Ambassador Alpo Rusi: Remarkable development in the Western Balkans in recent years

"The UN is making a transition from the phase of the global agenda towards the phase of the reform agenda," estimates Ambassador Alpo Rusi, who will become a member of the Cabinet staff of the President of the UN General Assembly on 1 June. According to Rusi's estimate, the importance of arms control on the UN agenda will increase within the next few years, and the climate change will probably be strongly at the forefront already in this autumn's General Assembly. Rusi, who is leaving his position as the Roving Ambassador for the Western Balkans, pointed out that the Western Balkans region has witnessed remarkable development over the past few years.

Rusi believes that the prospects for the Western Balkans are quite good. "When in 1995 the region was still at war, today, Croatia is already knocking on the EU's door, and Macedonia may have a chance to start accession negotiations during next year. Now we have to make real efforts in order to continue the European integration towards the Balkans," Rusi says.

The amount of foreign investments is increasing in the Western Balkan countries and, for instance, in Montenegro their amount is the third largest in Europe in relation to population, Rusi says. Rusi emphasises the significance of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe that has acted as an important regional cooperation system.

Organised crime and corruption as challenges

There are also some challenges ahead. Organised crime and corruption should be eradicated. In this respect, the governments of the region have launched cooperation, where also the European Union is involved. The countries still need more foreign investments. As his personal opinion, Rusi also expressed his concern that Serbia will fall outside the EU and NATO because of its political situation.

As far as the Kosovo question is concerned, Rusi estimated that the process could hardly be stopped now, even if problems were to arise in this matter, for instance, at the UN Security Council. As his personal view, Rusi estimated that a strong Serbian autonomy would be one of the key aspects of a positive solution in Kosovo. "In the Balkans, the situation is often such that there is will to arrange the matters, but no ability or instruments to do so. Still, the development has been remarkable since the war years," Rusi finally stated.

Rusi to New York in June

Ambassador Rusi will join the Cabinet staff of the forthcoming President of the 62nd session of the UN General Assembly on 1 June 2007. Rusi will be responsible for matters related to the UN reforms as well as arms control. His term will continue until 30 August 2008. The President of the General Assembly will be elected on 24 May. The most likely candidate for the position is Dr Srgjan Gerim, who has acted, for instance, as Foreign Minister of Macedonia and UN Ambassador.