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Notes for the speech of Prime Minister Václav Klaus at the CEI Summit

English Pages, 9. 11. 1996

Mr. Chairman, Distinguished Colleagues,

It is my pleasure to have a chance again to meet - in a group of now 16 countries already - and to have the opportunity to exchange views on various topics of common interest.

Last year during our meeting in Warsaw I said that I do not think that CEI should be an institutionalized integration group. On the other hand, I see real chances of bilateral and multilateral cooperation on concrete and meaningful projects, in any area. It is also our common interest to ensure that in none of the CEI countries there is such degree of economic instability which could eventually lead to political instability in the whole region. In the draft version of our final declaration there is a realistic and pragmatic approach which presumes reduction of existing various working groups and their abolishing in case they do not show any (or only minimal) activity. I am convinced that this is a positive sign.

We do not share the opinion that activities within the CEI countries should mean some sort of collective preparation for the entry to the EU for non-member and associated countries. Again, we see here a space for mutual inspiration, not for coordinated strategy. Let us try not to change CEI into something which it cannot become. On the contrary, the recent meeting of the Environmental Ministers right here - in Graz - discussing practical impacts of the full membership in the EU on the environment, is a good example of how we should cooperate together.

As for the multilateral political dialogue, I consider it as the main importance of CEI. Speaking about the stability and security in our region, this meeting itself is an important contribution to this. We see great chances for the peace arrangement in the Balkan region which have been formed at present. We wish to continue our help in this part of Europe so that it will become a stable and secure part of our continent.

Other example of our cooperation in the field of security was the meeting of the ministers of our countries responsible for coordination of the drug policy. It is important to continue in such activities and we fully support it.

At the same time I have to warn against over-estimating some efforts to get strongly involved in such sensitive issues as the protection of rights of minorities, human rights etc. In Europe there are other institutions fully qualified to work in these areas.

The Czech Republic would not like to see CEI as a closed organization or club, but continues to stress its openess. This involves access of other countries as well as contacts of CEI with multilateral organizations. As you know, we are not in favour of over-institutionalization of CEI. Quality of cooperation is not based on number of councils, committees, groups etc. and their extent.

The Czech Republic is convinced that CEI has its meaning and we are ready to share our experiences to our mutual benefit.

Václav Klaus, Graz, 9 November 1996