events in Sankt Petersburg - the EU - Russia Summit and the US - Russia high-level meeting - have shown that the relationships of the Russian Federation with both the EU and US keep the same positive trend, thus contributing to the enhancement of the global security environment. Broader cooperation: There is a strong need for security cooperation beyond Europe. While changing itself, NATO is also inherently changing its close neighbourhood. Border security becomes an issue for NATO, especially in the Balkans, the Caucasus and Central Asia. For example, an idea that could be taken into account is the establishment of NATO liaison offices in countries in the Caucasus and Central Asia. Use regionally owned initiatives In the context of the fight against terrorism: SEECAP - a successful example of regional ownership. Sharing best practice. SECI Center - given NATO involvement in border security issues in South-East Europe, it should be closer to SECI operations (observer status for NATO or NATO liaison officer). Other regional initiatives at which NATO should take a fresh look (e.g. a new security dimension of the Black Sea Enlarged Area). Institutional cooperation: NATO has never been a solo-player in security. In today's strategic environment, military, political and economic challenges have become too intertwined to be met by one single institution. We need the UN to provide political legitimacy and civil administration. We need the OSCE to organize elections after a conflict. And we need the EU to yield its enormous political and economic leverage. The practice bears fruits (Bosnia, Macedonia), but we have to work harder to achieve even more. Inextricable link between EAPC and NAC in fighting terrorism. NATO at the core. The future of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership means, to some extent, the future of Euro-Atlantic security, which will involve appropriate ways to respond to the new threats. Romania cannot see the future of the EAPC outside NATO's future and NATO's adaptation. There is a mutual reinforcing link between NATO and EAPC. And it entails a mutual evolution. The Partnership must continue to reflect the changes in the security environment and the new missions of the Alliance. The fight against terrorism has allowed many partners, including Romania, to act as a de facto ally. The Allies should pass on relevant information or experience on counter terrorism to partners and vice-versa. NATO should take advantage of the unique blend of political/civil and military components of EAPC and PfP EAPC and PfP entail important benefits for NATO, especially the dual nature - civilian-military- of their activities. EAPC offers the proper framework to identify new approaches in fighting asymmetric threats. It can be a starting point for further developing the existing cooperative initiatives in ensuring border security, fighting organised crime, illicit human-trafficking, drugs, etc. . NATO should make full use of EAPC's role as a force for political cohesion and a guardian of consistency in crucial policy areas. EAPC should remain an overarching political framework for cooperation and consultation, and ideas on the extension of the geographical reach of the EAPC should be considered. Further refinements of the EAPC should take into account the experience acquired so far regionally (in South-East Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia). EAPC must assist the partner states in developing the necessary capabilities for fighting the new threats. More attention should be paid on the countries in the Caucasus and Central Asia that face a bigger potential to be affected by these risks. New EAPC instruments for fighting terrorism In Prague, new instruments were launched with a view to substantiate the contribution of the EAPC member states to the fight against the new risks to security (for ex. Partnership Action Plan for fighting Terrorism). The decisions adopted in Prague set the stage for NATO's deeper involvement in the fight against terrorism and, at the same time, they offered the partner countries the possibility to get even more actively engaged in fighting new security threats. In period to come, it is important to implement these mechanisms and to deepen the cooperation between allies and partners. Romania welcomes the interest already shown by some partner states for the implementation of these new instruments. The successful implementation of the new Partnership instruments requires the active involvement of the partner states. Allies and invitees. We reaffirm our commitment to remain active in the EAPC framework, focusing on ways to strengthen the cooperation with partner countries, even after our accession to NATO. We need an Alliance strong and efficient enough to cope with the new threats and an EAPC able to contribute to the security of the entire Euro-Atlantic area. As a NATO partner for almost a decade, Romania is familiar with partner countries' interests and concerns. We have traditional bilateral relations with all the current and prospective NATO's partners. We are willing to share our expertise with them and ready to be actively involved in the development and deepening of NATO's relations with all its partners. On 29 - 30 June 2003, Romania will organize an EAPC seminar on "the regional approaches to the new security risks", focusing mainly on the security threats to the Euro-Atlantic area, as well as the merits of regional cooperation and its added value to the security of the Euro-Atlantic space. The strategic dimension of the Larger Black Sea Area: A new reality is developing in the Romania's area as a result of: Future NATO membership of Romania and Bulgaria; The eastwards advance of the EU; The new relationship between Russia/Ukraine and NATO/EU respectively; On a wider scale, one should also take into account the dramatic changes in Iraq and the developments in the Middle East. One of the consequences of these processes is the change in the strategic dimension of the Larger Black Sea Area: There are going to be 3 NATO members and 3 partners on its shores; Preparation for NATO membership and Partnership programs have been very successful in triggering reforms