Νόμος 3761/2009

ΝΟΜΟΣ ΥΠ' ΑΡΙΘ. 3761

Κύρωση της Συμφωνίας της 14ης Σεπτεμβρίου 2007 σχετικά με τις Ρυθμίσεις Χώρας Υποδοχής για τη Γραμματεία του Συμβουλίου Περιφερειακής Συνεργασίας μεταξύ του Συμβουλίου Υπουργών της Βοσνίας και Ερζεγοβίνης, αφ' ενός, και των λοιπών Κρατών που συμμετέχουν στη Διαδικασία Συνεργασίας Χωρών Νοτιοανατολικής Ευρώπης και της Αποστολής των Ηνωμένων Εθνών για την Προσωρινή Διοίκηση του Κοσσυφοπεδίου, για λογαριασμό του Κοσσυφοπεδίου, σύμφωνα με την Απόφαση υπ' αρ. 1244 του Συμβουλίου Ασφαλείας των Ηνωμένων Εθνών, αφ' ετέρου, της Κοινής Διακήρυξης της 27ης Φεβρουαρίου 2008 για τη Σύσταση του Συμβουλίου Περιφερειακής Συνεργασίας και του προσαρτημένου σε αυτήν Καταλόγου των συμμετεχόντων Κρατών και του Καταστατικού Χάρτη του Συμβουλίου, καθώς και των Συμπερασμάτων της Περιφερειακής Τράπεζας του Συμφώνου Σταθερότητας της 16ης Νοεμβρίου 2006.

Ο ΠΡΟΕΔΡΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗΣ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑΣ

Εκδίδομε τον ακόλουθο νόμο που ψήφισε η Βουλή:

Άρθρο πρώτο

Κυρώνονται και έχουν την ισχύ, που ορίζει το άρθρο 28 παρ. 1 του Συντάγματος, η Συμφωνία που υπεγράφη τη 14η Σεπτεμβρίου 2007 σχετικά με τις Ρυθμίσεις Χώρας Υποδοχής για τη Γραμματεία του Συμβουλίου Περιφερειακής Συνεργασίας μεταξύ του Συμβουλίου Υπουργών της Βοσνίας και Ερζεγοβίνης, αφ' ενός, και των λοιπών Κρατών που συμμετέχουν στη Διαδικασία Συνεργασίας Χωρών Νοτιοανατολικής Ευρώπης και της Αποστολής των Ηνωμένων Εθνών για την Προσωρινή Διοίκηση του Κοσσυφοπεδίου, για λογαριασμό του Κοσσυφοπεδίου, σύμφωνα με την απόφαση υπ' αριθμ. 1244 του Συμβουλίου Ασφαλείας των Ηνωμένων Εθνών, αφ' ετέρου, η Κοινή Διακήρυξη της 27ης Φεβρουαρίου 2008 για τη Σύσταση του Συμβουλίου Περιφερειακής Συνεργασίας και ο προσαρτημένος σε αυτήν Κατάλογος των συμμετεχόντων Κρατών και ο Καταστατικός Χάρτης του Συμβουλίου, καθώς και τα Συμπεράσματα της Περιφερειακής Τράπεζας του Συμφώνου Σταθερότητας της 16ης Νοεμβρίου 2006, των οποίων το κείμενο σε πρωτότυπο στην αγγλική γλώσσα και σε μετάφραση στην ελληνική έχει ως εξής:

AGREEMENT

BETWEEN

THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

ΎΚΚ GOVERNMENTS OF ΤΉΕ OTHER SEECF Γ AR' ΓΪ CEP A TIN G STATES^ THE UNITED ΚATLONS INTERIM ADMINISTRATION MlSSiUK IN KOSOVO ON BEHAJLF OF KOSOVO IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL RESOT UTION Ufa

ON THE HOST COUNTRY ARRANGEMENTS

FOR THE SECRETARIAT OF THE REGIONAL COOPERATION COUNCIL

The Council of MLuScrs of Bosnia Hcriejuvtna and Hue Governments οϊ true othei SEECP Piirtiuipiilj!]^ Stated aud ttis Uoifeid Marions interim Adniinislralioii Missimi ϊπ Kosovo on behalf nf Kosovo in luxurdunjce "with the United Motions Security Council RfisoluTim ]2U (htteuiafrer. refrncd 10 as 'ine Parties*)

Appreeiflii Γ g efforts ttllt the. MerTLpejfF of the Regional Co-operatioil Council ϊητίκίΐ in establishing a closer regiunal to-operatjati and deteimined to enhancing the regional ownership;

Building upon the acJuevtiue-mE of tii<? Stability Pscl for Souih Ewtcm Europe in fci'strJLTig suability, development and tu-opccaii(JT] In our regioj];

Expressing their determination and joining effnrii ίο furl her Jiircngcben aod reinforce ooraiectioiis and co-operation berweeij the States in SEE elk well as. between tliem and the European snd Euro-ATlantic Stales vn d mstiruiiotis ml other intsniati™a] partners;

Acknowledging the decisions of the Heads of Stae and Government of the SEECP Participating SliVet at their meeting on 11 May 2007 in Zitgrcti,, including (he agreed Stanne of ihe Regional Co-opEfatioi Councjh

Have agreed ai follows;

1- GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1 ϊϊΕΠΜΠΊΟΝΒ

FOf ihe piupiKe of this Agreement;

a) "Host Country" means Bosnia and Hazego'vina;

t>) "RCC yeeretariaf¹ means the- Regional Cu-opcraliDfi Council Secretariat

c) "Secretary Oeneral" means a person appointed as the Jfead of the Secretariat managing the wurit of the. RCC SeereJtartfl.t;

d) "Official"* mean* staff member of the F.CC Serrctarhu, notified to tliR Ministry of Foreign Ailaks of Bosnia and Herzjego\i(ui ρΰτίηπηίπΕ ouiics to the RCC Secretariat on a ftj Ί time basis other ilian under * F¹ of this ^ Eticjec) "Expert" means a person perfoijtiin^ temporary mission for (he RCC Secretariat uilier than under "d^1N and Τ' cf this Article;

f) 'Teehllim] and service tfaff meiiiS employees engaged in technical and adE3iini£lrj[iv& cr in dumeslit KiYiCe fur die RCC StcT-etailat

g.) "Representative*' [Loams, entitled repitsEctatjve of (he SEECP Partitioning States mid oriiei RCC uiembfj^.

Article 1 SEAT

ΐ. The ROC Secretarial j₅ hereby ettuhTLsh eJ. The Seat of the ROC Secretarial ]£ in Sarajevoj Bosnia and Herzegovina.

2. The Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina shadi jiruvide to (he RCC Secretariat^ at no fee,, all necessary facsiitics,, including ooirvenienT and appropriate prtiaises for effective performance of its- functions as set οιτί in the agreed Statute of the RsgionjiJ Co-operation Council and this Agreement.

Articled LEGAL fTTATUS

1. The RCC Secretarial shall have legal rjersonality aid the lege! capacity necessary for ■carrying Oul its fur^tiOiSS a& ΐυ conclude ContraclEj to ii^uite and di^ose movable and innnovarjle property and to establish legal proceedings in a^^ance with the legislation of Bosnia and Hentgoviita.

2. Ihe RCC Secretaiial ha? the iegal capacity to conclude HeadQTuarters Agreement with the Kingdom of Belgium fur its Liaison Office in Brussels.'

