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GEORGE SOROS IN MONTENEGRO
(Media Coverage)
Monitor - 30 May 2003
The Government of Montenegro might be dead unless it improves the
economy soon. This is precisely what worries me – Djukanovic depends no
the charity of European Union.
FORCE CANNOT BRING
ABOUT DEMOCRACY
American
philanthropist and financier, George Soros visited Montenegro last week.
In Podgorica he reiterated his view expressed at the meeting in Athens
that there are still unresolved issues in the Balkans - the status of
Kosovo, the relationship between Serbia and Montenegro and the
constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He criticized EU for its
insisting on survival of Serbian-Montenegrin union, which, as he said,
has been created in order to postpone solving the Kosovo problem. Soros
warned that EU would make a great mistake if it forced Serbia and
Montenegro to remain in the union which does not suit them.
Since
early nineties, the network of Soros Foundations for an Open Society is
the main support for the development of vulnerable civil sector in this
region. We begin the interview for Monitor with the question - is it
true that he is withdrawing from the Balkans?
SOROS: No
it is not, on the contrary, our presence in the Balkans shall continue
at the present level, although we are reducing considerably our presence
in former communist empire. Our mission of an open society now turns
particularly to the United States of America and Europe. In my view, the
period of transition form a closed to an open society in former
communist countries has been completed.
MONITOR:
Not in the Balkans though?
SOROS:
That is true. This why we will remain in the Balkans, in central Asia
and Caucasus, and we are going to reduce activities in the new member
states of EU and in Russia. However, the most important novelty is that
after the election of President George Bush and the terrorist attacks
from 11 September, the struggle for an open society must be fought also
in the United States.
MONITOR:
What are the main problems of the American society at the moment?
SOROS: I
hope the problem does not lie with the American society, but only with
the American government. A group of extremists has gained control over
executive bodies, and the terrorist attacks from 11 September provided
them with an enemy. I believe the American public does not hold the
views of a part of its administration and that it has been deceived due
to fear of terrorism, which the government has used to achieve its
objectives. I hope the public will reject this administration in the
next elections, and if this does not happen, they will be responsible
for it actions.
MONITOR:
You are in particular critical of the American administration because of
its relation towards Europe and the Iraqi conflict.
SOROS:
The most important thing to understand is that America is a democratic
state whose administration is multi-layered. Colin Powel and State
Department represent political continuity with previous administration,
while Pentagon, Dick Chaney and others in this group, which is
unfortunately dominant at the moment, advocate ideology of American
supremacy. They believe international relations are based on force and
not on law and that law in international relations must follow force.
Therefore their logic is the following: America is the strongest and
therefore has the right to impost its will, and those who do not like it
will have to bear the consequences.
This
ideology is unfortunately infiltrated into Bush's doctrine, which has
two premises. The first one is American maintain our military
superiority, and the second one is we have the exclusive right to the
so-called preventive military actions. Therefore, at the moment there
are two kinds of sovereignty in the world - the sovereignty of the
United States with no limitations and the sovereignty of everyone else.
The essence of Bush's doctrine is reminiscence of George Orwell and his
Animal Farm: All animals are equal, only some of them are more equal.
This
doctrine was used in war with Iraq. Naturally, few were those who had
something good to say about the regime of Sadam Husein. It was very
popular to repeat the slogan that this regime had to be ended. However,
the whole world was allergic to Bush's doctrine of force and this has
brought about different views between USA and Europe, even different
views within Europe itself. And all this has negatively affected the
peace and stability in the region.
MONITOR:
After what happened in Iraq, is it possible to speak about a new era in
international relations, particularly due to the position of the UN?
SOROS:
Unfortunately, yes. UN resolution, which has just been adopted,
transfers sovereignty over Iraq to forces which occupied it, until an
internationally recognized Iraqi government takes over power in that
country. However, this new government cannot take over the power without
American consent. The resolution emphasizes that also the revenues made
from oil must be used only to the benefit of Iraqi people and that
transactions must be transparent. These views were included after other
countries insisted on it. I have promised to form a committee for
supervision of revenues made from oil in Iraq and for supervision of how
money is being spent.
It is
clear that America is the dominant force in the world, which
understandably would not be bad were it using this position to improve
international law and order instead of disturbing it.
MONITOR:
Is American Government going to make a decision to withdraw from the
Balkans and what would that mean?
