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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Jun 1999

Vol. 506 No. 2

Written Answers. - Balkans Conflict.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

130 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the Schiller Institute document, Peace Through Development for the Balkans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15017/99]

I am aware of the Schiller Institute document. I note that, while on the one hand it proposes a number of measures to expedite solutions for Kosovo and the Balkans region, it also proposes a number of additional ideas of much wider implication and geographical application, which would not necessarily be practicable in a short-term framework to address the primary concern of the problems in Kosovo. I also note that it predates the most recent developments there.

As the Deputy will be aware, the situation in Kosovo and the wider Balkan region has been continuously at the centre of EU deliberations, most recently at the European Council in Cologne. The Council conclusions set out in detail the Union's commitment to take a leading role in the reconstruction efforts in Kosovo. This will require a clear and effective transitional administration of the province, established in the framework of the political solution, which will need to have the authority and capacity to act as a counterpart to the international community, enabling an effective reconstruction and rehabilitation process. I welcome Resolution 1244 of the UN Security Council which has allowed this process to start already and I envisage that the focus of the Unions' efforts will now be to further these objectives, in close co-operation with the UN Secretary General.
The question of the Balkan region was also addressed at Cologne, where it was decided to develop deeper relations with the countries of the region through a new kind of contractual relationship. Ireland will fully support the work now being started to achieve this goal. In addition, I welcome the fact that the Presidency's recent initiative for a stability pact for south eastern Europe saw the completion of the first stage through the agreement of all participants on the text of the pact on 10 June. Ireland will be contribute to the further stages of this process.
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