Ohrid Conference on Balkan Border SecurityDouglas Davidson, Charge d'Affaires of U.S. Mission to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in EuropeStatement to the OSCE Permanent Council Vienna, Austria May 29, 2003 Released by the U.S. Mission to the OSCE
(As delivered)
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The United States would like to thank the Government of Macedonia for hosting the Balkan Border Security conference held last week in Ohrid.
Along the line just taken by the distinguished Ambassador of Greece on behalf of the European Union, the United States would like to salute the demonstration of regional cooperation as well as inter-organizational cooperation evidenced by the Balkan Border Security Conference. We want to pay a special tribute to the countries of the region for their efforts in making the conference a success and in committing themselves to take the steps necessary to make their borders more secure while at the same time encouraging the free and legitimate flow of goods and people.
The Ohrid Balkan Border Security Conference was a landmark event. Building solid national and regional foundations of security based on human rights, economic freedom, the rule of law, and civilian control of the military is a huge, long-term undertaking. We support this as a comprehensive blueprint, and as a new model for closer security cooperation in Southeastern Europe. As a full member of NATO and the OSCE, and as a partner of the EU, the United States welcomes this development. Thank you. |
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