SOROS: In
my view this would not be a bad move. The Balkans is after all under the
authority of the European Union, which should accept responsibility for
this region. European Union sees differently international relations; it
should be allowed to show whether it can cope with the Balkans
challenges.
MONITOR:
Is the EU capable of coping with the Balkans, having in mind all the
mistakes it has made in the past ten, fifteen years.
SOROS: It
is true that EU did not do its job quite well in the Balkans in the
past. At the meeting in Greece matters did not seem very clear either.
EU includes many counties, which are to agree on every single word, and
in such a situation you obtain sentences which are not very clear.
However, notwithstanding all this, I hope EU will get to grips with the
new challenge. Greece, which is chairing EU, is very active.
American-European relations are being re-examined, and Solana has been
given a mandate to formulate European safety doctrine, which might be
tested precisely on the issue of EU relation towards the Balkans.
Whether EU will be able to support this region's development will also
largely depend on that relation.
European
Union has been very successful in solving the problems in Ireland,
Portugal, Spain, Greece, particularly in creating democracies in these
countries. If they have succeeded there, why wouldn't they in the
Balkans too?
MONITOR:
They might not understand the problem, they might want to stop the
process of former Yugoslavia disintegration, which has not been competed
yet.
SOROS:
But I think former SFRY disintegration process has already been
completed, has it not?
MONITOR:
Well, you yourself have said that certain issues are still open - the
status of Kosovo, the relationship between Serbia and Montenegro, the
constitutional order of Bosnia?
SOROS:
Right, certain issues have not yet been solved. But there is no more war
and only few people, who are extremists, still think about war. Who are
extremists in the Balkans? Few people who follow Seselj in Serbia, and
few maybe here in Montenegro. But at the moment extremists are now
really a minority in the Balkans. Dzaferi in Macedonia maybe belongs to
this group as well. However, Ahmeti, who used to be a real terrorist is
contributing to implementation of Ohrid agreement. The Balkan countries
have become tired of wars and most of them want the rule of law,
prosperity and Europe. If Europe does not do something really stupid,
the Balkans will become integrated into it. This might take time,
fifteen, not only ten years, but this is going to happen. You will have
good roads, you will travel without problems and visas, and safety will
be improved. I have heard that Prishtina is safer than Stockholm today,
and we should just recall what was happening there not long time ago.
MONITOR:
Still, if Kosovo were independent, as you foresee it will be, would that
not produce even more extremism in Serbia?
SOROS: We
will se about that. I have heard that my statement on Kosovo has already
caused negative reactions in Serbia.
MONITOR:
What argument could make Serbian politicians accept independence of
Kosovo?
SOROS: It
is in the interest of Serbia to solve the problem of its borders and
become a part of Europe. And that is what everyone wants. Some
politicians might want to score political points playing the card of
Kosovo and nationalism, but is someone in Serbia were eventually brave
enough to say - I strive for independence of Kosovo and settling of our
borders, he would gain large support.
MONITOR: And what is the meaning of your
striving to start changing the Dayton constitutional order in Bosnia?
SOROS: Our people in Bosnian foundation
say, and I believe them, that they want to start a debate on changing
the constitutional order. It will be a long process, but I will support
them.
MONITOR: You have met the Prime Minister
Djukanovic. Do you believe he really wants reforms?
SOROS: Yes, very rarely does a head of a
state take a personal responsibility for reforms, and he has done that.
That is why he should be given credit, even though there might have been
other reasons for which Djukanovic acted like that.
What is crucial for Montenegro is what the
Foundation opted for, to focus in the future on the reform of
educational and judicial system. Naturally, these are long-term
projects, and the Government might have a long-term death, unless there
are improvements in the economy soon. This is precisely what worries me
- Djukanovic depends on the charity of European Union since Montenegro
depends largely upon support, partly because of the Euro, and partly
because of high interest rates. However, if I were in Djukanovic's
place, I would direct all efforts towards reactivating capacities in
tourism and investing into civil engineering. The Governement would have
to make loans more available, as well as make regulation simpler,
particularly so in tourist industry.
MONITOR: What about organized criminal and
corruption?
SOROS: This is a big problem for the whole
of the region. After the assassination of Djindjic, a lot has been done
to fight crime. Through his death Djindjic did what he could not do
while he was alive. Apart from all troubles, I am an optimist. I believe
the region will be much more peaceful and prosperous. After Montenegro,
I am traveling to Serbia, and if I see more negative things there, my
optimism might be reduced.
