OSCE Chairman welcomes agreement on status of Yugoslavia

LISBON, 15 March 2002 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Portugal's Foreign Minister, Jaime Gama, has welcomed the agreement on the restructuring of relations between Serbia and Montenegro, mediated by the European Union (EU) High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy, Javier Solana, and signed by representatives of the Serbian, Montenegrin and FRY authorities.

During his recent visits to Belgrade and Podgorica, Minister Gama had earlier reinforced the mutual advantages for Serbia and Montenegro in reaching an agreement along the lines proposed by Mr. Solana. Minister Gama also stressed that such a solution would bring the country closer to European structures and would speed up the process of reform and economic development.

Today, the Chairman-in-Office reiterated his view and stated: "This is a major new development that also paves the way for enhanced stability in the region, which has been a major concern of the OSCE over the past decade."

He also confirmed the OSCE's readiness to provide any assistance with the reform process.