President Iliescu Of Romania: Unity Among Balkan Countries Is A Contribution To The E.U.

ISTANBUL - President Ion Iliescu of Romania said on Saturday, ''unity among the Balkan countries is a contribution to the European Union (EU), not an alternative.''
Speaking at the Fourth International Conference of the Balkans Political Club at Istanbul's Ceylan Inter-continental Hotel, President Iliescu said that the Balkans was comprised of different ethnic and political regions.
''The Balkans is known as the problematic region of Europe. Besides all these differences, there are many common characteristics and similarities. We have learnt to combine cultural diversity with a common and rich inheritance. This is the union of states in our region. The origin of Europe came from this geographical region. Our common inheritance and our tradition of dialogue with other cultures are the biggest advantages of us. We can set up understanding and cooperation among our nations by using these advantages. Unity among the Balkan countries is a contribution to the EU, not an alternative,'' he emphasized.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Fatos Nano of Albania said that they, as Balkan countries, should market art and culture, and combine cultural values.
Noting that a new political culture was required, Nano added, ''one of the main results of changes in the Balkans in the last decade is increase in contacts among our nations. This interaction led us to overcome differences in our region.''
(UK-MS) 31.05.2003