Π. HOST COUNTRY AKJiADGEMKNTS Article i

IN l-ERNAL REGULATIONS OF TfiCGHCC SECRETARIAT

1. The RCC Secretarial may issue the necessary Menial regulations concerning the incrementation and oigsnization of its faftctiuns, in line Midi die agreed Statute of the RCC

1. The RCC Secretariat ^ill inform the competent authorities of Bosnia and Herze^vina on the relevant rcpjjarjonsr

Article 5

FLAG, COAT OF AKilS AND SiGHS

L The RCC Secretarial may display the RCC flag, coit of arms end logo, as adopter] by the RCC, in icj premiwet and On inOtur veJijcfcs used for official purpDseSn

2. MoiOr Vehicles tlu>t helongtO the Secretariat sJiaJl be entitled h? diploniaiic- reu^Slration plates arjd to appropriate status.

Article 6

ΠΗΐ FREEDOM OF SECRETARIAT'S OPERATIONS

The I-lOsL CouciOry shall guarantee tie RCC Secretarial r. freedom of Operations.

Article 7 INVIOLABILITY

ΐ. The premisses- of the RCC Secretariat shajl be urriolable, CoTrrpetcnl authorities; of Bosnia and ILer?egtiviria shall ha^e the right in enter fte premises of the RCC Secretariat in. order ίο perform thfiir duties., only with consent of the Secretary General or duly authorized Official of the Secretarial, under conditions agreed by them..

2. The Counci! of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzeeoyirji shall take al! measures in order to prutecL the Setretari bL^: S premises againsL any inhusirHii; gr damages, and 10 prevent dnmagrng o-f its 'ftgniry,

3. Record;! and archive of the Secretariat aj -we|! as all dociirncntatHTrt (including computer progKeus and! photographs) belonging to it or being in its possession shall ha inviolable.

4. The RCC Secretarial shall ensure that its premises do not become a shelter for persons trying xo avoid arrest ή oomraand issued by the autocrines ct Bosnia and rlerzego-viria, or for persons who are trying to avoid the execution uf legal procedure or for persons for whom eilradition or deportation order was issued.

AriJde S

EXCEPTION ΙΕ.ΟΛΙ COURT PROCEjF/IrtrtCii A=N IJ EXEC UTiONS

1. RCC Secretariat shall enjevy an exempli on from court proceedings and executions in the host country, except in cases of:

(a) Any agreement on j>urchasc of goods and services, any loan or other transaction to provide fmancing, as well as any guarantee relationship or indemnificatinn related to any suoh transaction oranjf other financial nbfigarian, c*ccp± ia eases in which conciliation lias been oi will he agreed;

■ (b) Cjvi] lawsuit initiated by a tJ]jrd party dtic to dtarii_h rnfltcrial damage or per.^mal tDjtvry caused in a motor traffic offence by a motor vddele chat belongs to or is used on behalf π Γ the RCC Secretariat:

(c) Counter -claims in direct connection to procedure inilialHi by the RCC Secretari^

(d) rawsJiits undc: Labour Lnv.

2. The RCC Seuetsriat, in tertns of its rnuvnbls and immovable prODerty, wherever locmed stud by whomsoever held in Bosnia and Herieguvina shin be exempted from any measure of execution j including confi scariofi, deprjva]. free ting CT any other frirm of

execution οι sequestration or any other deprivation of property provided for by the Laws of Bosnia and Henegovins.

Article ΐ COMMUMCATIOW

1. The RCC Secretariat shall, in terms of its official ewnmuriearien, be provided witii the, same treatment which is accorded to diplomatic missinns in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

2. The RCC Secretarial may use all appropriate coraimirjication tools and shall have the rtifht to use Codes iTi its oFficced ctirnmuniLiBiimi. Tt Saatl also hive the right to send and receive coaesjaondeace via properly identified oousiets or in packages that shall be given the same privileges and enjoy exemptions as diplcmalie couriers or diplomatic packayeS.

3. Official cor^sF«idsncc and other official cnrnnwnicaiion of the RCC Secretarial, when prDp'etiyJdecitifled_r shall not he censoied!.

4. Usage of telecoriimjioicarion equipment shall be re Co at tied, in technical lams, with aLrtUorities of Bosnia and Heraegovina, cornpetejjr for telecommunications,, if necessary.

ArticJe Itf PUBLICATIONS

Import and eltpurltif publications for [he needs of the RCC Secretariat as Well as of Other injrormation matenal that the RCC Sccjctwiat imports - or exports within its official activities^ shall not he the subject to rtsJ/ictions cf any kind.

Article 11 UTILTTY SERVICES

1. Competent authorities of Bosnia and rlerzegoviiia shall be obligated to, at request of the RCC Secretariat and under the just condition!^ provide ntility services to Seurelaiiat, which ft needs m order to perform its futictionSj iDchiding, hot not being limilrd to. radio-connections, jiost seivices, phone, electricity, water, sewerage, ϊγλς.. garbage pick*itp services and fire fighiinjprotecriort.

2. (JtiJity services' prices tinder the previous paragraph shall not exceed the lowest comparable prices approved to diplomatic missions.

3. hi case of termination or indication of termination of the aforementioned utility services, the RCC Secretariat shall t>e given the same priority ss to diplomatic mission^, for the requirements of its official ftmctioiis.

-Jr At-^qLieSt ef-LOHiretcni -aUthori tits nf Bosnia and Hcrrecovina, the Secretary General shatt be responsibre Hi ensure to appropriately authorized representatives of utility service cotr.pajn'es_h to checitj repair, umhjlaiiL and Felucalc msLtllaiianii ir, the RCC Secretariat's

premises, at appropriate lime, Under Conditions dmt will rtOt effect the functioning of the RCC Secretariat.

Article 11

EXEMPTION FROM DTJTfES AND TAXES

1. The RCC Secretarial, its funds, income and Other property shall he exempted from direct state and local duties and taxes. This exemption shall not be applied to taxes and appropriations considered Utility services" tiUies offered at fixed prices, in line TNith the quantity of provided services,, whinh can be idaidfi&d, described and divided.

2. In terms of value added tax included in prices or separately calculated, exemption shall be applied only cr. hems acquired for official usage of the ROC SecreLnri.iL, whereas goods purchased for its usage, for which eMernptions apply in line with tin's prevision, must -not he sold, given as a gift or in any other way deprived! except in line with iondiiiorisagreedh^'ilh the Council of Ministers: of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

3. The RCC Secretariat shall be exemprcr] hum all stale and local rates or fees, except rates 01" fees calculated as the price of acHrajly rendered services.

Aiticte 13

EXEMPT! OIN FROM CUSTOMS AND TREAT\tENT

1, Customs treatment of hems for the RCC Secretariat, shall be eojually favourable as the one accorded to diplomatic missions in Bosnia. and Herzegovina.

2. Goods, including motor vehicles and ihoir spare pans, imported οϊ exported for the pLirpss" of official by ths I\CC Scaeiaria( ^huil be eAernpLed from payment of customa, taxes and fees.

Article 14

FREE DISPOSAL WITH FUriDS AND FREEDOM OF BUSINESS

The RCC Secretariat fhi the purpose of executing its functions, shall have tl« right to receive* kc^, convert and. transfer all funds_T ciirraicie^ cudt and other transferable values, and freely dispose with them, perform business without restrictions, in line v/itj the legislation nf Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Article 15 SOCIAL SECtJRtrV

1. The RCC Secretariat and its officials shall he exempted from paying obligatory coritrihubafis.. in conuectiun LO any type π f social security in BOsriia and tieniErJovina.

2. Officials shall have Eiie right to participate in ρ health secorily system, and to he insured against accident a ad have pension insurance in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in line with the legislation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Article 16 SECfttTARY GENERAL

Dining the tinie of pcrfomiance of duty lel Bosnia aid Herzegovhra, the RCC Secretary General shall he επΕηΙ=ά to the same privileges and immunities as flic ones accorded to the Head of diplomatic mission in Bosnia and Hazermvizia, in line with the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations dated April 1 S, 19ύ 1.