MONITOR: Does this mean that Serbia is the
key factor for the stability of the region?
SOROS: Absolutely, but after that horrible
event, the assassination of Djindjic, a new situation has been created
in Serbia. They finally have a democratic hero who fought for freedom
and Europe. They did not have it earlier. Naturally, everything can be
destroyed, but still this fact offers a new possibility. I admit I
always wish to see things in a positive light, but Serbia today has a
possibility to leave the story of Kosovo behind and to open its way to
Europe.
Vijesti - 29 May 2003
Founder of Open Society Fund, George
Soros has said that Europe should start solving the problem of status of
the southern province
INDEPENDENT KOSOVO FOR A FASTER
ACCESSION OF SERBIA INTO EU
Belgrade (Beta) - Founder of Open Society
Fund George Soros said in Belgrade today that Serbia should embark on a
faster way to Europe in return for independence of Kosovo.
At the press conference in the Hotel
Hyatt, Soros said that EU should start solving the status of Kosovo,
which should end in recognizing independence of Kosovo, and added that
before the recognition, "steel guarantees" should be given to the
Serbian and other minorities.
The American businessman stated that
Kosovo, after everything that happened there, cannot remain within
Serbia, but that before being granted independence it should show it
possesses independent institutions and that it protects human rights.
Soros stated that situation in Kosovo is
not as bad as it seems in Belgrade and added that Mitrovica is the
largest problem, which depends directly on the authorities in Belgrade.
In an article written for Financial Times,
and which he read to the journalists, Soros stated that an optimistic
projection for the accession of Serbia and Montenegro is the year 2010
and for Bosnia and Kosovo 2015.
No Support for Independence in Advance
President of Serbian Assembly and Acting
President of Serbia Natasa Micic stated that the issue of Kosovo is very
important for Serbia and the whole region adding that statements in
which independence of that province is supported before the final
resolution of the status of that province are "not good and
constructive".
As Micic's office reported, in a talk with
founder of the Open Society Institute, George Soros she said that
"proposals and statements in which the idea of independent Kosovo is
supported could move the country and the whole region further away from
Europe".
Publika - 29 May
2003
Founder and Chairman of Open Society
Institute George Soros stated:
IN RETURN FOR INDEPENDENCE OF KOSOVO,
SERBIA SHOULD IMMEDIATELY BE ADMITTED INTO EU
Belgrade (Beta) - Founder of Open Society
Fund George Soros, famous American businessman of Hungarian origin, said
in Belgrade yesterday that Serbia should embarked on a faster way to
Europe in return for independence of Kosovo.
At the press conference in the hotel
Hyatt, George Soros said that the European Union should start a process
of solving the status of Kosovo, which should end in recognition of
independence and added that before recognition of independence for
Kosovo, ´steel guarantees for Serbian and other minorities should be
given´.
The American businessman stated that after
everything that happened Kosovo cannot remain within Serbia, but that
prior to being given independence Kosovo should show it has independent
institutions and protects human rights.
Soros stated that the situation in Kosovo
is not as bad as it seems in Belgrade and added that the largest problem
is Kosovska Mitrovica, which depends directly on the authorities in
Belgrade.
Pobjeda
- 28 May 2003
Milo Djukanovic received
George Soros
SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS HAS BEEN ACHIEVED IN
REFORMS
Open Society
Foundation will continue to assist reforms in Montenegro in the future.
President of the
Government of the Republic of Montenegro, Milo Djukanovic received
yesterday in Podgorica the head of the Open Society Institute George Soros
and his associates.
In a long and open
conversation Prime Minster Djukanovic briefed his guests on the program of
reforms of the Government and activities in their realization.
Mr. Soros said he was
impressed with what Montenegrin government was doing in the reform of
education, as well as with the progress in the reform of judiciary system,
especially the legislative sphere. In all these spheres reforms were done
with direct support and assistance of the Open Society Institute.
Djukanovic and Soros
discussed in detail possibilities of economic development of Montenegro
and the government project of economic reforms.
Djukanovic's office
announced they particularly discussed the harmonization of economic
systems of Montenegro and Serbia and regional cooperation ahead of the EU
summit in Thessalonica, Greece.
Both sides stated they
expected this summit to give a new impulse to Western Balkans to faster
approach the European integrations.
