Objectives

Objectives of the Atlantic council of Serbia:

  1. the Atlantic Council of Serbia propagates Euro-Atlantic ideas and values, as they are the prerequisite for our country’s incorporation into the Euro-Atlantic integration process. Public, economic, and political circles, the entire non-governmental sector, and all the citizens of Serbia must be informed of the advantages of membership in the Euro-Atlantic community. They must also be acquainted with the principles of organization, functioning, and action of Euro-Atlantic structures and institutions. This is an essential precondition for further incorporation of Serbia into the family of European people and states. The Council develops a special program promoting Euro-Atlantic ideas, which may be realized in cooperation with all the relevant pro-European organizations in Serbia, the entire region, as well as with the media and research institutions.
  2. within its cooperation with the partner organizations from the other countries, the ACS shall strive to support the basic principles of our country’s foreign policy, to promote our national interests, and to expound our views on events in Europe and the region.
  3. the ACS shall advocate the development of democracy, civil society, protection of human and minority rights, rule of law, and the democratic control of the military and police. It also includes the adoption of all political, economic, and moral standards which bring us closer to the European community. This is a complex process that requires changes in the institutions, social relations, political conceptions, strategies, and tactics of political subjects. It also encompasses changes of values, beliefs and attitudes among the citizens of Serbia.
  4. the ACS supports the foreign policy orientation of the new democratic authorities, insofar as we advocate peaceful resolution of all disputes and conflicts, affirmation of the system of collective security and restraint from use of force, and strict respect for territorial integrity and of the principle of inviolability of borders. It is the ACS’s opinion that we must free ourselves from the burden of our past as quickly as possible, and take an active approach to normalizing the relations with neighboring countries and states of the former SFRY. Such an effort would build confidence and stability, and would result in the economic reintegration of the entire region. An open foreign policy and mutual understanding and trust between peoples and states are the only way to establish permanent stability and eliminate threat of war and conflicts in the area.
  5. the Council shall advocate the incorporation of our country into existing defense and security mechanisms in Europe. One such system is Partnership for Peace (PfP) – a comprehensive program of cooperation, bringing together 19 NATO countries and 27 European states, including Russia and Ukraine. Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina are the only two countries that still remain outside this organization in the vast Euro-Atlantic expanse striving for cooperation and integration. This is clearly a major problem from the standpoint of our national, security, political, and economic interests. The conditions for entering the PfP include what our country needs the most: 1) transparency of defense planning and military budget, 2) democratic and civil control of the army, and 3) creation of potential for cooperation of member states in peacekeeping and disaster relief operations.
  6. the Council supports the incorporation of our country into the Partnership for Peace Program, and other European security integration programs. The incorporation of Serbia into the PfP would establish:
    1. a fundamental transformation of military forces (civil control of the Yugoslav army, reduction of the armed forces, modernization of the army, and military training)
    2. an end to the isolation of Serbia.
    3. international military cooperation and development of civilian-military relations on the basis of modern democratic principles.
    The Atlantic Council of Serbia is strongly determined to support and affirm all of these objectives.
  7. the ACS strongly supports the activities of state committees for southern Serbia and Kosovo-Metohija. Their work is the best example of how to resolve political problems within the framework of constructive cooperation with the international community. It is also the best way to realize vital national interests. Such a model must also be applied in deciding the final status of Kosovo-Metohija. The ACS considers Kosovo-Metohija an inseparable part of Serbia, and that it must be constituted on the principles of multi-ethnicity and multiculturalism. In Kosovo-Metohija there must be safety for all inhabitants, freedom of movement, protection of property and cultural monuments, and respect of human rights in the widest sense – including the return of refugees and their re-integration into Kosovo society. The ACS shall address this problem through conferences and special research programs. The aim of these research activities are the scientific verification of the progress made in the realization of principles and objectives stated above. New ideas and initiatives would be launched during these programs.
  8. the Atlantic Council of Serbia shares the conviction of the progressive world that terrorism is the most serious threat to modern society. The continuation of terrorist activities through use of biological weapons, and threat of nuclear war is particularly significant to the Balkans for several reasons. Decade-long civil wars have led to the creation of a large number of paramilitary organizations. Although they have been formally disbanded, their members are still under strong influence of extreme and old-fashioned political structures, and many of them still possess weapons acquired during the war. Tremendous war and postwar frustrations (feelings of defeat and unrealized war aims, poverty, poor social and economic perspectives) are fertile grounds for various forms of extremism that are frequently undistinguishable from terrorism. In almost all Balkan societies there is a strong gray zone, exerting great influence on political events. It encompasses an illegal economy of cigarettes, narcotics, alcohol, classic organized crime, and a spectrum of corruptive activities. It absorbs enormous profits and can provide a formidable economic basis for financing various terrorist activities, both in the region, and in other parts of the world.
    The ACS plans to develop a special program for combating terrorism, to be realized in cooperation with other non-governmental organizations from Serbia and Montenegro and abroad, with partners from the ATA, scientific and research institutions, and the media.
  9. the Council shall initiate the establishment of contacts between businessmen from Serbia and Montenegro and abroad, and promote economic reform and privatization. It will support democratic forces advocating modernization of the economy and society, and will help to fast track integration into the world economy.
  10. the ACS strives to develop a strong relationship with the media and public opinion in general. Its activities will be promoted through a regular bulletin, newsletter, website, as well as frequent contacts with domestic and foreign journalists. The ACS supports social and political forces advocating freedom of speech, and encourages the media to do everything is in its power to enable these values to take root in our society. The ACS shall nurture dialogue, tolerance, and different opinions. It shall also try to include political leaders, businessmen, members of the army and police, diplomats, scientists, domestic and foreign journalists in the fullest scope of its activities.