Article 17 OFFICIALS

1. Officials in Bosnia and lieriBgovina shall enjoy the following privileges and exemptions in BiH:

(a) EAerapuion γτ&ϊπ court proceedings in recpett of words spoken or written as well as all

acts carried out by them in the performance of their official function^ even after Ebey

cease to roe the Officials of the RCC Secretariat;

(h) Ε\επτρ4ίοη from check and aeinirB of persona] lu^a^e;

{cj rnvioMuliiy of official doevrnentationj data and other rnaicrjjh

(d) Exemption from taxes, including from VAT, contributions on salaries, additional benefits and iiidentnirdeS, paid to them by the RCC Secretariat for their service, in line Tvifhtftc legislation of Bosnia and Herzegovina;

(e) Exemption firom immigration restrictions, and obligation to register themselves* their rncmbeTT! of tbrnV Fsmiiio; riving ij! the same hoiiifilioUj

(f) £qna] protection and facilities in repatriation, lor tharn, their members of their families living inthi same household, accorded to the members uf comparable rank: in diphnnatic mis si ens;

(g) Right to irnport for personal use, free From cuEtnrns: and Other taxes Or ditties, under, concrrtion those are not tnx.es for render id utility services, as we]] as exemption from import restrictions and limitations Of import and export of;

(i) Their fJnatUre and personal belongings bS the mOmeni when they first take then duty, in one or more separate shipments, and

(ii) One motor Vehicle every four ycara.

2. The way ϊή wiiich imported j^oods- will fce disposed with, Wiflk exemption Horn payment of import duties, sha]i he applied in line with regulations on duty, tax and other fhcilitiftS to which foreign diplomatic and consular repreScnLaitive office in Bosnia srod Herzegovina fct entitlcd.

¹ Willi jllil^^

ΦΕΚ 74

Article 18

ΜΗ ClTl/ENS ANfl ARSONS WITH" PERMANENT RESIDENCE PERMIT

Officials, who arc oiti^iiis. of Bosnia and lleiaeapvijia Oi persons with pejmanent residence permit in Bosnia and. Herzegovina shaU hi «rtitl cd only 10 privileges and UTJmumtjefl Elated ojvler Article 15 arid" Article !7_n Paragraph 1. Items a, b, c and &.

Article 19 REPRESENTATIVES

Repre^tath'es. shall enjoy the following eremntirms, iiurin£ the period of execution of their iGosponsibiliti es in. Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as during, their trip on the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina:

(a) Exemption from court proceedings, in respect of words, spofcen or written as well as all acts carried out by them in the performance of their officii functions, even after 1hey .cease to' b&'tne Ff^rcseatatives;

(b) Exemption from check and £eiz&re of personal luggage;

(c) Inviolability of official docmnenratjon, data and after ntatoiiai;

(d) Exemption from Q^migranon restrictions.

ArriclE 20 EXPERTS

Experts shall enjoy exemptions: siated under Article 17, Paragraph 1, items a, h, c and d duriny the periodperfennanceof their duties;,

Artick 21

TECHNICAL- £NI> SERVICE STAFF

The RCC Secretariat shall have the right to engage recanicai and service stJiff_h in line with the \bv)7. of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Article 22

EXCEPTION TO IMMUNITY PROM LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND

J&XECUTltm

Officials, representauitei and experts shall not enjoy immunity in terms of any actions that relate to violation of traffic regulations.

Article 23

THE PURPOSE CF PRIVILEGES AND EXEMPTIONS

J. Privileges and .immunities ttider this Agreement areprarjtcd in tr»c interests of the RCC .and nOL for the personal benefits of the individuals themselves, I.. . —

2- Their purpose is solciy to provide freedom of actions of the RCC Secretariat uuder ah CQ'cumslAnces is well as full independence Of mentioned persons in perfLOTmnjr their do ties: for the RCC Secretariat,

Article 2A NOTIFICATION

1. The RCC Secretarial shall notify ίο ttit DipSomauc Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of BosJihi and Herzegovina the names, cf the Secretary General, ef the officials, as weli as those of ihc members of their families hnmediately or, at latest, within three days, as ο Γ the date of their arrival. The RCC Secretariat shal 1 alsn npu'fy the termination of the mandate of the Secretary General or of any official as well as, where apawopriate, the fact tha-l a persoji ceases to he a rneunbcr of Iherj f&tntly2. Tbc Secretary General, the officials and the rnembers of their families shall be issued appropriate'IDs by Ulte'Diplumalic Protocol of Ihe. MjnVbiry of Foreign AfTairS- of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Article 25

NOT ASSUMING RES?ONSUSILiTY DY BOSNIA AWTJ ΠΕΕΖΕΕΟΛΊΝΑ

Bosnia and Herae£mVina shall net assume any int^niarional responsibilities for actions or omissions made by the RCC Secretariat at its tsrrnajy

ArticU26 SECURITY ISSUES

1. Nothing in this Agreement soaJl preclude the rijdit ef the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzcgovhia to apply all appropriate measures of pi?oteciion in the inteiicst of public Security. Νοΐΐϋπβ in this Agreement shall prevent lmplamentatiun cf the laws of Bosnia and Hcnngwin^ necessary for perseverance of healtl] or public ordei.

2. Should the Ojuncil of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina consider necessary to apply piOVisions of the Paragraph 1 Of this Article, as soon, as circrirnstancEs allow, it shall establish the coruicctinn wjtii fhe RCC Secretarial in older to mate a joint decisinp ο Ji rueasuEes that mighi be necessary to pntfect the uiicreaL ο Γ rhc RCC SecretariaL

3. "Ihe RUC Secretariat sball be obligated to cooperate with authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina sn order to prevent any ϋπρκύϊπίΒη·! of public securjsy thic in any activity carried Out by the RCC Secretarial.

111. FINAL FRtmSlONS

Article 11 SETTLEMENT OF IHSFUTES

Ail disputes coflwrnirJE the implcmcntfltjori and interpjctation of this AgTCcancni shs!l he settled thnnj^ri negotiations between the Parties. '

Artieklfl AMENDMENTS

This Agreemnit may be amended by mutual consent of the Parties, to this Agreement. ArnendmeojESrSball eater: into force in accordance ΐ',ϊίτι Article 29 of this Agrecment.

Article ΪΪ ENTRY INTO FORCE

1. This. Agreement shall enter into fore? on the date of the receipt of the fifth notification of the Parties rntludiiiH the Host COlL-ilry, by the Ministry of Foreign A (TairE of Bosnia and JrTer^egovirja about the completion of their mtcma! requirements for its entry into tbroi

~2. For every Party miuch, after the deposit of the fifth notification in accordance with p5rigJ5.ub j_h LiOtiScS. iin; jviuiisury of Foreign Alfisrs ol liysnia and Herie£OVhia about the complBtiooj of its internal requrrernenrs for the emy into force of thin Agreement, it shall enter into force on the date of the iiotifjcation. to the Ministry of Foreign affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

3. After signing of the Agreem-Mt tlie cirigrnal will be deposited with the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina which sha]] serve as the depository. The depository shall pravide the Parties! Lo the Agreement and the RCC Secretariat witll rhilv cerlitjcd copies tliercof

4. Inis Agreement will apply provisionally as of the day of its signing. Any Farty may, ai the moment of signing of die Agreement, declare thai the Agreement shall apply in its ■ rtgard as from; the date of completion of its relevant internal leautiements for its entry into ίΟΪΚ.

