Press Releases

The U.S. Role in the Southeastern Europe Region (April 15, 2005)

Remarks by U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Steven Zate

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning, and thank you for this opportunity to say a few words on the role of the U.S. in Southeastern Europe.

As you all know, President Bush has repeatedly stated that a major foreign policy goal of the U.S. is achieving a Europe that is whole, free, and at peace. And I am sure that this goal looms large not only on our agenda, but on that of all people of goodwill in Europe, leaders and ordinary citizens alike. Since President Bush first offered his vision, we have seen noteworthy progress, particularly in South East Europe, although important work remains to be done.

In our view, a crucial element in achieving a Europe that is whole, free, and at peace is a harmonious, democratic, and economically successful Balkans region that has achieved integration with the Euro-Atlantic community. This includes eventual membership in both NATO and the EU.

I would like to begin my specific discussion with some thoughts on Albania.

Democratic development is a key element of US policy worldwide, and of course, in this region as well. We all know that Albania will be holding crucial elections this summer, and these provide an opportunity for it to take a major step forward in solidifying its democracy and moving toward Euro-Atlantic integration. The U.S. has, and will continue to work closely with the OSCE and our European partners to help set the stage for elections that meet international standards.

It is important to be clear, however -- while we offer general guidelines and technical assistance, it is up to all Albanians -- the government, opposition parties, and not least of all, the electorate -- to make democracy work in Albania.

The U.S. has been, and continues to be involved with Kosovo as the mid-2005 date for review of status approaches. We are working with Kosovars on the "standards" package now in place, as well as an implementation plan. If there is sufficient progress on the implementation plan through the middle of this year, the International Community, and the Contact Group can begin the process of considering Kosovo's final status. Simultaneously, democracy building and reconciliation -- a challenge that must be met in order to assure security for all those living in Kosovo -- are vital elements of truly integrating that part of Europe into the rest of Europe.

We are also watching with great interest developments in Serbia-Montenegro, including the recent recommendation by the European Commission that the EU begin talks with Serbia-Montenegro on an agreement that could eventually lead to EU membership. The announcement of this recommendation follows Serbia's handover of 13 war crimes suspects to the Hague War Crimes Tribunal, something the U.S. has actively sought for some years. Although this clearly shows progress, two major fugitives -- former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic and military commander Ratko Mladic remain at large, as does Ante Gotovina of Croatia. Bringing these persons and others to face justice in the Hague will be another milestone in securing a Euro-Atlantic future for the Balkans.

We have been heavily engaged in Macedonia for many years and continue to strengthen our ties with that country. For example, the U.S. is providing funding for a decentralization project there to improve managerial and administrative capacity. It will work towards developing citizen information centers so that the public can understand the implications of decentralization and it will help establish financial management institutions, all of which will make government administration better serve the public.

The U.S. has been very involved in assisting Croatia as it moves forward. Since 1992, the USG has provided assistance to strengthen democratic institutions, support de-mining and economic development, and provide humanitarian assistance. A recent USAID project focusing on helping farmers is designed to increase the competitiveness of Croatian agriculture through sustainable development practices.

In Bosnia-Herzogovina, the U.S. is assisting development through a program targeted at economic transformation, democratic reform, and the re-establishment of multi-ethnic society. Cross-cutting programs support these three areas with a wide range of training activities, as well as programs aimed at combating trafficking in persons and helping children at risk.

The U.S. will continue to strongly support regional initiatives that contribute to stability and Euro-Atlantic integration. The Adriatic Charter, or A-3, is a notable example. As you know the A-3 was formed almost two years ago by Albania, Croatia, and Macedonia to provide mutual support in their individual efforts to achieve NATO membership. The A-3 has been successful not only in this goal, but also in promoting military cooperation with other countries in the region, notably Serbia-Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzogovina. We applaud progress of the A-3 so far, and believe that its success can serve as a model for further regional cooperation.

The U.S. has, and will continue to work with Southeastern European countries to accomplish our mutual objectives. We will offer our assistance and encouragement to efforts to create successful, multiethnic, democratic, and economically viable states. We are convinced that these are aspirations which, with continued cooperation, commitment, and a view to a bright future rather than an often dark past, the countries of the region can and will attain.

Thank you.