Busek: Bulgaria and Romania joining NATO adds Stability to SEE

The invitation extended to seven countries, including Bulgaria and Romania, by the NATO Summit in Prague, 21-22 November 2002, is welcomed by Special Coordinator Erhard Busek. He said that "this move adds a stabilizing element for the countries concerned, but equally for their neighbours".

Busek reiterated that NATO membership is part of the European vocation of SEE countries and underlined that the Stability Pact's efforts contribute to the European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations of SEE countries.

Busek reminded SEE countries of NATO 's successful Partnership for Peace programme and lauded NATO's lead in Stability Pact's Defence Economics portfolio dealing with conversion of bases and retraining of military personnel made redundant as a result of reforms. Busek appealed to the countries of the region to make maximum use of these activities. He also called on donors and investors for continuous interest in retraining and conversion issues as this equals to investing in human resources and civilian economy.