within the military and security structures in the countries of the area; culture of co-operation in security matters has taken roots. The strategic importance of the navy in the region is apparently shifting from territorial defense to co-operative combating asymmetrical threats and force-projection outside the Black Sea proper. This new reality is important in dealing with the New Threats (terrorism; organized crime; trafficking in weapons, including WMD-related items, SALWs, drugs, humans). Conclusion: Romania is working out the concept of the new security dimension of the Larger Black Sea Area. Some of its components: Adjustment of lessons learned in the Balkans (SEECAP) to be furthered in the area (mainly in the Caucasus); Building upon the positive experience of the SECI Centre in Bucharest; Networking of academia, NGO's and civil society that might result in a Black Sea Security Forum; Establishing a Center for Monitoring and Combating Asymmetrical Threats (in Constantza) for training military personnel, governmental and parliamentary officers, representatives of the civil society, media; it shall also have research and study functions. PANEL II: Democratic transformation and its contribution to stability in the Euro - Atlantic area Key messages NATO is a democratic community of values and action. All NATO member states enjoy the tradition of democracy, respect of human rights and rule of law. They form an area of peace, stability and prosperity. With their reinforced partnerships, NATO and EU can carry forward their values across the entire Euro-Atlantic area and beyond, The logic of NATO enlargement is to extend the boundaries of the free, democratic and prosperous world. After a number of years of preparations, Romania is getting ready to assume its rightful place within the Alliance of democracies. On our way to NATO, the strong desire to return to the Euro-Atlantic family of free and democratic nations was the driving force of all our efforts and internal reforms. We fell now prepared to give our support, in a very responsible way, to others. We think that every new member state of NATO has the moral duty to further promote the Euro-Atlantic values. As a future Ally, Romania will take this commitment very seriously. NATO is a community of values and norms NATO is both a political and a military Alliance. At the same time, NATO is a democratic community of values and action. All NATO member states enjoy the tradition of democracy, respect of human rights and rule of law. They form an area of peace, stability and prosperity. There is a high level of inter-dependency - political, economic and military - between the countries belonging to the West. Conflict is unthinkable within this area of peace, stability and prosperity. The Euro-Atlantic area experiences today important changes: the completion of Europe and the consolidation of the core values and beliefs of the Euro-Atlantic community. The engine of these processes is safeguarding and promoting the core values of democracy and freedom. The enlargement of NATO and EU are two complementary, mutually reinforcing processes. They both converge to a unified, stable and prosperous Europe. With their reinforced partnerships, NATO and EU can carry forward their values across the entire Euro-Atlantic area and beyond. They also contribute to the creation of a broad, cooperative yet effective approach to security. The new threats to security compel us all - member and partner states - to work together to defend our common values of democracy, security and freedom. Common threats provided a strong impulse for common action. We understood very clearly that we are vulnerable. We undertook to explore ways to facilitate the access of every part of the world to the benefits that our democratic values entail for our security and stability. NATO enlargement - "the democratic unification of Europe" NATO enlargement is the expression of the logic of what Lord Robertson called "the democratic unification of Europe". My country had the privilege to be included among the seven countries invited to join NATO. We understand now better than ever the meaning of Lord Robertson's words.We have a strong feeling that we are now reintegrating ourselves into a family that we always belong to, at least culturally and spiritually. As a community of shared values and common goals, NATO, alongside the European Union, is fundamental to extending the boundaries of the free world. This is what NATO is doing today, bringing in countries that have embraced its values, reinforcing its capabilities, developing new partnerships to promote security and spread the benefits. After a number of years of preparations, Romania is getting ready to assume its rightful place within the Alliance of democracies. On our way to NATO, the strong desire to return to the Euro-Atlantic family of free and democratic nations was the driving force of all our efforts and internal reforms. We fell now prepared to give our support, in a very responsible way, to others. We think that every new member state of NATO has the moral duty to further promote the Euro-Atlantic values. As a future Ally, Romania will take this commitment very seriously. We are bringing to the Alliance our firm belief that for the first time in Europe's history we can project and build our future on the solid ground of a long and much waited cycle of peace, security and prosperity. A strong transatlantic link is indispensable to this vision. Romania will contribute to the safeguarding of the freedom, common heritage and civilization of the Alliance We are determined to contribute to the safeguarding of the freedom, common heritage and civilization of all Alliance members and their peoples, founded on the principles of democracy, individual liberty and rule of law. Romania is a mature democracy. The state's institutions are stable, and fully committed to the respect of democracy, individual liberty and rule of law. The Romanian Government is able and willing to promote stability and well being by the means of economic liberty, social justice and environmental responsibility. The Romanian Constitution guarantees the fundamental human rights and freedoms to every citizen of the country. Democracy is regarded as an important source of enhancing the domestic security. Romanian democracy has stood the test of time in three rounds of free and democratic elections. Free elections are held on a regular basis. Romanian citizens support, unconditionally, the country's process of preparing for NATO membership. 