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Updated: 26-May-2005 NATO Speeches

Åre, Sweden

25 May 2005

EAPC Security Forum

Panel 1 “Addressing Europe's unresolved conflicts”

Intervention by H.E. Mr. Antanas Valionis
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania

Dear colleagues,

Ladies and gentlemen,

The previous speakers have presented numerous insights into the causes, the effects and the instruments of addressing the frozen conflicts that still persist on our continent. And I cannot but agree with what was said. However, I would like to add a few words regarding more general factors contributing to more – or less – successful conflict resolution.

Peace and stability in the Western Balkans is still an unfinished business, even though we see this region’s future firmly anchored in Europe and the transatlantic community. Such international organizations as the UN, NATO and the European Union do play their invaluable role in helping the Balkans heal the wounds. But the factor of European and transatlantic integration seems to be crucial. The perspective of joining NATO and the European Union, supported by a wide range of so-called ‘outreach’ instruments, has encouraged much-needed reforms and now serves as a magnet for those countries wishing to build a more certain and prosperous future.

I am confident that a similar approach will be highly appreciated also in other parts of Europe dealing with their unresolved conflicts. After the Orange revolution in Ukraine, as well as consolidation of pro-European leadership in Moldova, the Transnistrian case seems to have high chances for a breakthrough . We expect that by further implementing democratic and marked-oriented reforms, Moldova itself will accelerate the resolution process.

A good deal of effort!must also be shown on the Ukrainian side. We believe that Ukraine, which has declared its pro-European vocation, is genuinely interested in ensuring full control on the Ukraine-Moldova border, including its Transnistrian segment. And we urge the Ukrainian leadership to do so. Last week President Adamkus met with President Yushchenko in Vilnius, where they elaborated on this issue. I want to believe that the Ukrainian leadership will resist the enormous pressure put on it by various elements unwilling to give up the status quo.

Last but not least, we must also ensure full implementation of the Istanbul commitments by Russia. It is striking sometimes how much we are focused on the negotiation formats rather than addressing the basic causes of instability. In Transnistria, we must help the parties to overcome the major destabilizing factors before any long-term solution could be reached. And in doing this, we should insist on democratic values and provide a clear-cut perspective for those nations who want to follow this path.

The Balkan experience can also be applied in the South Caucasus. Instruments of cooperation can facilitate regional dialogue and cooperation, which are still lacking in this region. Our assistance and engagement in the South Caucasus should focus on such areas as implementing domestic reforms, introducing long-term strategic planning, strengthening democratic control of the armed forces, boosting democratic institutions.

NATO already works hard in many of these areas. We know the effect of NATO’s assistance from our own experience and are ready to provide advice. I encourage NATO member states to be even more visionary and flexible in responding to the individual needs of our partners, and the partners themselves to be more pro-active in making the best use of the instruments available to them.

By successfully combining NATO and EU instruments in the EAPC area, we will support!and encourage painful yet necessary reforms. We will help generate a socio-economic progress and foster a stronger transatlantic perspective. This can, in the long run, “warm-up” conditions for the resolution of frozen conflicts.

Good neighbourly relations, political dialogue and, especially the ability to compromise - these are some of the keys to success that helped us on our way to NATO. I am deeply convinced that such measures as the implementation of Membership action plan and the development of Vilnius 10 cooperation process have been the most effective means for promoting peace and stability on our continent. The recent GUAM summit is an example of a similar laudable regional cooperation effort, which, I am sure, will develop further and will be encouraged by NATO and the EU. Higher the level of such cooperation, better the prospects for resolving seemingly insoluble conflicts in the region.

Thank you.

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