On the Occasion of the Summit on the Stability Pact for Southern Europe

It is, indeed, our chance to start a new chapter in the history of the Balkans for a new century. One that makes a clear break with its dark image as a place defined by ancient hatreds.

We have all been witness to the depressing facts of the last ten years of Balkan history. People who lived side by side, in relative harmony and prosperity, turned on each other. Committing savage crimes against humanity all in the name of ethnic intolerance. Descending into chaos and conflict at the same moment that the rest of Europe chose to unite and prosper.

How this all happened will be for historians to explain. But some lessons are already clear. When in a position to act, the world will not be a passive witness to ethnic violence. We will reject any attempt by nationalist demagogues to justify such violence. To terrorize their own people, destabilize their neighbours and jeopardize the security of Europe.

Canada rejects the view that conflict in the Balkans cannot be avoided. Our own history is proof that diverse cultures can come together in a spirit of harmony to achieve great things. And here in Europe other former enemies have gone on to create NATO, the European Union and the OSCE. In so doing, they have built security, prosperity and democracy on this continent.

Fostering this spirit is what the Stability Pact is all about. Canada salutes the leadership role that the European Union has taken in the development and implementation of the Pact. And we stand ready to play our part. But to work its principles and objectives must be embraced -- by everyone. United we succeed. Divided we fail.

We also look forward to the day when we are able to welcome Yugoslavia into the Stability Pact process. But this will be possible only with a change in its leadership. And that is a choice that belongs to the Yugoslav people alone. They have already paid a very heavy price for the destructive policies of Slobodan Milosevic. We hope they do not choose a bleak future, in poverty and in isolation from the European family of nations and from the broader international community.

Let us not underestimate the challenges that lie ahead. There is much hard work to be done, that requires all of the region's courage and foresight. And the abiding commitment of the international community. But we can -- and will -- succeed.

To succeed, the countries of the region must, for their part, move toward democracy, commit to respecting human rights, move towards market economies, and reduce their arms spending.

I pledge today that Canada, like the international community, will stand by you on the path of progress.