86% of the Romanian population is in favor of joining the Alliance. Romania's accession to NATO is considered, by the population and by the entire political spectrum, as a crucial step needed for Romania's development as a stable, democratic and prosperous state. Romania continuously consolidates democracy and rule of law A process of amending the Constitution of Romania is underway, widely debated by the Romanian political parties and submitted to public comments, with a view to: Increasing the accountability of the Romanian members of Parliament to their constituency by introduction of uninominal vote; Clearly establishing the responsibilities of the two chambers of the Parliament in order to increase the efficiency of the legislative process. The fight against corruption is one of the highest priorities of the Romanian Government. The Romanian Government is firmly committed to continue with its strong reform plans, assuming responsibility for a comprehensive anti-corruption law that has recently come into force. In view of Romania's future NATO membership, as well as EU membership, the Romanian Government is fully committed to improve the efficiency of public administration and public services and to establish the necessary legal framework and institutions required by the reform of public administration. An important objective assumed by the Government is to make the judicial system more effective, guaranteeing its independence and making it strongly resistant to any attempts of corruption. The strategic short and medium term options in the economic field focus on accelerating privatization and restructuring, strengthening the financial and banking sectors reform, as well as improving the business environment, increasing competition and attracting more foreign investments. The improvement and the consolidation of the macro-economic performances allow Romania to comply with its international commitments, including those that NATO membership entails. The existing legislation concerning minority issues and the effective way of implementing this legislation prove that Romania has found appropriate solutions for settling minority issues, a fact also acknowledged by the EU Commission. Further actions will be completed in order to ensure the full integration of the Roma minority into society. Regarding other community issues, the Romanian Government is committed to further protect and promote children's rights and to ensure the completion and implementation of the legislation on adoption. A special attention will be paid to the restitution of properties. Within an enlarged and adapted NATO. Romania will assume a leading role in promoting the Euro-Atlantic values toward its neighbors We are a vigorous advocate of democratic transformations in those countries that are experiencing now the same difficulties of transition that we ourselves have faced. As a country that has suffered the pains of transition, we bring a particular geo-strategic sensitivity and concern for the countries in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia that aspire to a closer relationship with the West. We feel an obligation to provide assistance to our friends in the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and the Western Balkans by sharing our experience in Euro-Atlantic integration. We will continue to prepare ourselves, alongside other countries sharing the same values, in order to bring our contribution to the consolidation of the security in the Euro-Atlantic area. We will be honored to use this historic opportunity to assist those who need our support. Our accession to NATO will have a positive influence on the situation in the neighboring countries, encouraging the efforts towards consolidating democracy in the region. We will do our best to promote democratic developments in our area. We will also remain active in the EAPC framework, focusing on ways to strengthen the cooperation with partner countries, especially with those in the Caucasus and Central Asia, Our experience in the process of preparations for NATO membership allows us to better understand the situation of the candidate states that did not receive, at the Prague Summit, the invitation to join the Alliance. We know that if these countries continue their democratic development, as well as their increased involvement in the consolidation of the regional peace, cooperation and stabilization processes, their integration aspirations will be rewarded. PANEL III: Building security and stability in Afghanistan Key Messages: What Afghanistan means: the success of the offensive of democracy in the fight against terrorism. for NATO's future: test of ability to be efficient in securing this success. Consequently, our Alliance's mission statement shall be strengthened by building democracy, combating new risks and expanding stability. NATO's decision to enhance its support for ISAFIV is a concrete response to the challenges of the 21st century and a symbol of the cohesion and relevance of the Alliance. New risks are to be met by a New Alliance: Romania, together with the other new members, is fully committed to the shaping of the new role for the Alliance and to its success, Our contribution: data on military commitments, costs, means; Our interests: to match words with deeds: it's moral, it's our duty, it's a must for credibility; Our outlook: securing appropriate circumstances for democratic development has always been a part of the Alliance's mission: in Europe, it was instrumental in providing security as the Marshall Plan was the key to post war recovery; in the Balkans, the NATO-led operations have secured the conditions for the local political forces to embark upon rebuilding their future in peace and co-operation; in Afghanistan and, recently, in Iraq, the Forces of Evil were defeated and people can truly hope to live in