Written Answers. - Foreign Conflicts.
Enda Kenny
Ceist:
121
Mr. Kenny
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
the efforts and proposals the Government is making, together with the European Union, to stabilise and develop functional and institutional ties between Serbia and Montenegro which both countries wish to preserve in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[9768/01]
Enda Kenny
Ceist:
122
Mr. Kenny
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
if he will initiate together with the European Union the nomination of a mediation team to support a serious and structural effort to reach a common position between the parties in Serbia and Montenegro on the substance of their future relationship; his views on whether such an initiative would be helpful; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[9769/01]
Enda Kenny
Ceist:
123
Mr. Kenny
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
if he has contacted the Serbian Government regarding its future relationship with Montenegro, short of creating a new federation, in order to demonstrate its break from the Milosevic regime through a new and constructive approach to resolving this regional problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[9770/01]
Enda Kenny
Ceist:
124
Mr. Kenny
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
if he favours a federation being created between Montenegro and Serbia or if he favours a confederation being created; if he has consulted with his fellow European Union Ministers on the matter; and if he will make a statement arising from any such discussions.
[9771/01]
Enda Kenny
Ceist:
125
Mr. Kenny
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
if he will indicate the views of the EU in respect of the trade blockade imposed by former President Milosevic on Montenegro; if his attention has been drawn to the extent of the reduction in the economic development of Montenegro as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[9772/01]
Enda Kenny
Ceist:
134
Mr. Kenny
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
the views of the Government on the forthcoming elections in Montenegro; if the Government supports the concept of independence for Montenegro; the assistance available from the European Union to Montenegro arising from the consequences of sanctions against the former Yugoslavia; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[9873/01]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 121 to 125, inclusive, and 134 together.
Ireland, together with our partners in the European Union, believes that any change to the current constitutional situation of Montenegro should be the result of an open, democratic and consultative process and we are working to ensure that this message is clearly received by all the sides involved. It is the hope of the Union that this process will lead to a new constitutional relationship acceptable to both Montenegro and Serbia within an overall federal framework. Any renegotiation of the federal relationship must be consistent with the internal stability of the FRY and the regional stability of south-eastern Europe. However, I would emphasise that, in the final analysis, any alteration of the status of Montenegro is an internal matter and consequently, a matter for negotiation between the Governments of Serbia and Montenegro.
With regard to the parliamentary elections in Montenegro on 22 April, Ireland expects the Government of Montenegro to respect democratic principles fully so that the campaign and polling are conducted in a fair and orderly manner in conformity with OSCE standards. These elections are being monitored by the OSCE and Ireland is sending seven observers to Montenegro to participate in the monitoring process.
The process of economic recovery in Montenegro faces severe challenges. Widely shared problems of transition from state control were exacerbated by the collapse of Yugoslavia and the ensuing conflicts and international isolation. Latterly, the trade blockade imposed by former President Milosevic further separated the economies of Serbia and Montenegro. To the extent possible, international sanctions were targeted in such a way as to minimise their effect on Montenegro, while vital, targeted aid programmes were implemented there. However, Montenegro, along with its neighbours, is very much in a process of reconstruction. Its economy is suffering from crucial deficiencies and very high unemployment.
The EU is firmly committed to aiding reconstruction and development throughout the former Yugoslavia. At the EU-Balkans summit in Zagreb last November, 4.65 billion was allocated for the period 2000-2006 to a unified assistance programme for the region – CARDS. This money is being disbursed under regional and country-specific strategies, to maximise its benefit to recipient countries. A strategy document for Montenegro is currently being developed in consultation with other donors and with the authorities there, while ongoing projects continue to receive funding.
