Speech by Commissioner Rehn - Commission Declaration on the Balkans 10 years after Srebrenica

Sumario: July 6, 2005: Speech by Mr Olli Rehn, Member of the European Commission, responsible for Enlargement, "Commission Declaration on the Balkans 10 years after Srebrenica", EP Plenary Session (Strasbourg)

Commission Declaration on the Balkans 10 years after Srebrenica

Chairman, Honourable Members,

Almost on the day 10 years ago, on 11 July 1995, Srebrenica fell. No one should ever forget the horrors which unfolded during the following days and weeks. We have a duty to remember. So that we will see no other Srebrenicas. So that ethnic hatred and destructive nationalism will be definitively buried, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the Balkans, in the whole of Europe.

I shall go to the commemoration ceremony in Srebrenica next week to honour the victims and their families. I shall go there to express Europe's support for peace, reconciliation and democratic development, and for a European future of the Western Balkans.

I expect all parties to ensure that the ceremony will be a dignified event and contribute to the reconciliation process. Reconciliation is a very painful process after a devastating war like this, after violations of the most fundamental rights - but it is a necessary process. The EU, as the greatest peace and reconciliation project ever, can testify to that and serve as an example of what can be achieved.

Justice is an essential element of reconciliation. There can be no reconciliation until war crime suspects are held accountable in a court of law. In this respect, the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, ICTY, plays a crucial role. The countries' co-operation with the ICTY has constantly improved - an encouraging sign. But more needs still to be done to achieve full co-operation. Only then can this sad chapter in the region's history be truly closed.

The persons carrying main responsibility for the Srebrenica massacre are still at large. This is unacceptable. Mladic and Karadzic should have no place in the region - their place is in the Hague.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The European Union has major responsibilities in ensuring peace and stability, enhancing democracy and prosperity, on our continent. This is what the European Union is about.

The inclusion of our Balkan neighbours into the European integration process has been a powerful incentive for enhancing stability, human and minority rights and the rule of law in the region. This is no small achievement. We must make this perspective concrete and thus ensure steady progress towards the respect of European values.

An important and intensive period for the Balkans lies ahead of us. The Kosovo Standards review is work in progress, and the status talks are likely to start in the autumn. Resolving this issue soon is very important for the stability and progress of the whole region.

We are about to open negotiations on the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with Serbia and Montenegro. We aim to do the same with Bosnia and Herzegovina soon. When we have fully examined the conduct of elections in Albania last Sunday, we can determine the future pace in the negotiations on an SAA with Albania.

The Commission's Opinion on the membership application of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is under preparation. And we are looking forward to opening accession negotiations with Croatia, as soon as the one remaining condition is satisfied.

Chairman, Honourable Members,

We are all aware of the serious problems that are presently facing the Union. It is only natural that enlargement policy will be part of the broader debate on the future of Europe.

I was therefore satisfied that the June European Council confirmed the Union's existing commitments in enlargement policy and on the European future of the Western Balkans. This was wise. Our enlargement policy has helped to transform the countries in the region that is still fragile. We shall continue to assist them to become stable, democratic and prosperous societies, able to join the Union.

The building of a better future for the Western Balkans is the best way to commemorate the victims of Srebrenica. It serves the cause of peace, stability and prosperity in Europe, and our own vital interests.

I am looking forward to continuing to work closely with European Parliament and its relevant committees to that end.

Ref: SP05-276EN
Fuente UE: Comisión Europea
Foro NU:
Fecha: 6/7/2005

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