freedom and dignity. All this huge work, which covers an average life time, was possible because • The Quest was right; • The Allies were united • The capabilities met the needs. We (Romania) want to keep it that way. Challenges we have to face call for even broader co-operation and cohesion. Building security and stability in Afghanistan is an area where there is a strong need for consultation and coordination at 46. It is relevant that many of the EAPC members are from the area - their input is valuable to the cause; we need regionally based and owned projects that actually meet the needs of stronger co operation in the area. Stability in Afghanistan would irradiate around and the opposite applies. There are good signs in Afghanistan: ISAF's Area of Responsibility remains relatively calm; There has been a drop in crime levels; In Kabul there is general support for the efforts of the central government and security forces, Challenges persist. The main threat to security situation is coming from the East and South East of Kabul and from supporters of radical terrorist groups already residing in Kabul; The level criminal activity in these areas is high; The constitutional process so far is already facing delays; Security is the key to the further development of the country. There is a strong need to create security forces under command and control of the central authorities. Exchanging views on building security and stability in Afghanistan in the EAPC format As instability is not confined to the area in which it originates, the evolutions in Afghanistan have direct implications for the security and stability of all the partner states. Our meeting today offers us the opportunity to exchange views on building security and stability in Afghanistan in the context of the historic decision of the Alliance to increase its involvement in the International Assistance Force in Afghanistan (ISAF). As NATO is moving forward, we want to take a step forward by increasing our contribution and offering our expertise to our allies and partners. We will do our best to help the Alliance with its new role in Afghanistan, as we have been doing so far within the international coalition in Afghanistan. Thus, we will be honored to join the common efforts of the member states to strengthen the role of the Alliance as the premier security organization and the most significant expression of the transatlantic link. Romania welcomes NATO's decision to enhance its support for ISAF IV NATO's decision to take over new responsibilities vis-a-vis ISAF is evidence of the Alliance's capacity to adapt to the new security environment, to deal with the new threats to security, wherever they exist. It is a proof of the Alliance's relevance and cohesion. It is a step forward for NATO's radical transformation. Only months after Prague, the Alliance is now putting into practice the decisions regarding its new missions. The Alliance has already played a significant role in support of ISAF, with NATO member states providing 95% of the troops involved. NATO leadership will bring important benefits to the efficiency of this operation. The decisions will be taken more rapidly and the difficulties related to the election of new leading nations every six months will be overcome. NATO's decision is good for Afghanistan, is good for the Afghan people, as well as for the commitment of the entire International community to stay engaged there. Next step to consider: maximizing NATO's role in Iraq. Romania has a substantial and multi-dimensional contribution in Afghanistan: Political and economic commitment; Military participation: ISAF and Enduring Freedom; Participation in the provincial reconstruction teams; Involvement in the efforts for setting up and making operational the Afghan army. Romania would like to witness the successful transition of Afghanistan from chaos and disorder to a prosperous, stable, secure and democratic state. We are considering now our political and military profile as a future NATO member state. We want our contribution and involvement in Afghanistan to be an important dimension of our profile as a future Ally. Romania's political and economic commitment in Afghanistan Like other partners, Romania has acted as a de facto ally in the fight against terrorism. We felt compelled by human solidarity to offer not only compassion, but also our concrete support in the war against terrorism. The deployment in Afghanistan is part of the long-standing effort of Romania to participate alongside Western democracies in international peace missions, after Kuwait, Angola, Somalia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and others. The participation in international operations responds basically to our own necessity to ensure the national security, to be able to face the new risks and threats to security and to protect and promote Romania's national interests abroad. Romania promotes close bilateral relations with the transitional authorities in Kabul. We strongly believe in the capacity of the Afghan society to become free and democratic. We want to assist the Afghan society in its transformation. We committed ourselves at the Tokyo Conference to contribute with USD 3.2 million to the UN Immediate and Transitional Assistance Programme for Afghanistan, mainly for infrastructure and economic reconstruction. Romania's military participation According to the Romanian commitment to the international anti-terrorist coalition and based on the approval granted by the Parliament, starting with January 2002, Romania sent several military support elements (a military police platoon, a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft and crew, an aviation technical assistance team, as well as three military liaison officers) to contribute to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. Romania's military participation in ISAF currently stands at 58. Romania is one of the contributing countries that ensured strategic airlift for her entire military presence in Afghanistan.military have been deployed in the Operation ,,Enduring Freedom", in Afghanistan beginning with July 15, 2002. transported in the theatre with Romanian capabilities. Following Parliament's