Article 3fl

DURATION, DENUNCIATION, WITHDRAWAL ΑΝΤΊ TERMINATION

1. Tills Agreement sJiufT remain in force fjlr an indefinite period of time.

2. The Council of Miniiaers c-Γ Bftsrjia and Herzegovina shaT[ be entitled io denounce Qiis Agreement, notifying the depository in written farm. In that casCj this Agree/neat shall be terminated SnJi (6) month? as of the receLpJ of this notification,

3. Each Party may withdraw from this Agreement notifying flit depository and the other Panics in ^written form. In that case. in\z Agreement shall cease be in force for that Party si* (6) months as of the receipt of the notice by the depository.

DoaeaLRiovdiv^n this- 14* day ofSeptcmber 2007. in Ί (one] Original in English.

FOR THE COUNCIL OF FOR THE GOVERNMENTS OF Π IE

JtENlSTERS OF BUS OTHER ETlECP EARTIdFATIKG

S TAXES AJvTj FOR THE UNITED NATION'S INTERIM ADMINISTRATION MISSION TN KOSOVO ON BEHALF OF KOSOVO IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE UNITED NATION S SECUR1TV COUNCIL RESOLUTTOJi 1241

Regional*. '.'ui>peT j! !■:; .(^ηπτίίΙ

Jclm Declaration

on the EwtebiEhrrierit of Ihe ReglomaJ Co-opefitian Council {RCC)

Representatives of the Parijapatlnc; Slates of Ehs South East European Crj-cperattin Process (SEEGP), the United Nations Interim Administration Mission In Kosovo (IPNMtK) on behalf (rf Kosovo in accordance with Uniteo¹ Nations Security Council Resolution 1244, the European Union (EU), rapiaseriied by the Troika, consisting of the EU Presidency, the European Commission and the Council Secrr>tari'at_h as watt as (hose donor ccHjrtne&, intemajianal organBationg and International financial Institutions atitwtaniiaity sod actively erigaflod in suppon of regioroV w-operalifln. In South Eastern Europe and represented at trie meeting in Sofia on ί Ϊ February 2αΰβ {tel. Annex hj

r&affirm that regional co-operallon Is art mpartant toof for promoljnrj stabulty, eecurlty and social and economic development ki South Eastern Europe and ihal regional cooperation processes shotJid continue and grow to the benellt of the region;

BfikrKmriedge the Importance of regional avoperarijn as a means to address the common challenge? faced by the courtries oJ South Eastern Europe and a facilitator of further Etmjpean and f^jro-Atlarttli; interjoaticri;

recognise the contribution to date of (he in tern atonal community Ed enhancing rfirjiorial co-operation in South Eastern Europe and the continued willingness to provide political, technical and linancial support

recognise ihe positive developrnerrts In South Eastern Europe m the past otocwie and the vafuable role and oontiixjtbn oJ the Slabiily Feet for Soulh Eastern Europe in foslef Ing stability, development and co-operation In the region:

underline the need Jo safeguard the slgnSllcarJ achiavamanls oi the Stability Pad; including the instigation and development ol vai lotK CQ-opsration processes in the fields of democracy, eronomie development, justice and home affairs and security;

rule Ihe successful co-operation of the countries of the region within ihe framework of the SEECP and therr commitment to enhance its role in regional co-operation- processes;

underline the importance oJ a slrucfuro dedicated to regional co-operation in Sooth Eastern Europe \o ensure (he strategic co-ordination and davefqprnEvnt ol fcgloflal prace-eses in support of Hie SEECP as well as nn co-ordination with the EU_t NATO, International donors and finarwal Institutions;

recall Ihe decisions taken by the Steb*ty Fad's Regional Tables in Belgrade (tAav 50u£) and Bucharest (November 20 05), the SEE CP Summ* and Ihe Ftaabnafl Tat*j ai Zagreb (May 20D7f on the trwefofmatton οί the Stability Pact into mweregtanalry owned and ted co-operation frame μη It;

welcome the signing of rha agreement on ihe host country arrartgentente ~m Plovdiv on 14 September 2IM7, provlrJlrio the legal basis lor the Secretariat of Hie Regional Co-6p*ratian Council;

declare their commitment to support the newly established Regional Co-ope ratio η Council in its activftes and express thee comrnori understanding that

1. the Regionaj CMperation Council {RCC} is intended to sustain rocyeed regional cooperation In South Eastern Europe through a reglonaty owned and led iramaworh I hat afso supports European and Enrc-Allantjc irrbgtralkiri;

£. the Statute of the RCC (rel. Annex II) is Nended to be the foundation of its operations;

3. as, speetfiad in the FCC Statute, the RCC Board: ufl provide operational guidance and supervision and the Board wll coretf of those RCC Members ronhfburing to the budge! of the RCC Secretariat as well as the EU represented bf the TnAa ConeistBig of the EU Presidency, the Euopean GpmmisBinn and the Council Secretariat.

4. the RCC will function as a focal point for regional co-operation In Soulh Eastern Europe and will provide political guidance to and receive substantive jiput from relevant regional task forces and initiatives active in specif):; tnemaJH; areas ol reoianal cooper at Ion;

5. the RCC, supported by the Secretary General, its Secretariat based in Sarajevo and its Liaison Office in Brussels, will provide Ihe SEECP wth operational capacities as well as act as a forum for the continued Involve men I cf those members of the International donor community engaged in Ihe region; and lhat

6. (he Ftcc shook! tows its activities on the priority areas outlined in Ihe Statute -namety Economic pnd Social Development; IrtfrastrurtLire; Juaftce and Home AifaJfs: Security Co-operation; Building; Human Capital; as wefi as Parlarnenlajy Co-ope ratio η as an overarching iheme - and should maintain close working relations with air actors of relevance In Ihe^e areas, e.g. govemmerrts, internatiortal organisations, International flnanctaJ insututioris, regional Qigancatlons., ctvi society and the private sector,

Adopted m Sofia, 27 February 20OE.

ANNEX I - PxIkhfWt* of UXj Regional Ca-oponrfon Council

« Au&Wa;

■ Bosnia aiKf Ηeciegovina;

* Bulgaria;

* Canada:

* Council nf Europe;

- Owned of Eunjpe Dtvd&prnert Sanfcr

* CroaUa.

+ Czech Republic;

* Denmark;

- Europe sn Banv inr Reconstruction ami DaVrrtopmanl;

* European EnvWlmetil Bank;

* European Union fELr), representee! by tha Troika, Gfftteflrtg Of A» &J Presidency Ihe European Commission and tha Council Secretariat, as wel a&th? European Parliament:

* Federal ftapubEc of Germany

> Flntantt;

■ Ranee;

* Greece;

* Ireland;

■ Italy;

■ NLrtjivy;

* Lalvfa;

* Mpldova;

■ MftiilHitfflro:

» Nor^rtlar^TriaryOrganlsailon;

* Νοη«ν;

* CLraaniaalian for Economic Co-operation and Development,

■ froanisarkin for Security and Co-ooenaoon ii Europe;

■ Serbia;

■ Slovakia; ' Slovenia;

i Soulh EastEurqpean Oo-operalive Initialise;

► SwedanL

* Switzerland;

* Homaraai

■ The Farmer Yugoslav Repufciic or Macedonia.;

■ TuHwy;

* United Kingdom;

* Unrted Nanona;

* United HflDDfiB Economic CommEsion Tor Europe;

* United Nationa Davehpnent Programme;

- United Nation* interim AdmWstratfon Mlsston fa Kosovo (UNMIKJ ο* Iwhall of Kosovo In accordance with United Nations Security Counci Ftgoolulkvi 1 £14:

* United of America:

ANNEX II

Statute oJ Big Regional Cc-operatfon Council (RCC) _

ΐιπτηουττποΗ

t. The positive devetopments In South EaMem Europe (SEE) in the past decade and! the need to safeguard the significant afhSevenwntfi ol tha Stabltrry Pad for Soulh Eastern Europe neceulete rhe devetoprnent of a more regionally owned and led co-operatkm framework with continued support αί the m(er national C'rjrnrnunrly.