Prime Minister Djukanovic
expresses his full gratitude to George Soros for continuous assistance and
concrete help for the project of reforms and democratization in Montenegro
lasting several years.
Zivko Pregl, Chairman of
International Advisory Board of the Foundation in Montenegro, Sanja
Elezovic, Director of the Foundation in Montenegro, Slavica Milacic,
Minister for Economic Relations with Countries Abroad and for European
Integrations and Milan Rocen, the main political advisor to the Prime
Minister participated in the talks.
Pobjeda
- 28 May 2003
George Soros, founder
of the Open Society Institute and of the network of Soros Foundations after a two-day visit to Montenegro.
EU SHOULD NOT INSIST ON THE STATE UNION
Podgorica, 27 May -
Montenegro has a lot to do for the development of small and medium size
companies, and particularly in the field of tourism. In this field many
people can be employed and influx of foreign money provided. For
Montenegro, it would be the soundest form of economic development, George
Soros, founder of Open Society Institute and the Soros Foundation said at
the press conference organized yesterday in the hotel Crna Gora in
Podgorica.
Soros said that during
the talks with Montenegrin Prime Minister, Milo Djukanovic, he expressed
concern for economic future of Montenegro. A two-day visit to Montenegro
was too short to get a clear picture of Montenegrin economic policy, Soros
said. Today, he also met with Montenegrin Ministers of Justice and
Education and Science, Zeljko Sturanovic and Slobodan Backovic
respectively, and expressed satisfaction with good cooperation and
successful projects.
Soros said he did not see
any reason why Montenegro should not hold a referendum three years after
the formation of the state union, which he said had been set up in order
to postpone the resolution of the problem of Kosovo.
"Then the situation
became more difficult for both Serbia and Montenegro; difficulties in
forming an efficient government arose and that is why I think a step back
has been made. EU would make a huge mistake if it forced Serbia and
Montenegro to stay in the union they do not want", Soros said.
According to Soros, there
are several unresolved issues in the Balkans. It is time for EU to take a
proactive position in Thessalonica and to identify unresolved issues i.e.
the status of Kosovo, the relationship between Serbia and Montenegro and
the way Bosnia is organized according to Dayton Agreement. These issues
have not been solved, but borders should not be changed. The region can
become a part of EU, and EU should take measures for these countries to
become member states as soon as possible, Soros said.
Publika
- 28 May 2003
Chairman of the Open
Society Institute and of the Soros Foundation, George Soros
visited Montenegro:
THE CREATION OF THE STATE UNION IS A STEP
BACKWARDS
Podgorica - State Union
Serbia and Montenegro is the result of European community efforts to
postpone resolution of Kosovo problem and represents a step backwards in
the efficiency of member states functioning. By forcing member states to
remain in the artificial union, EU would make a major mistake, stated
during his visit yesterday Chairman of Open Society Institute-New York and
of Soros Foundations Network , George Soros.
Kosovo, according to
Soros, cannot be a part of Serbia in the long run, however, as he said,
this independence must be ratified by developing a program for minority
rights protection, first of all protection of the rights of Serbs.
UNMIK must transfer as
much of its capacity as possible and authority to Serbian authorities, in
order to make space for them to act later on. Resolving the problem of
Kosovo will undoubtedly help Serbia to be ratified in the EU, he stated at
the press conference yesterday.
Answering the question on
what the epilogue of his talks with Montenegrin Prime Minister Milo
Djukanovic and relevant Ministers Slobodan Backovic and Zeljko Sturanovic
was, he replied that no agreements were signed and assessed that "cooperation
with Montenegrin authorities is progressing in a very satisfactory
way".
Results in the field of
education, legislation, decentralization of power, public administration
are obvious, but more should be done regarding judiciary issues and law
enforcement, Soros pointed out.
In his view Montenegro
needs to develop small and medium size companies, with the aim of
developing tourism as the priority Montenegrin branch of economy. Their
development would, he concluded, improve significantly the international
image of Montenegro and provide an influx of funding from abroad.
USA's policy of
"making its neighbors poor"
The latest decline of
American dollar, Soros sees as an effort of American administration to
increase export and improve economy which is in recession, while deficit
amounts to more than 500 billion dollars. Such macro-economic policy is,
according to him, very bad for European interest.
"Other countries
will continue to do business with America, but they will have considerably
lower profit. America pursues the policy of "making
its neighbors poor " i.e. the policy of competitive devaluation, which is
very detrimental to the global economy", Soros concluded.
