Minister of Economy and Finance, Mr. Ahmet Shala is attending the political symposium of the European Forum Alpbach, where he was invited to address the panel on the topic “Dayton Peace Accord- 15 years after”.  In the panel discussion, amongst others, will address also Mr. Ivo Sanader, former Croatian Prime Minister, Mr. Valentin Inzko, High Representative and EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as other experts in this field.

“While the success of Dayton Peace Accord was cessation of the bloodshed in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it, according to many critics, failed to establish foundations of a functional state. It also felt short resolving the Kosovo problem. Today, 15 years after, the “baby” born out of this accord has chronic and “viral” problems that should not be repeated”.

Minister Shala stressed that regardless of the current pressures, us, and especially the international community, should not allow “fire- fighting” solutions to be the philosophy of thinking long-term solutions. Kosovo, so far, is a successful model of cooperation and coordination between the domestic and international factor. Now is the right time when the international community, especially the European Union, must act unanimous and coordinated to promote this joint success. Kosovo's success is the success of the democratic world and vice- versa. Any hesitation in this direction jeopardizes the success of UN, EU international intervention, as well as development and integration of the Balkans in EU. In particular, this is a test of EU unity and unanimity vis-à-vis their foreign policy, especially in the Balkans.

On the sidelines of this symposium, Minister Shala met several senior European personalities, such as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Austria, Mr. Michael Spindelegger, Mr. Albert Rohan, Mrs. Ulrich Lunachek, Mr. Erhard Busek as well as other diplomats and analysts, with who, among other things, discussed Kosovo’s successes and challenges, and asked them to engage strongly in supporting Kosovo in its European integration and membership to other international bodies.

While tomorrow, Minister Shala, along with his team, shall facilitate a presentation on the economic situation in Kosovo and the investment opportunities before a mainly Austrian investor’s audience.

Alpbach European Forum is organized since 1945 intended to discuss global problems and find new solutions to these problems. This forum participate politicians, academics, students and senior government representatives. 2010 Alpbach Forum topic is “Construction and Reality”.