approval, Romania recently completed the scheduled rotation of its combat troops participating in Operation Enduring Freedom, replacing the " Red Scorpions" battalion with the "Carpathian Hawks" battalion currently deployed alongside US soldiers. The mandate was prolonged (December 2003). Romania's participation in the provincial reconstruction teams Romania acknowledges the relevance of the provincial reconstruction teams for the promotion of security in the surrounding regions of Kabul and for the achievement of the level of stability that will allow the economic development of Afghanistan. We welcome the establishment of the forth provincial reconstruction team under British leadership in Mazar-l-Sharif. We consider that the prospects for stability in Afghanistan would be improved with the progressive involvement of NATO member states in the provincial reconstruction teams. The Parliament has recently approved the participation of Romania in the provincial reconstruction teams with six officers specialized in civil-military cooperation and ten experts in the field of constructions. Romania's involvement in the efforts of setting up and making operational the Afghan army Romania has contributed to the training program for the Afghan National Guard with instruction equipment, assault rifles, blank ammunition, magazines and cleaning sets. Romania was the first country to donate arms and ammunition to Afghan National Army. Following the recent US initiative to support the process of creating and making operational the Afghan army, the Romanian Parliament approved the contribution of Romania with ten officers and 15 military experts, as well as with armament, ammunition and technology to this process. Afghanistan has entered a period of relative stability and reconstruction The large numbers of refugees returning to their homes are evidence of the acceptable level of confidence that Afghanistan has begun to generate, There are important efforts aiming at setting up the basic state institutions, The distribution of humanitarian aid has improved. The central authority in Kabul was extended, even modestly, to other regions of the country. The new "Provincial Reconstruction Teams" promoted by the United States in order to be deployed in Afghanistan are an important step forward in building security and stability beyond Kabul. The local population has very well received these country teams - contributing to important sectors such as security, transportation and health. Still, there are important threats to security and stability, especially in the surrounding regions of Kabul Unfortunately, the positive evolutions in Afghanistan are far from being irreversible. Important institutions - the army, the police - are currently undergoing a radical process of consolidation. Afghanistan is now going through a political and economic transition and these changes have the potential to generate major convulsions. Afghanistan still remains under serious threats of terrorism, organized crime, drug trafficking, violation of human rights, insurgency. The main problem is the incapacity of the transitional authority to react The reasons are the lack of infrastructure and financial assets, as well as of any legislative and judicial framework. The ISAF soldiers - under British, then Turkish and now German and Dutch leadership - have done a wonderful job in promoting security in Kabul, including in setting up the conditions for the refugees to return form neighboring countries. Yet, their mandate doesn't include other regions of the country. The relevance of the international presence in Afghanistan Afghanistan requires a long-term effort. Stability in Afghanistan is an issue of concern for the entire international community. The pillars of security and stability in Afghanistan are Enduring Freedom, ISAF and the Provincial Reconstruction Teams. All these pillars depend on the support provided by the international community. The multi-national operation "Enduring Freedom" should continue its tasks in Afghanistan till it achieves all the objectives stated by Its mandate: to annihilate Al-Qaeda and Taliban structures; to support the set up, following the election next year, of a democratic and representative central authority and of institutions able to ensure public order and internal stability. ISAF should continue its mission in Afghanistan till the Afghan authorities to be elected next year are fully functional. The military presence continues to be necessary, but it has to be accompanied by international support for the reconstruction activities. Building stability and economic reconstruction are two complementary and mutually reinforcing processes. The reconstruction and the economic revival of Afghanistan are not possible without a basic level of security in the major cities and along the most important transportation routes. We welcome the achievements of UN Mission for Assistance in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in the reconstruction of the country. The wide mandate and the activities undertaken so far qualify UNAMA as a key actor in the process of reconstruction. The international community has a moral responsibility for economic assistance of the Afghan authorities in the process of reconstruction. The decisions of the Tokyo Conference in 2002 must be implemented rapidly and effectively. The important budgetary deficit for 2003 (estimated to be about 181 million USD) could be covered only with substantial international financial assistance. The Afghan authorities need important financial resources to pay the salaries of the civil servants, to make the army and police operational, to prepare the next year elections. It is obvious that the international humanitarian and financial assistance will have no positive results unless they are strongly supported by the efforts of the transitional government aiming at extending its authority to the entire country. In this context, we welcome the recent decisions of the local military leaders and governors - in the framework of the Afghan Security Council - to accept the transitional government as the central authority as far as the domestic and foreign policy are concerned.