Dan
- 28 May 2003
GEORGE SOROS CRITICIZES AMERICAN AND PRAISES MONTENEGRIN GOVERNMENT
The founder of Open
Society Institute and of the Soros Foundations Network, George Soros
stated yesterday that he was against the creation of the state union
Serbia and Montenegro, but he pointed out he understood why the state
union was created.
After the Belgrade
Agreement was signed, I can see no reason why this issue should be
considered again. I can see no reason either why not
to call for a referendum in Montenegro three years later. The
European Union would make a major mistake if it forced Serbia or
Montenegro to be part of a union which does not suit them - Soros stated
at the press conference in the Hotel "Crna Gora" in Podgorica.
I have criticized this
union being created in order to postpone resolving the status of Kosovo.
The situation has now become more complicated for both Serbia and
Montenegro, for it is difficult to form and efficient government, and that
is a step backwards, he said.
According to him, there
are more unresolved political issues in the Balkans.
It is time for EU to take
a proactive stance at the forthcoming summit in Thessalonica and to
identify unresolved issues of the status of Kosovo, the relationship
between Montenegro and Serbia and the way Bosnia and Herzegovina is
organized - said Soros, pointing out that he is against any changes made
to the existing borders.
He reiterated his
formerly stated arguments that Kosovo cannot remain a part of Serbia but
he pointed out that along with proclamation of independence, minorities
need to be protected, primarily the Serbian one.
Answering the question of
journalists whether he is trying to devaluate American dollar he said that
American Government pursues only short term policy and that devaluation of
dollar only had an instant effect which will be detrimental for everyone
in the long run, and particularly for Europe.
He accused the pressure
USA are putting on small states to exempt its citizens from being
extradited to International Criminal Tribunal in the Hague, contrary to EU
recommendations.
I agree that USA are
putting these states into a very difficult position. The USA Government is
very shortsighted, malicious and it is undermining the International
Agreement ratified in over 100 countries, which has a very important role,
Soros said.
Buying
the Euro
According to unofficial
sources of information, George Soros is buying enormous quantities of Euro
with dollars these days. One reason for such investments is his
dissatisfaction with the economic policy of the American Government, so he
wants to devaluate dollar additionally.
The same sources report
he is not satisfied with how the profit after the war in Iraq was divided
and with the fact that he has been excluded from all important business
transactions.
The transactions in Iraq
are paid in dollars. Its devaluation also reduced the capacity to pay of
those investing in Baghdad and other Iraqi towns. Soros is actually
working on crashing the dollar, our source asserts.
A
Trip to Cetinje
Press conference of
George Soros was delayed by over 30 minutes because he wanted to visit
Cetinje.
This is my first visit to
Montenegro though my Foundation has been present here for
more than ten years.
I wanted to visit Cetinje which I have heard a lot about, said
Soros explaining to the journalist why he was late.
Impressed
with how Reforms are Progressing
During his talk with
Montenegrin Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic yesterday, Soros stated that
Montenegrin Government has achieved impressive progress in reforms of
education and judiciary system and also significant results in the field
of legislation.
The Prime Minister's
office announced that Djukanovic and Soros
considered in detail the possibility of economic development of Montenegro
through the realization of the Government's reform project.
The process of economic
systems harmonization between Serbia and Montenegro was also discussed at
the meeting, as well as regional issues important for the Thessalonica
Summit of EU. Djukanovic thanked Soros for assistance to the project of reforms
and democratization in Montenegro lasting several years.
Vijesti
- 28 May 2003
EU MUST NOT FORCE SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO
TO STAY TOGETHER
Podgorica - Chairman of
Open Society Institute, George Soros stated yesterday that the status of
Kosovo and the relation between Montenegro and Serbia and organization of
Bosnia and Herzegovina in line with the Dayton Agreement are unresolved
issues in the Balkans.
At the press conference
organized in the hotel "Crna Gora" in Podgorica, he criticized
EU, believing it guilt of insisting to "maintain" the inexistent status
quo.
The time has come for EU
to take a more pro-active stance and to take measures for the countries in
the region to meet the conditions for being admitted into EU - said Soros,
founder of the foundations acting in over 50 countries of the world with
the aim, as it was explained, of strengthening the open society
principles, opposing authoritarian regimes and negative consequences for
globalization.
