I Wish to Thank the Organizers for Inviting Us and Giving Me the Opportunity to Present

REMARKS BY THE CROATIAN MINISTER OF DEFENCE Mr. BERISLAV RONČEVIĆ AT THE ANNUAL SEDM DEFENCE MINISTERS MEETING IN WASHINGTON, 6 DECEMBER 2005

FINAL DRAFT

Mr. Chairman, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,

It is an honour to participate in this year's SEDM defence ministers' meeting here in Washington. I wish to thank our esteemed host, United States Secretary of Defence Mr. Donald Rumsfeld for organising this meeting, during which we expect an effective exchange of ideas and constructive contribution to the development and strengthening of mutual understanding and trust.

I believe that there is a general consensus that security and stability in Southeastern Europe are of common interest to all states gathered together in the framework of this initiative. Throughout its almost decade-long efforts, SEDM has strengthened the image of a successful model for cooperation amongst countries of Southeastern Europe. And, the threat of terrorism presents a new challenge for the security situation in our region.

The tragic events of September 11, 2001 which shook the world, the terrorist attacks in Madrid and London, as well as the daily terrorist attacks conducted around the world, have affected the way we perceive our own security and the security of our region. It is for this reason I believe that the incorporation of HQ SEEBRIG into the peacekeeping operation ISAF in Afghanistan is the crowning achievement of the overall efforts of the SEDM process, thus far. Since terrorism recognises no borders, then the fight against it cannot be limited to take place within the borders of only one country or region, rather it is an issue for the international community as a whole.

Croatia, whose armed forces members participate in peacekeeping missions around the world, accepts and implements precisely this type of policy. Having in mind the importance of the ISAF mission, Croatia and other signatories of the US- Adriatic Charter deployed a Joint Multinational Medical Team to the mission in August 2005. During 2006, Croatia will increase her presence in Afghanistan in support of NATO’s efforts. The Republic of Croatia has actively participated in the SEDM process since 2000, having recognised the indisputable value of this initiative as a successful framework for the development of good neighbourly relations and the establishment of security and stability in the region of Southeastern Europe. This is especially true for concrete projects which have been developed within this framework, such as the “SEESIM simulation exercises”, “Defence/Military Support of WMD Counterproliferation, Border Security, Counterterrorism Working Group”, and “SEEDIRET Cooperation on Armaments, Defence Industry, Research and Technology”.

In assuming the Chairmanship of the Working Group on “Defence/Military Support of WMD Counterproliferation, Border Security, and Counterterrorism”, the Republic of Croatia has taken over a great responsibility - to continue with the accomplishments of Romania and Greece, the former Working Group Chairs. Croatia will encourage the strengthening of cooperation among SEDM members, especially in the domain of counterterrorism, border security, and counterproliferation of WMD. Croatia’s Chairmanship will focus its efforts on harmonizing the legislation related to WMD Counterproliferation, Border Security, and Counterterrorism. We consider the adaptation of the SEDM countries’ legislation on export control to be the basic prerequisite for success in the fight against threats for which borders pose no obstacle.

It is with great pleasure I emphasize that the first successful steps have been taken in this area, of which the key step being the Executive Seminar organised by the US Government in Dubrovnik at the end of August 2005. Participants from Southeastern Europe and the US included parliamentary representatives and experts in counterproliferation and illegal transfer of WMD, equipment, technology, and materials related to WMD. The conclusions and priorities defined at the 6th CBSC Working Group in Zagreb in November 2005, which you have been briefed on, are crucial to the success and further development of this important project. It is my personal honour to announce that the Republic of Croatia is prepared to continue to Chair the CBSC Working Group throughout 2006, with the aim of fulfilling the outlined goals. I consider the accomplishments we have achieved thus far to be of exceptional importance and, for our part, I’d like to emphasize that the Republic of Croatia shall continue to work constructively within the SEDM initiative. I call upon the other member nations to make additional efforts in order for the projects that have been initiated within the framework of SEDM to be successfully implemented, and that they may in turn be of benefit not only to member nations, but also our neighbours, particularly in building security and a better standard of living in the region of Southeastern Europe.

Finally, I offer my sincere congratulations to the new SEDM member, the Ukraine, which will surely enrich the work of this initiative – an initiative which is open to accept all countries willing to contribute to the democratic development and the security and stability of Southeastern Europe.

Thank you for your attention.