[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 13 (Monday, April 3, 2000)]
[Pages 677-678]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the Regional Funding Conference for Southeast Europe

March 30, 2000

    I want to congratulate the countries of southeast Europe, the 
Stability Pact, the European Commission, and the World Bank on the 
success of the Regional Funding Conference for Southeast Europe in 
Brussels.
    Last year we launched the Stability Pact with a common understanding 
that an undivided, democratic, and peaceful Europe can only be built 
when the countries of southeast Europe are integrated with the rest of 
the continent. For that to happen, the countries

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of the region have to accelerate their political and economic reforms, 
and the donor community needs to support the region's efforts.
    I am very pleased by the progress that has been made on both fronts. 
The Governments of southeast Europe have begun to take steps to 
implement the reforms they have promised, including those that will 
improve their investment climate and strengthen the rule of law. And 
today, the donor community, including the United States, has reaffirmed 
its support for the region. We have agreed to fund Quick Start Projects 
ready to begin this year that will improve regional infrastructure, 
fight corruption, and advance reform. Countries have pledged $2.3 
billion for these projects, out of a broader package of total assistance 
to southeast Europe in 2000 estimated at over $6 billion. Over 85 
percent of this assistance is being provided by European countries and 
institutions together with international financial institutions. I 
congratulate our European partners for their leadership.
    The message today from Brussels is clear. A democratic southeast 
Europe is on the road to a better future. While Serbia was represented 
at this Conference by the opposition, we look forward to the day when it 
will be represented by a democratic government.