ΐ. Based on decisions taken by the SlaMily Pact Regional Table In Belgrade (May 2006) and Bucharest (November 200S), Ihe Summit of Ihe South East European Cn-openatron Process (SEECP) ajid the Regional Table in Zagreb (flay 2007) thus joimry decide to transform the Stability Pact tot SEE Into a FteqlonaJ Cooperation Council (HOC;. The foal meeting ol the Regional Table ot the Stability Pact shall Jake place back-to-back with the first meeting of the RGG no later than February 2ϋϋβ.

TASKS OF THE HCC

S. The tasks of the RCC are defined as loHuws; to sustain focused regional coOperation h SEE Ihraogjhi a regionalry-ovjned fuxf led homework; to provide political guidance lo and receive substantive ~fnA Irnm relevant laak forces and irktiatives active in apecitic (hematic areas of regional co-operation; to promote European and Euna-Atfantic irtearauen; and lo provide guidance to the Secretariat ol ihe RCC and fce Secretary General.

J. The RCC ihwlrf provide the EEECP. Kith operafonaS capacities ihrsugh it? , Secretariat and tattk forces as wei as ad aa a torum lor )h? CcnllnUad Involvement of those members of the International donor community engaged in SEE.

Priority Areas for Co-operetfon In the framework of Ihe tiCC

5. Priority areas tar co-operation In ihe framewwta of Ihe RCC are as follows;

a. Economic and Social De^etoprnent.

b. PnrftastT4Jchjro

c. Justice and Home Affairs

d. Security Co-operation e_r Building Human CapllaJ

t. as well as Parliamentary Co-operation bs an overarching, the ma

fl. In the contort of (hese priov rtv areas, gender mainstreaming, scciaj cohesion and the invotvernent o( civil society actors wrfi be rmoDftart factors.

?, The RCC on readmrr^rvjaftiori of the Secieteryileneraf as well as in accordance wflh political guidelines of Ihe SEECP Summit may decide to adapt these priority areas, depending υπ development in ihe region.

UEiTltUi FORMAT OF THE RCC

S. The membership of Ihe RCC consists of the pajtWpattng stales of the SEECP. the Unttad Natlcna interim AdminielraliDn Migaon in Koboyo (IJNMIK) on behalf ol Kosovo rh accordance with United Nations Security Council ResoJulion 1244. the European Union, represented by ihe Troika, consisting of the EU Presidency, the European Commission and irw Cauncfl Secretarial. as weU aa Ihosa oonor countries, international orgam:?al»na and irrte"iat»nai financial iiwtiturronE actively and substantially artgag&l hn support of regkinal oa -ope ret ίο η in $EE_^L Requests lor membership cf the flCC require the conaent of ihg exis1iog members.

fl. The Annual Meeting of the RCC is- held back to barii. with Ihe SEECP Summit. The Annual Meeting: of the RCC Is co-chsired by the Sectary Genarat and the Foreign Mriister of ihe SEECP Chairmanship in Office (CIO), hosted by the SEECP CrO and prepared by the Secretary General in co-ordmatiori wrlb Ihe SEECP CIO. The Annual Mealing of the RCC meets at the love) ol Senior Civil Servants or above'r It shall ensure the strategic co-ordination and development of the regional co-operation processes, review and ertdorse the Secretary Generals Annual Report on regional co-operation in SEE as well as the Strategic Work F^jgramfns- Irjr the following year. The RCC Annual Meeting is open to other cguntneg, inlernafional orp^nisattorm and partners as fjuegtg upon racjuesl to and/or lha inaiaitve of (he Secretary General following Ihe consent of the members of the RCC Board,

ID. In between Annual Meetings of iho RCC spotatiorat guidance and supervision oi the RCC Η prgvidgd try the ftCC Boani The Board anfiapts the Annual Report of Ihe Secretary General and adopts Ihe Strategic Woft Programme for (ha loKowing year, supports the Secrelary General in its implemanlation and reviews progress in the course- of Ihe year. The Beard constats of those RCC members, conlnboting to the budget of the RCC Secretariat as wefl as the European Union, represented by The Troika_h coneisiinj of the Β J Presidency, the European Commission and the Council Secretariat.¹ The RCC Board mauls quarterly and is chaired by the Secretary Generat, flCC Board meetings are convened and prepared by the Secretary General In co-ordination with the SEECP CIO. The RCC Board meets al the level of RCC Wbfi'onar Ca-oftftiflJars, which are Senior Oil Servants in each RCC member responsible for co-ordination of RCC relevant Issues within their respective national acbninistralign.

' ΒηϊκΙοπ lltec*) c re aria. Stab Sty Pad partnenaacilvfllyand BubBfamiaBy sngaawf τι wpptwt uf πραπβΙ <sj-ijfHWBBafi In SEE are raojeHsd to judicata their b twme 4 numftgr at Vta ROC to lha Special Co

«d pate* ol the Stupidy Pate fcy 15 r+sv&rf*dr 21)07. fna Spaded Go-orAiatur, after consultation ihe Sflcrdiiy Central. wlT man make a pfopraal auflinina ihe rprfituxih^g at (ha luiim* BCC tor andett«r*eN al Die rvialiiwrjnrxrfiha Rojtmsi Titrfa In FrtruaryiOfJB.

*for rTi&triiiei5tipoFit^ RCC B^ri a rriinimurn conlrtHiUoii of 50.000 Eura ta Mrs budgntoi thn RCC Sfiry-tfaiHdl id FfcfjhHJ. CijrYlr1bullanB.for 6EEi^p^palinjit^infllj™i01<i*aWi Λτΐ regulated in g aeparaKe-imrnenr.

11, The host of any parlicurar meeting will bear ail costs in connection with holding meetings unless, otherwise decided or organised al Ihe seal of the RCC Secretarial itself, whig other parttopants wW cover their expenses retallng, to travel and stay of their respective dekagatJons.

1Ξ Decisions ol the RCC wlH be taken by consensus, which Is understood as aba once of objection.

structures of "π4ε RCC

T3. The Secretary GeneraJ shall ho a slrong political figure from the region, with (he ability to Interact vrih donor states and international organisations and la work **h grwemmaTitfi in the region al ihe highest appropriate level, and shall have a record of successful engagement in regional co-operation. The mandate of the Secretory General shall be lor

a, Promote and recdrlate the achlevBrrkenE of the RCC's objectives, in particular to foster regional co-operation, to folow and co-ordinate regional oo-opereJion actMies and iratietlhres in SEE and to support European and Eirfo-AJlanfic irtegrairon^

b. Chair Ihe flC£ Board's. quarterly meetings antf en-ehak the RCG's Annual meeting with the SEECP C1Q Minister of foreign Affairs,

<!. Head the RCC Secretariat, having executive authority itflrt regard to staff operations, hdudtng per&onngl reiyultmanl and management;

d. Maintain dose, ^operative contacts wilh all members and partners ol the RCC. and in particular with the partlc^eting stales of the SEECP_t as vueh as with relevant regional initiabves and organpsiHonsvi

e- Piovido support to Ihe SEECP and its OO through the RCC Secretariat, Including by preparing tnoetlngs and conferences;

I. Τaka part In meetings ol the SEECP al all laveks;

g. - Submit an Annual Report on regional co-operation In SEE and an Annual

Strategic; Work Plan Id (he fICC for review and" endorsement;

h, Present Ihe strategic aspects of this Annual Flepcd to Ihe SEECP Summi thus contributing to the elaboration of Ihe political guidelines ol the SEECP;

ί Co-operate closely with ail institutions, of the EU and Us Member States In order to support the EU integration process of SEE and to cotTtribute to the full complementarity of regional co-operetion activities with Ihe EU Ihtfirjrafion process;

J. Work cfosely with other intemailorKiL institutions and organisations, indyOmg iflteroalional Flriancial Institutions, and the private sector in promoting regional co-operation rri SEE,, and support the Involvement of civil society actors in regional reoperation processes;

t Ensure thai Ihe RCC focuses on priority areas- far TeoJonal co-operation.

