Skopje - The process of Euro Atlantic integration cannot be completed without the full inclusion of the Western Balkans, participants of the Central European Initiative Summit in Ohrid said on Friday. "This region has no alternative but the integration into the European Union," says the draft document to be adopted Saturday, at the closing of the two-day summit in Ohrid.
"To this end, (the countries) have to step up the implementation of reforms, while EU needs to continue supporting their efforts," the document says.
The heads of states of Central Europe are also due to adopt the conclusion that the economic development remains one of the utmost priorities of the region's countries, local media reported.
"Stable energy supply, quality transportation and telecommunication infrastructure on both local and regional level, are prerequisites for greater economic growth," the draft-document says.
The host of the summit, Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski stressed Friday at the opening of the summit the importance of integration into EU and NATO for the region.
"Your participation at the summit will represent strong and clear signal to the citizens of our countries that the process of uniting Europe continues," Crvenkovski said.
"We will together overcome the challenges on the road to mutual future by mutual solidarity and support," he added.
Macedonia was not invited to join NATO during the April summit in Bucharest over the name dispute with neighboring Greece, which caused bitter disappointment in Skopje.
Athens views Macedonia's name as implying a territorial claim on Greece's northern province and it haw blocked its entry into the NATO.
Crvenkovski dissmised Greece's argument by saying that "Macedonia has never generated instability in wider surrounding" and that Skopje is interested in a compromise solution in the name dispute.
Turkish President Abdullah Gul, who is a special guest at the summit in Ohrid, said that the region of South Eastern Europe would be stable only if it was integrated into the EU and NATO.
"I do not doubt that our message for united Europe from here - Ohrid, at the very heart of the Balkans - will reach the European nations. Consolidation of lasting peace and stability in the region, as an integral part of Europe, is an important challenge for its full integration", Gul said.