Soros pointed out that "it
is obvious that Kosovo, in the long run, cannot remain a part of Serbia",
but that it must "qualify for independence" by developing a system for
the protection of minority rights of Serbs as well as capacities for its
own administration.
Regarding the state issue
of Montenegro, Soros gave contradictory statements.
Answering the question of
"Vijesti", what his opinion of Montenegrin independence was in view of
Belgrade Agreement and the state union with Serbia, he said "he saw no
reason why there should be no referendum three years later".
However, in reply to the
same questions, Soros said that "he sees no reason why this issue should
be raised if Belgrade Agreement has been signed".
I was critical of the
newly formed union for its aim was to postpone solving the issue of Kosovo.
In my view EU would make a major mistake if it forced Serbia and
Montenegro to remain in a union which does not suit them, Soros pointed
out.
American multimillionaire
of Hungarian origin stated he accused the pressure USA are putting on
countries in the region to support the decision of America for its
citizens not to be responsible to the International Criminal Court in the
Hague. The campaign of USA according to him is short sighted and
malicious.
Soros said he was
satisfied with the work of his Foundation - Open Society Institute in
Montenegro, particularly in the field of education and public
administration.
He pointed out that more
should be done in improving the work of courts and in enforcement of law.
In his talk with
Djukanovic, he expressed his concern for economic future of Montenegro, he
said.
Soros was half an hour
late for the conference because he was visiting Cetinje.
The
Summit in Thessalonica - A Chance of Western Balkans
Podgorica - Chairman of
Open Society Foundation, George Soros stated yesterday during his talk
with the Prime Minister of Montenegro Milo Djukanovic that Montenegrin
Government has made impressive progress in reforms of judiciary system and
education.
Open Society Foundation
has provided direct support for reform projects in these fields.
The office of Prime
Minister announced that Djukanovic considered with Soros in detail the
possibility of economic development of Montenegro through the realization
of Government reform process.
The process of
harmonizing economic systems of Serbia and Montenegro was considered at
the meeting, as well as regional issues important for the Thessalonica
summit of EU.
Djukanovic and Soros
stated that this summit will help faster moving of Western Balkans towards
European integrations.
Djukanovic thanked Soros
for his assistance to reform processes and democratization in Montenegro
lasting several years.
President of
International Advisory Board, Zivko Pregl and Foundation Director for
Montenegro, Sanja Elezovic, as well as Minister for Economic Relations
with Foreign Countries, Slavica Milacic participated in the talk.
Vijesti
- 26 May 2003
Founder
of Open Society Institute visits Montenegro
SOROS
MEETING DJUKANOVIC
Podgorica
(Mina Business) - Founder and Chairman of Open Society Institute and Soros
Foundation George Soros will be visiting
Montenegro today and tomorrow.
Montenegrin
Open Society Institute office has announced that Soros will be meeting
Prime Minster Milo Djukanovic, and Minister of Education and Science
Slobodan Backovic and Minister of Justice Zeljko Sturanovic.
Soros
is the president of a private firm for investment management, which is the
main advisor to a number of international investment bodies.
Soros
network in over 50 countries of the world supports civil education and
education at all levels, from pre-school to postgraduate one, the media,
health care, human and women's rights, as well as social, legal and
economic reforms.
Vijesti -
26 May 2003
Famous American Financier and owner of the Foundation visited the
Southern Serbian Province
SOROS:
ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN TOWARDS MAKING KOSOVO INDEPENDENT
Pristina (Beta) - American
businessman of Hungarian origin and founder of ´Soros Foundation´,
George Soros stated in Pristina yesterday that Kosovo cannot remain a
part of Serbia.
Action should be taken
towards making Kosovo independent, but this process is conditioned on
protection of minorities - stated Soros, who met chief of UNMIK Michael
Steiner and the highest local Kosovo officials during his visit.
Summit of EU and of the
Western Balkan countries to be held in Thessalonica on 21 June will be,
according to Soros, an extremely favorable opportunity to begin talks on
the future status of Kosovo.
The unresolved status of
Kosovo, as he said, may have numerous negative consequences. Kosovo is
even now suffering the consequences of its undefined status. It has no
access to international financial institutions, factories in state
ownership cannot be privatized, and what is most important there will be
no private investments until the situation becomes clear - he said.
Kosovo independence is, he
said, a very delicate issue for Serbia, but it will gain from it, for
both sides will be closer to becoming members of EU.
