Central, Southeast European leaders say EU integration only option for Balkans

04/05/2008

OHRID, Macedonia -- EU integration is the only political alternative for the Western Balkans, the heads of state from countries in Central, Eastern and Southern Europe concluded on Saturday (May 3rd) as their two-day summit in Ohrid ended. Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski hosted the meeting of leaders from 18 countries in the region. He said participants agreed to make additional efforts to guarantee stability and prosperity in the Balkans. EU candidates must speed up the necessary reforms, given Union support of such efforts, he added. Summit participants also agreed that economic development and prosperity are main priorities. On the subject of Kosovo, while participants held different positions on independence, Crvenkovski said everyone agreed on the need for stability. (AFP, Makfax, MIA - 03/05/08)