Consolidated Statement on WT III Issues
by the Hungarian Co-chairmanship,
Working Table III, Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe

More then two years have passed since the adoption of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe in Cologne. The implementation of the basic objectives of the Pact has already brought the first positive results.

We have been witnessing a growing commitment and responsibility among both policy makers and non-state actors of the countries of the region over their common present and future.

Topics dealt with in the framework of Working Table III at first sight are not directly connected to the questions of trade liberalization or economic reforms. Nevertheless, the developments in the field of military security, justice or home affairs are vital for a successful process of democratization in South Eastern Europe both in its economic and societal meanings.

WT III is providing a unique forum for confidence and security building among the states of the region. Different forms of co-operation in the field of military sector reform, fight against organized crime, tackling problems of migration and regular exchange of experience among police experts are the assets of an emerging partnership and regional ownership that would possibly lead to the creation of a stable and secure South East European region.

As a practical step towards the implementation of the SP objectives quick start projects have been carried out also within Working Table III. Several forms and mechanisms of co-operation were set and have become operational: the Anti-Corruption Initiative, MAI, the work of country teams based on Partnership Principle, the opening of the Support Unite in Vienna, the SPOC, the Reay-Group, the Anti Trafficking Task Force, DPPI, the Szeged Process on SALW... Also the activities of the Regional Arms Control Verification and Implementation Assistance Center (RACVIAC), the projects of arms collection and destruction carried out in Albania, the projects of conversion of military bases in Romania and Bulgaria, or the Regional Civilian Police Training Initiative are clear proves that the financial resources invested in the SP can be used in an adequate way, benefiting all the parties involved.

The national coordinators of regional countries gathered in Budapest on 21 September, in order to examine the state of affairs within WT III and make preparations for this Regional Conference. They also thought of possible regional actions in the struggle against terrorism placing the regional efforts in a broader international framework. The declaration they issued in Budapest became the basis for the Declaration on the Contribution of the Countries of SEE to the International Fight against Terrorism that has just been tabled here.

The spirit of this declaration also shows how the priorities of South East European countries within WT III coincide with those expressed several times by the major political and sponsoring actors of the SP. They are based on common interests and values. The creation of a stable South East European region is in the benefits of a stable and secure European space. The fight against organized crime and trafficking in human beings, the actions of humanitarian de-mining, decisive reduction of SALW in the region and the aim of creating an effective border control system are moving in this direction.

At the same time the continuous attention, support and experience sharing provided by the European Union, its member states, the United States, Japan and Norway, among others, demonstrate the will to help all the countries of the region so that one day they become full members of the Euro-Atlantic structures. SEEGROUP is one of those flexible and regionally owned fora through which the engagement of different organizations - in this case NATO - is translated into action.