In Pristina Soros talked with
Kosovo President Bajram Rugova, and he came to Kosovo after meeting the
leaders of South East Europe in the organization of the World Economic
Forum in Athens.
Pobjeda
- 26 May 2003
President of Open
Society Institute in Podgorica today and tomorrow
SOROS WITH MONTENEGRIN OFFICIALS
Podgorica 25 May (Mina
business) - The Founder and Chairman of Open Society Institute and Soros
Foundation, George Soros will be staying in Montenegro on Monday and
Tuesday. The Montenegrin representative office of OSI announced that Soros
will meet the Prime Minister of Montenegro Milo Djukanovic and Minister of
Education and Science Slobodan Backovic and Minister of Justice Zeljko
Sturanovic. Soros is the president of a private firm for investment
management, which is the main advisor to a number of international
investment bodies.
Soros network in over 50
countries of the world supports civic education and education at all
levels, from pre-school one to postgraduate one, as well as the media,
health care, human and women's rights, as well as social, legal and
economic reforms.
Vijesti - 24 May 2003
At the World Economic Forum Meeting
in Athens George Soros asked EU to give up making artificial creations.
THE UNION OF SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO WAS
MADE BY FORCE
Athens - Southeast Europe should be
integrated into EU as soon as possible - this is a general conclusion of
all participants at the meeting of World Economic Forum devoted to the
Balkans, which started in Athens yesterday. Opening the meeting,
Director of World Economic Forum, Hose Maria Figueres pointed out that
it is important to increase global attention devoted to the Balkans and
to support efforts put into its development.
There is room for optimism in the Balkans,
for now there is peace in the region, the countries are democratic and
EU wants integration of Southeast Europe.
President of the National Bank of Greece,
Teodoros Karacas, said the neighboring countries of the Balkans,
Austria, Italy and Greece want to include the region into EU, and that
Southeast Europe should show its advantages and openness for
cooperation.
At the plenary session opening the
meeting, the most interesting presentation was undoubtedly that of
Chairman of Soros Foundation, George Soros who pointed out that EU
policy towards the Balkans at the moment consisted only of reaction to
what had already happened.
Europe tried to preserve the status quo so
far, which cannot exist in the long run. It is clear that Kosovo cannot
be part of Serbia and at the same time, there is no protection of the
Serb minority in this area. The Union of Serbia and Montenegro was made
by force in order to postpone solving the problem of Kosovo. The
question to be asked is how much these two states wish to live together
and if there is any sense in creating artificial creations any more,
said Soros, stating that there can be no development in the present
situation in the Balkans and that program CARDS, Association and
Stabilization Process and trade agreements are not sufficient. Soros
also announced the creation of yet another investment fund for Southeast
Europe, amounting to 150 million dollars. Unofficial sources report he
should visit Montenegro on 27 May.
Montenegrin Minister of Finance, Miroslav
Ivanisevic stated yesterday that the conference is a kind of support to
regional cooperation ´which is crucial for motivating investors to
invest into the region and to speed up the process of accession to EU´.
I see the conference as a possibility to
promote regional cooperation, particularly now when we are approaching
the Summit in Thessalonica where I expect the Balkan countries to act
together. It is very important to hear a louder and more harmonious
voice from the region, to promote reform results, which are better in
many segments than in the countries which started the process of
accession to EU earlier and to make investors adapt instruments to the
needs of the region more.
He stated that the Conference is not an
occasion to make concrete agreements, but is a suitable place to promote
results achieved so far.
Assessing participation of Montenegro at
the meeting in Athens as prestigious, Minister for Economic Relations
with Countries Abroad, Slavica Milacic pointed out that the Conference
is a chance to present possibilities and make agreements on
arrangements.
At today´s plenary session, at which Prime
Minister Milo Djukanovic will be present, together with presidents of
Croatia and Macedonia, Stjepan Mesic and Boris Trajkovski, Prime
Ministers of Serbia and Albania, Zoran Zivkovic and Fatos Nano, an
appeal for faster accession of Southeast Europe into EU will be adopted.
As the appeal states, the unification of
Europe will not be completed until the Balkan countries are admitted
into EU and until then the continent will not feel safe.
The appeal states that Government of these
countries will continue struggle against organized crime and points out
that the assassination of Zoran Djindjic showed how crime could speed up
reforms.
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