Need for co-ordinated international assistance for the countries in south-east Europe after the end of hostilities in Kosovo and surrounding areas

Doc. 8414
10 May 1999

Need for co-ordinated international assistance for the countries in south-east Europe after the end of hostilities in Kosovo and surrounding areas

Motion for a resolution

presented by Mr Obuljen and others

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only

the members who have signed it

1. The conflict in Kosovo and surrounding areas has caused vast economic damage to the economies of south-eastern Europe. The eviction of thousands of Kosovars, the massive destruction of bridges and other vital infrastructure in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the general state of war have combined to bring foreign trade and tourism to a virtual standstill throughout all of south-eastern Europe, stifled foreign investment and strained already overburdened national budgets.

2. In this situation it is vital that the international community provide substantial assistance on a lasting basis. The proposal for a "Marshall Plan" for south-eastern Europe must be given urgent attention.

3. As soon as hostilities have ceased the Assembly must therefore follow up on its far-sighted Resolution 1184 (1999) on the need for intensified economic co-operation among the countries of south-eastern Europe by preparing a new report on this subject. The report must come up with concrete proposals for post-conflict economic reconstruction in south-eastern Europe and suggest ways in which international support toward this end can be co-ordinated. It is the duty of the Assembly to do its utmost first to contribute to an early end to the hostilities, and subsequently to help this hard-struck part of the continent - so vital to overall European peace and prosperity - return to economic, and hence political, normalcy.

Signed : ¹

Obuljen, Croatia, EPP/CD

Behrendt, Germany, SOC

Bloetzer, Switzerland, EPP/CD

Bonet Casas, Andorra, LDR

Bulic, Croatia, EPP/CD

Busic, Croatia, EPP/CD

Domljan, Croatia, EPP/CD

Elo, Finland, SOC

Freyberg, Poland, SOC

Gylys, Lithuania, SOC

Kirilov, Bulgaria, SOC

Lotz, Germany, SOC

Turini, Italy, EDG

¹ SOC: Socialist Group

EPP/CD: Group of the European People’s Party

EDG: European Democratic Group

LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’ Group

UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

NR: not registered in a group