Embassy U.S. Citizen Services Visas to the U.S. Resources ... SHQIP You Are In: Home Embassy Press Releases Ambassador ... Holidays for 2010 "Renewing Our Compact with the Balkans" by Hillary Rodham Clinton, Catherine Ashton, and Miguel Ángel Moratinos (June 1, 2010) Almost a century ago, a war which changed the course of European history began in Sarajevo. Nearly twenty years ago, the city was the center of another violent conflict that ended only with the 1995 Dayton Accords. And ten years ago, with the memory of the Yugoslav wars still fresh, the European Union affirmed the crucial role of Euro-Atlantic multilateral institutions in the future security and stability of the Balkans. Today, Sarajevo is at peace, a symbol of rebirth and reconciliation, representing all of the opportunities and challenges of European and Euro-Atlantic integration. As we have seen in the past two decades, the perspective of integration into the EU and NATO is a powerful driver of reform, economic prosperity and the rule of law. Membership has its own intrinsic value well known to Europeans. It means a seat at the table in European decisions, free movement of goods and people and a guarantee of security. The reforms required for membership into these institutions are also transformative. The people of the region want and deserve transparency and accountability in their governments, a level playing field for business and the opportunity to raise their children in peace and security. This is also what we want for them. We expect the leaders of the region to meet their responsibilities by implementing the reforms their countries need. The pace of global change is such that none of us can afford stagnation and "business as usual.” Commitments on both sides have to be real, not rhetorical. | |
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