Conclusions and Recommendations of the SECI Center 1st High
Representative Conference
Bucharest, Romania 29 November, 2006
The Delegations of the SECI Center Member States: Republic of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republic of Bulgaria, Republic of Croatia, Hellenic Republic, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Republic of Hungary, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Republic of Slovenia, Republic of Serbia and Republic of Turkey,Guided by the principles and objectives in the Agreement for Cooperation to Prevent and Combat Trans-Border Crime (SECI Agreement),
Welcome the presentations of the distinguished speakers,
Recognize the serious dimension of organized crime originating from or linked to South East Europe endangering long-term political, economic and social development in the region and undermining the concept of the rule of law,
Acknowledge the importance of the SECI Center as the platform for operational multilateral law enforcement cooperation in Southeast Europe,
Consider the SECI Center as an important regional contributor to security in Southeast Europe (SEE),
Recognize the important institutional role of the Joint Cooperation Committee,
Have in mind the Joint Cooperation Committee’s decision to establish the Expert Working Group for negotiating a new convention for the SECI Center,
Wish to improve the functioning of the SECI Center, and
Considering the expected timeframe for entry into force of the new legal basis, pledge to adequately finance, fully make use of, and further develop the existing structure of the SECI Center and support it in reaching its objectives,
Hereby resolve:
- The SECI Center Member States renew and affirm their commitment to the SECI Center as stated in the SECI Agreement.
- The SECI Center Member States, through the SECI Center, will continue to enhance regional law enforcement in Southeast Europe by implementing the 2007 SECI Center Action Plan, and by focusing on joint operations, based on shared intelligence, that target the criminal networks in the region.
- The SECI Center Member States support the SECI Center's efforts to cooperate with other international law enforcement organizations in order to avoid duplication of activities and bring added value to the fight against transborder organized crime.
- The operational cooperation shall be improved by:
- enhancing cooperation with Permanent Observers and Permanent Advisers as strategic partners;
- concentrating on further development and improvement of the National Focal Points and the liaison officer program;
- providing focus to the operational activities of the SECI Center Task Forces;
- developing and implementing the Project “Southeast Europe Organized Crime Threat Assessment” (SEE OCTA Project), as one of the main priorities for 2007;
- strengthening cooperation with prosecutors through the Southeast European Prosecutor Advisory Group (SEEPAG).
- It is important to improve the handling of information by ensuring the strict implementation of the SECI Agreement and all SECI Center regulations related to the exchange of information.
- In order for the SECI Center to effectively provide the support needed to implement the aforementioned recommendations, the Joint Cooperation Committee is invited to:
- examine the possibility to develop the existing organizational structure by staffing the SECI Center in accordance with real needs and international practices and regulations. The JCC should adopt a decision to set up a system of personnel which includes national experts to be seconded as staff who work at the SECI Center;
- ensure adequate and reliable financing for the SECI Center.
- The SECI Center Member States should ensure high level and continuous representation in the Joint Cooperation Committee. The JCC Members should be empowered to make decisions and allocate resources on behalf of their respective governments.
The participating delegations express their sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Government of Romania as host country and in particular for its long lasting support of the SECI Center; and to the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation for its support of this conference.
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