what is green balkan net?
The Green Balkan Net is a network between the green parties and groups across the Balkan region. It was established in 1999 in Athens. Green parties and groups from Greece, Turkey, Serbia and Montenegro, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovnia, Macedonia, Croatia, Slovenia and Cyprus can be a part of the network. Mission of the Green Balkan Network is to facilitate the colloboration and cooperation of the Greens in the Balkan region.
PRINCIPLES OF GREEN BALKAN NETWORK
as adopted in Sofia, March 2000
1. The Green Parties, members of the GREEN BALKAN NETWORK confirm their agreement to the positions for democratic ,multi-cultural, ecological Balkans as adopted by the 42 represe-ntatives of 30 European Green parties during the meeting of the Council of the European Federation of GREEN PARTIES, held in London on 6-8/11/98.
2. The members agree that the Balkan Greens could contribute ,in proportion to their ability, to the creation of communication bridges between the instruments of Balkan civil society and the peoples of the region aiming at:
• The independence of Balkan countries from outside powers
• The consolidation of peace in the region.
• The reinforcement of popular movements and political forces that support the abandon of nationalism and the respect human and minority rights.
• The promotion of the democratization of the political systems and the respect of the human and civil rights.
• The recognition of the multicultural nature of the Balkan society
• The keeping of the state boundaries stable but open to communication among citizens of different countries and region
3. The Balkan Green parties do not accept war as a means of resolving disputes, nor ethnic cleansing or violation of human and minority rights. The ones, who are responsible for the destruction of civil infrastructure, for the pain, injuries and loss of human life cause by NATO bombing and for the ecological disaster caused by the use of depleted uranium missiles, as well as the ones responsible for their crimes of ethnic cleansing against Kosovar Albanians ,must face the consequences of the violation of international law and answer for their crimes against humanity and the ecosystem
4. The Kosovo crisis illustrates the weakening of the role of international institutions such as OCSE and UN which proved to be too weak towards Great Powers and dependent on them and constitutionally incapable to intervene and impose peace. The Balkan Greens support the respect of international law and of international legal practice, and demand the immediate dissolution of NATO and its substitution by European and regional civil security systems. The existence of NATO through its new enlarged role consists a threat for world peace .Now , more than ever, there is need to pursue the upgrading of the role of UN and OCSE for the prevention of conflicts and peaceful resolution of crises.
5. The European Union has the moral obligation to finance a long-term and meticulous research on the impact on environment and public health brought about by the disastrous bombing and help all Balkan countries create the necessary infrastructure for effective environmental controls.
6. The representatives of the Balkan Greens call for immediate ban by the UN of production and use of depleted uranium missiles. We address the European Federation of Green Parties and the new Green Group in the European Parliament, as well as all Greens holding governmental or parliament office to firmly support this initiative.
7. The Balkan Greens declare their opposition to any solution on Cyprus that would lead to a definite and violent racist partition and discrimination among its citizens.
8. The Balkan Green Network intents to promote:
• The European Federation of Green Parties to invest more in the promotion of this policy for the Balkans.
• The Green Parties who participate in European governments to take seriously into account the positions of the Greens of the region before they formulate their politics concerning the region.
download the principles