Friday 8 February 2008

Intl. conference in Bucharest on Black Sea region strategic issues


(Initially published in http://www.romania-report.ro/ - April 20, 2005)



Bucharest, April 20 - „Black Sea Area and Euro-Atlantic Security: Strategic Opportunities” conference took place at Cotroceni Palace, under the patronage of Romanian President Traian Basescu.


The event was also sponsored by the US, Great Britain and German embassies in Bucharest and by „George C. Marshall” European Centre for Security Studies. Officials from states in the region, as well as NATO, EU member states and associates representatives, strategic analysts were also present.


The Conference agenda covered issues such as the assessment of Black Sea region within new international security environment, drafting a possible joint approach regarding region's opportunities, risks and challenges, the possible security functional framework in the region as cooperative link for Eastern Europe, South Caucasian region, Central Asia and Middle East.


During his speech, President Basescu pointed out that Black Sea region represents a top priority issue for Romanian national security. Basescu said that, with help from Euro-Atlantic states, the Black Sea region should rather become a democracy and security provider instead of remaining a "buffer zone".


President Basescu also said that he intends to boost GUUAM initiative by meeting Ukrainian President Iushcenko (on April 21, in Bucharest) and by attending the GUUAM conference in Chisinau (on April 22).


Basescu proposed revamping SECI and setting up of a "Black Sea Academy", whose sections to be located in all states in the region.



Romania Report

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