L Facilitate efforts to secure funding for regional co-operation activities under the auspices of the HGC.

14. The prccess -of¹ rvrfnJftatJng a Secretary tierreral is 63 Ιοίονικ!

a. SEECP Participating Statu oar propose una eutotfe candidke each to Che SEECP CIO, according to the terms ot reference outj narj in the mandate cf tha SeorBtoy Gerwrai πα later than Β we*^ before the SEECP Summit end through the SEECP CIO knrnecleJety itmsurf wirh the RCC Guard members and the SEECP Partspa^ng StktV on those candidates,

fck Ccriautt^KuiS ate cerduded 3 weeks before the SEECP Summit

c. The SEECP Committee of PeRfcaJ Otrectcra make* a |pomrfisrJon proposal, tifdng into account thoio consultations no later ζ weeks before the SEECP Summit.

d The ncfiiknatkm ptcposal la forwarded το Oia RCC Board tor α hddertkxi and endorBBrnent at the Annual Masting, file day before ψβ SEECP Summit, J

a. Following the ervfonurtent of the RCC Annua) Meeting, fhi Secretary General ra appointed by SEECP Foreign Ministers δ day toefbre the SEECP Summit.

t The SEECP Summit approves the sppoVrrmert, [■

15. The Secretary General b appointed for 3 yearj wth the possibility to extend ri$/tw Γβττπ by a yean.

15, The mandate el the Secretin/ General can ba rfisoontriLwd by decision af the RCC Board bssed on the lerma of hisrtier contract The procec |re for the nlemtssaj of the Secretory Gernrat can be launched on request of ;tt bast two members of the RCC Board; and ragutrea a decision by cgnserwus η fnus one of the RCC Board, it becomes effective uibjoct to a written procedure among SCECP Partidpattng Stales,

\7. In cue of ricapasty or drsmtsial ot the Secretary i3enerafl, the RCfiGaard take oedaUjns necessary la eneure Ihe tundtoning of the RCC Secretariat, Jndudinrj the aprjolrrbnerrt of an acting Secretary General until a fonts] decision on the sucoeealon te taken h accordance wtth article^

1S The Secretary General is responsfcte ϊΰ the RCC Boardfgr ihe apprpprtaJe use of funds made aval Labia b the budgal bf Ihe FCC Secretariat The sdrrtntetrailon and faunctal managvment ortcadures flowning Ihe budget at the RCC Secretariat indugjing an indepandani audit, are oirtlEned In a sepamJiY oocLiment. basedanaffrwrnsnttiilhe RCCBoarU

19. The Se&vteristof the RCC la directed by the Secretary General and feupports the tlCC as wall as the SEECP in Ajifttng their tasks py wcrtdng bwards the prepBtftJrjn and imprementalfon ct dedsJuna of the RCC Annual Meeting and Board as well as decisions: Of SEECP Eummfrj and/or Ministerial mtottnge. The Secretariat provide* technical, organisational and analytical support to the Secretary General, the HOC Ajirmrf Meeting and Board as well ^(operational suppert - if requrid -in prepafthg GEECP UnlgiertaJ meetings andj^ummAs. It rrorides a Εο-οπΛηβΙίαπ framewotfi for npgiur^co-operallon actmfieiwttNn SEE and acta a* an IrfrtwrnatiQn and focal prjhitfrxeedi actviies. i.

20. The Secretariat's staff, with the κίοορτίοη ο! the Secretary General, should be rgcrniled cm a competilfce basis in accordance with the competencies required, while taking into account gender end geographical balance as appropriate, in adtfjen, thp Sflc*etary General may accept slafl secondrnerrta for specific assignments.

21. The Secretary General shafll designate, in consultation with ihe members of the RCC Board, a deputy from among the senior stalf ol the Secretarial lo act on bis behalf as necessary.

22. The Secretariat is located in Sarajevo and: the host country agrees to provide it with the necessary teg ai baser

2& The RCC Secretariat shall establish a Liaison Office ii Brussels with European and Euro-AtJaniK institutions, providing support to the SEECP consistent with article 4_r

24. The working language of RCC meetings as well as of Ihe Secretarial Isi English,

ReE-ATWHSriip between me ncc jwj irDivmuAL Task Forces *hd tumxmEz

25, In order to pursue its goals in the specific priority areas, the RCC will monitor and vw+iere necessary facilitate, trie worit. of relevanl regional ca-cperabon taskforoes and Initiatives In SEE. in particular, the RCC will assist the fas Wo rce a/Initiatives in gaining access to regional and international poWicaJ. technical and financial support required to Γ υ Hi I Ihair objectives. Appropriate relation ships wi ba estaJbBahed between ir» HCC andatrrent and future inrfivkajil taekJcfceaj'fflillatf/es to ensure that their respective efforts are mutually reinforcing and avoid iinmecewery overlap.

STABILITY PACT

FOR SOUTH EASTERN Eb'KOPfc

Regional Table of the Stability pact 16 November 200G, Bucharest

Chai[rnari'& Conciusjons

Tho iiegional Table of the Stabiity Pact for South Eastern Europe mat under rha ctiairmanalrip cf Special C0-ordlj1d1or Er'iard Bus-ek on 16 November ZOOo" \Q Bucharest.

Participants welcomed overall progress ύα European and Euro-Allantic iFitQ^rariCKTl and congratulated Romania and Bulgaria on the upcoming accession loiho European Union and weiKfflied-lhc'cotnmnmeni or the two govemrr.enls 1ΰ Sti\ engaged in regie na.1 co-operation processes in South Eastern E^rooe and in particular the future Regional Co-operation Council. Participants also conaraiulBied the conclusion of the Sladilisation end Association agreement Willi Albania. The recent elections held in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and the iorrnOr YugOs'av Republic of Matcaonla were considered a cteaj sign of progress in Una ^reoion.

The Table *Y5ted the progress on the psih towards European Integration outlined In the recent. Progress Reports oJ tea European Commission ns ^eJl as (he importanca- adteehed lo regicnal co-operation,

Reaffirming ihe decisions la ken al by ihe Regional Table in BeJgiade on a plta^ed evolution of the Stabiirly Pact into a ntfre regionally evened, stTBsmined and effective regional cooperation franewOrfc In South fcastom Europe, particp&nts assessed the progress made So Tar in implementing these oeclsnQlls.

following the gen*ia! agieemeiit in EefgrerJe of all participants on the principle of co-fijvaneing of Ihe futuie regional set-up, and in particular dE the RCC Secretariat between Ihe countries oF the region,, the European Commission end the interesied donor community, participants, wdccnied the agreement tty IhH countries of Ihe region on the divis-icn u-f the regional contribubiO 11 to the RCC Secretariats budget, whicti is sat for one rnrlliort Euro p a. for an initial period ΰί Wire e years from 200o. The Regional Table endorsed IhC coatshan^g agreement Βΰ outlined in Anne* 1,

fiased on the agr&Srnenl by trie countries Ol Ihe [eglnfi, tho European Cenmnission and several donor countries also announced than commitment to contribute financial 10 the budget of the RCC Secretariat The Special Cr>ardnator was requested to- wefk: with all interested international partners lo agree c-n their eonulbution to tihe RCC Secretariat's. bvJdgei in advance ci the next Regional Τ able.

