The presidents of Yugoslavia, Croatia and Bosnia today voiced their commitment to launch a new era of stronger ties between their countries still bearing the scars of the bloody 1990s wars.
In a final declaration at their first summit, held in Sarajevo, since the end of Bosnia's 1992-95 war, the Balkans leaders stressed their will "to open a new period in ties between the three countries and in the region."
The future will be marked by "a general orientation towards European integration" and determination to continue on the path of democracy and the rule of law, the statement said.
It was signed by Yugoslav President Vojislav Kostunica, Croatian counterpart Stipe Mesic and the members of Bosnia's tripartite presidency; Muslim Mr Beriz Belkic, Serb Mr Zivko Radisic and Croat Mr Jozo Krizanovic.
They also emphasised the importance of good relations between countries in the volatile Balkans region, saying they were the "only basis on which it is possible to build and maintain the stability of the region."
"We have clearly stated that borders are not to be changed," Mr Mesic said after the talks, carried out amid heavy security measures.
His remarks were made "in order to bury illusions of all those who thought that a Greater Serbia and Greater Croatia could be created at the expense of Bosnia-Hercegovina," he said, referring to the territorial battles of the war.
The presidents also pledged full cooperation with the UN war crimes tribunal in The Hague, a willingness to facilitate the return of refugees and an eagerness to coordinate in all other areas.
AFP