Opening remarks

by NATO Secretary General, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer
at the Ministerial Dinner at the EAPC Security Forum

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I would like to welcome my distinguished colleagues to this EAPC Ministerial Dinner. I know that the excellent mix of Ministers, Ambassadors and Heads of Delegation who are here today means that we will have an interesting and productive discussion this evening.

I would like to offer particular thanks to our host here tonight Foreign Minister Antonio Milošoski, and to your country for the effort and generosity it has shown in staging this event.

The Security Forum is a unique event within the EAPC calendar. The informality and mix of participants is deliberate. The aim is to use this time to generate ideas, hold frank and open discussions, and to understand one another better.

This evening we will focus on two issues of vital interest – firstly, the Balkans and secondly, energy security. Let me make a few remarks on these topics before handing the floor to Minister Milošoski.

The Balkans

The broad picture is positive. Extremism has been pushed back to the fringes of political life in most of the region. But we must remain vigilant - the voices of democracy and freedom in South Eastern Europe have an obligation to continue to speak out.

The Euro-Atlantic perspective has been crucial. We need to move away from the "winner takes all" mentality in politics, to strengthen the rule of law, build good-neighbourly relations, and generate economic growth.

The accession to Partnership for Peace by Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia was vitally important. NATO is keen to invest in its relations with these Partners.

I am pleased with the progress made by the so-called ‘Adriatic Three’ through the Membership Action Plan. I hope they will meet the expectations we hold for them.

Development of the region and Euro Atlantic integration will be slowed if we do not find a solution for Kosovo. There is, I think, a fair, firm and comprehensive basis for a Security Council decision, based on the Ahtisaari proposals. NATO and its Partners are active and will stay active in KFOR to guarantee security and stability in Kosovo. It is important for all to exercise restraint and calm and I think we should prevent unnecessary delay in trying to find a solution for the status of Kosovo.

Energy security

Je me réjouis que la sécurité énergétique fasse l’objet d’un débat dans le cadre de ce forum. L’OTAN a un rôle à jouer dans ce domaine. La sécurité énergétique concerne aussi bien les Alliés que les Partenaires. À travers ses partenariats, l’OTAN est en relation avec certains des principaux fournisseurs, pays de transit et consommateurs d’énergie à l’échelle mondiale.

Les chefs d’État et de gouvernement des pays de l’OTAN souhaitent que l’Alliance focalise son attention sur les domaines où l’OTAN peut apporter une valeur ajoutée – en protégeant les intérêts de sécurité des Alliés et en renforçant la sécurité des infrastructures énergétiques. Le rôle de l’OTAN doit s’inscrire dans le cadre d’un effort international coordonné. L’efficacité repose à cet égard sur une combinaison de politiques vigoureuses et multiformes, faisant intervenir bon nombre des grandes organisations internationales de la planète.

Après vous avoir donné un aperçu de quelques-unes des questions essentielles que nous devrions, selon moi, examiner, je vais à présent donner la parole à M. Milošoski.