Thy 'abie furtnermore took hole of the report of the Croatian Chairmanahip of thu South

__Eaiit Eurooea.n Co-operstiπι Process ^SEECPJ do the envisaged activitiesJn tiiC CDLJrse of

ili Chaimnanship and tilled for dese tic-OfuViEiton between Ihe S&ECP Ci^jrnsns.iip and the Special Co-ordinator.leading up ihe bacX-io-baok rt£uuno.s of ins nett Regional Table,, and the SEECP Summit, participants looked forw^ie lo tne tipCOIlling d-scisin-ns to oc taken jndej the leaders-hip of ihe SEECP Chairmanship, in close coroperation wiin the SkibiMy Pact iiecr«srial and the EufOccen Commission, regarding ihe amendment cf the {>ΓΊ^Γ(ΛΡ Charter to adcress Nte relationship wim [hi [he JocaUiin ίιϊ Hue HOC Secretarial as well

as the nomination o* the Socrciary General from the region, who is to afco support the SEECP Chairmanship from 20ΰΒ onwards. Furtfiermoro_H participants noled the need Εΰ elaborate a basic riocUJttenl for llw RCC outlining ita mrtndale for endorsement by [he back-to-tact meetings of tfie Regional Table and the SEECP Summit in May/June 2007. This, process will /equine a strengthened- political leadership bf the countries at the region.

Participants assessed the efforts undertaKm in Ιλε sir cote objeclriras and Itie ovwrryiing SfiCNrrly area towards sfceamlining Stability Fart activates and Orihaicing regions¹, ownership also on the level of in. dividual task forctts and inrbaiUves. Irat lha thiea Worfcing Table, participants noted the following:

> Working Table L (DemocratizjUoji and Hunii3.ll Rights) discussed RuiJdincj and

■ F era 1b ring tiuman Capital, Parliamentary Cooperalion and Gender issues, wrfr a focuB on streamlining and ownership- Concerning Ihe care objective Fostering and Building Human Capital [EHC], WT I stressed lhat educalion and research should remain a tang tenn priority farregtanal co-operation and a task force be established in the framewoiri of the RCC. WT I welcomed the r*adnrie*s of Dae ERk SEE structure to take over tfie education component of BHC. and stressed the need to strengthen co

■ operation in research. On the core objective Parliamentary Co-operation the WT I issued a call for proposals fur Ihsr establishfliBnl of a rtigiohal S&^aTtat'focai point for parliamenfary co-operation. The: structure, which should be \a plats by mid-200/, will allow for β cc-OrdiftaJed exchange of mfornigtion among ΞΕΕ Parliaments, in particular at ihe Committee level, on issues of importance- for regional cc-Operalion, poasibta training oi parli aJnanlary staff and serve as a counterpart for donor activities in this area. The Gender TaskJorce, with a small secretariat based in ZagTen, is already self-sufficient in tertliS of management am OperalTona. While- gender per is not identified, as a priority area few ihe RC.fJ. the GTF wiU■ maintain a formal TelaTjorrslirp with and receive political support from the RCC in order to encourage malnstreaming of gender issues Inlo Hie various regional co-operation-processes, wt I noted that me handovei of lha LODtVcBC task force from the SP Brussels SeereEarlat to trie ntessalonild Office of the SF is due io be completed by the and ol 2006, The LODE oomoonent of N*e TF will tin integrated¹ within 1hfl Cnnnriil of Eiifopf casting mandate, wflh the Council of Europe laKing me lead. Cross border cooperation acnvfilas are under examination 10 be transferred to the responsibility oMhe 5P^rS Thessalcriki Office. As previously agreed, Hie Media If will ctase by Ihe end of 200$, WT I recunrirJt]Bd the importance of the involvement of the chrtl society in regional cooparatiDn and recommended that the RCC offer fui political support to an aciive role Of cnil society in tha process of Eufo-Mantic Intafjfation.

* Working Table II [Economic Reconstruction and Development) welcomed Ehe summary of the transition strategies- (or Ihe individual inrtiatrvOE that operate under the auspices of WT iJ_h noting thai many of them will remain parity activities under the franiewOlk of the RCC, Implementation of these strategies will ramam Ihe top priority for WT tl during 2007 to ensure that sustanahta- set of aotriilbes ana handed over (he RCC, The significant need for political, technical and linanciaf support fmm both the SEE pEirties and the international donor community was emphasised. Participants also echoed the call for ensuring that Ihe antral dimeusfon is addressed when implementing Economic re-farms. The meeting; also reviewed the challenges facing somfi of the kay TrTfaslruciurE initiadives underlay¹ — nanflery energy end transport —whereihe sucatantiaiJmanciai requiiemenlB h*vp.to ba addressed^ and underlined, the Conlinuiiig importance of the Infraslnjctsjra Staerwg iifOUfl. Ti>e Hnvastrr.cnl Com pact was comgraJulatert on tae recent p^jblicaficn bv the Investment Compact of the Regional rnvealmant Reform Indejc, hjgh'.igMirig progress is SEE across a number of dimensions nelevani for fhe business climate. The mle. of the propoa-cd -SEE Investment Ccnunirlce in rOainljUiiUg Ihe ΓΓϊI and the use oF pecs nevlewsto stimulak; progress w^s deemed to "pe a good way of enhancing regional ownership of 'his,

ΦΕΚ 74

important jratjafiwie. The Table nolod, along side 1fte activities of the investment Compact, Ihe Greek proposal foi Ihe de^olopnrHit 0Λ the Thessatanfki Office into η centre (or lha promotion of inveslment ?ud business activity in the framework aF the RCC. Finally, IhtJ maating welcomed the rapid progiest made in lha finafeation of a new nwdem and ambitious Central Etropeavn Free Trade Agfaeman! - CEFTA Tile rnoeling. hlgniighlarJ thai in line with the SEE Prime Ministers Declaration o£ April ΖΠΰο, this agreement should be an inclusive cue and all parties must work to ensure lhat allien SEE parties can sign on 1ΰ December in Bucharest.

* Worktftpj Table III (Security issues) focused On the Iransilion stratagies for Ihe rOfualiVds dealir>g with Defence and Security OHporation. as well as Justice ana" Hcftie Affairs, ncoperafton in SEti. The discussion centered an [he remaining impediments Id foe transfer lo iegsonal ownership, namely funding, staffing and political support. The participuftls agreed lhat, it ordaj to make the Inansifign a real success, the experts involved In each of the regional cc^eratwe framewodks should be supported more St-rongfy by liie political and higher executive levels of their gcveinntenls, with the backing oi Ihe iniematj«ial canmuiiity. Secondly, financial ■ eenuiliutiuns imm SEE, countries to the budget of these initiatives sltfuld be ■-■·'increased; ■ Finalty-_h- qualified ■ staff -should 04 seconded to wort within those frameworks and to liaise with colleagues in national administrations. Strong in lei est for enhanced ocoperatjon with the regional frameworks dealing with security u"d defence and JHA issues outside the context oF the .SCSP was also noted. The Special Coordinator reminded thai security as tucft is indivisible, and is a Conwrton interest and responsibility. Therefore, security'defence chelation and Justice- and Home Affairs cooperation would he two of the ive priorities of Ihe RCC. The Specia' Co-ordinator highfighrtad (he need for early progress on the SECI CeriUe conventiafi, and 10 fuHy use the Centre's potential as the primary tool for regional coOperation in HghErng bana-boider organised crime and as an effective partner for European and International \aw enforcement.

Based on the discussions of Ihe Working Tables. Ihe Regional Table reaffirmed tho toiirj-ttoi piiorily areas for regional co-operation as follows: Economic and Social Devolnomml. Infrastructure. Justice and Home Affairs, Security to-opffiarlien, Building Human' Capital. Parliamentary Cc-operation should be maintained as an overarching theme to support activities in the above areas. In line with Ihesa priority areas and as requested by the Regional Tabto in Belgrade, a Report on Regional Ownership, and Streamlining of Stability Pact Task Forces and initiatives was prepared by Ihe Special Co-ofdinatar (Anna* 2). Wlillo individual la-ik fotOeS strategies ware discussed In the. Working Table aession, the Regional Tabte welcomed (he oven/lew of Individual transition strategies provided by tiio report, which eims to ensure the long-term ε υ a ta inability ol the agreed priority areas. The Table requested the Special Co-siCinatdr to monrJOr Ihe implementation of Ihe strategy ouLlined In the report in the ceurae of ΖϋΰΤ to ensure thai the RCC Hihertfs a coherent and sustainable set of focused co-operation processes within the agreed primly anaaa. il asked the Special Coordinator lo pffrviJe-1 ho next Kcgitaiaf Table- nritzi a Progress Kepdrt Oi\ implementation.

Considunng the la Iks on ihe fulure status ot Kosovo, the Fable acKnowiedged the considerable progress in integrating Kosovo into regional activities and requeued Jhe Special Cr>ordFJialOJ lo eoriinue lo faster tNs integration in fid compliance with UUSC Res. 1Ξ44 arid (0 continue io facilitate sub-regionar diatogue involving aO interested parties. In rulOvailt .£lability r^j;>vt activities, baaed on its inclusive regional and multilateral participation.

Participants expressed their gratitude to Ihe hes* of the Bucharest meetings and agreed to hold tho next Regional Table in Croatia In M^June ZF>07 oacK to UacV with 1he SEECP Summit

ANNEX I

Agreed regional annual contribution to Ihe Regional Co-operation Council ^ocreTariat (2000-2010}

1 The Financial Working Group \FWG) met for the second time in Vienna on 27 October 2006, under tlw re-chginnanghip of the SEECf* ClO. Ambassador Gcigic, and the oF Secretarial Head of Cabinet, Gragor Koasslfic All SEECP countries as well as UNMJK/Kosovu were represented.

2. The discussion focused on □ proposal tabled by one of SP partner in lite region, based on dividing the counlries in. four sub-groups according to their economic sizs. and assigning different shares to each Sub-group,

3-. The FWG reached consensus on a refined cost'Sharing proposal to cover one million £uMa,^toa- agi*ed annual coritributian by the region to Hie RCC Secretarial. The precise composition of (foe four groups, per cam ages and shares assigned to each group and country are integral part of these conclusions. The FWG agreed Ihal tcwnmitm&rit to this fcnrHJla will last for the first three years of fundioningi of the Regional Co-operation Council.

4. This decision of the Financial Working Group, which has been endorsed by Stability Fed Regional National Co-crdfnators in their- Vienna meeting on £7 October, is herewith formally endorsed by the oarticipanls of the Regional Table al its meeting in Bucharest on 16 November 2006. The taWe below provides details on the composition of Ihe groups and on respective annual agreed coitrjilxiHoTTg per country and! par croup.

Group	GDP af PP°	Coirnfhei	Caunlfy% (Group %) otf eosfs	Snare € Share £~ per per gyoup country
I	<10.0	Moldova Montenegro UNMtK/Koinvo	4% {12%)	40.000€
II		Albania Bosnia and Herzegovina The fornw Yugoslav Republic Of Macedonia Serbia		6Q.D0D€	240.000€
III	>50.f] Croatia		e% [&*%)		erj.oooe
IV	>7tJ.Q	Bulgaria Greece Romania Turkey	14Ϊ (b&%)	140.0OOt	56U,0Due

Toia 1.00D.OW€

ΣΥΜΦΩΝΙΑ

ΜΕΤΑΞΥ ΤΟΥ ΣΥΜΒΟΥΛΙΟΥ ΥΠΟΥΡΓΩΝ ΤΗΣ ΒΟΣΝΙΑΣ-ΕΡΖΕΓΟΒΙΝΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΤΩΝ ΚΥΒΕΡΝΗΣΕΩΝ ΤΩΝ ΛΟΙΠΩΝ ΚΡΑΤΩΝ ΤΑ ΟΠΟΙΑ ΣΥΜΜΕΤΕΧΟΥΝ ΣΤΗ SEECP, ΤΗΣ ΠΡΟΣΩΡΙΝΗΣ ΔΙΟΙΚΗΣΗ ΤΗΣ

ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΗΣ ΤΩΝ ΗΝΩΜΕΝΩΝ ΕΘΝΩΝ ΣΤΟ

ΚΟΣΣΥΦΟΠΕΔΙΟ, ΓΙΑ ΛΟΓΑΡΙΑΣΜΟ ΤΟΥ ΚΟΣΣΥΦΟΠΕΔΙΟΥ, ΣΥΜΦΩΝΑ ΜΕ ΤΟ ΨΗΦΙΣΜΑ 1244 ΤΟΥ

ΣΥΜΒΟΥΛΙΟΥ ΑΣΦΑΛΕΙΑΣ ΤΩΝ ΗΝΩΜΕΝΩΝ ΕΘΝΩΝ ΣΕ ΣΧΕΣΗ ΜΕ ΤΙΣ ΡΥΘΜΙΣΕΙΣ ΤΗΣ ΧΩΡΑΣ ΥΠΟΔΟΧΗΣ ΓΙΑ ΤΗ ΓΡΑΜΜΑΤΕΙΑ ΤΟΥ ΣΥΜΒΟΥΛΙΟΥ ΠΕΡΙΦΕΡΕΙΑΚΗΣ ΣΥΝΕΡΓΑΣΙΑΣ

Το Συμβούλιο των Υπουργών της Βοσνίας-Ερζεγοβί-νης και οι Κυβερνήσεις των λοιπών Κρατών τα οποία συμμετέχουν στη SEECP και η Προσωρινή Διοίκηση της Αποστολής των Ηνωμένων Εθνών στο Κοσσυφοπέδιο, για λογαριασμό του Κοσσυφοπεδίου, σύμφωνα με το Ψήφισμα 1244 του Συμβουλίου Ασφαλείας των Ηνωμένων Εθνών (εφεξής, αναφερόμενα ως τα «Συμβαλλόμενα Μέρη»)

Εκτιμώντας τις προσπάθειες τις οποίες καταβάλλουν τα Μέλη του Συμβουλίου Περιφερειακής Συνεργασίας, για την καθιέρωση μιας στενότερης περιφερειακής συνεργασίας και όντας αποφασισμένα να ενισχύσουν την περιφερειακή ιδιοκτησία,

Επεκτείνοντας τα επιτεύγματα του Σύμφωνου Σταθερότητας για τη Νοτιοανατολική Ευρώπη, σε σχέση με την προαγωγή της σταθερότητας, της ανάπτυξης και της συνεργασίας στην περιοχή μας,

Εκφράζοντας την αποφασιστικότητα τους και ενώνοντας τις προσπάθειές τους για την περαιτέρω ενίσχυση και ενδυνάμωση των δεσμών και της συνεργασίας μεταξύ των Κρατών της Νοτιανατολικής Ευρώπης, καθώς επίσης και μεταξύ αυτών και των Ευρωπαϊκών και Ευρωατλαντικών Κρατών και οργάνων και των λοιπών διεθνών συνεργατών,

Αναγνωρίζοντας τις αποφάσεις των Αρχηγών Κρατών και των Κυβερνήσεων των Συμμετεχόντων στην SEECP Κρατών, στη συνεδρίασή τους της 11ης Μαΐου 2007, στο Ζάγκρεμπ, συμπεριλαμβανομένου και του συμφωνηθέντος Καταστατικού του Συμβουλίου Περιφερειακού Συνεργασίας,

Συμφώνησαν ως εξής:

Ι. ΓΕΝΙΚΕΣ ΔΙΑΤΑΞΕΙΣ