No

No. 12 (24/09/98) Statement by the Secretary General following the ACTWARN decision

Just a few moments ago, the North Atlantic Council approved the issuing of an ACT WARN for both a limited air option and a phased air campaign in Kosovo.

The ACTWARN will take NATO to an increased level of military preparedness.

In particular, the ACTWARN will allow NATO Commanders to identify the assets required for these NATO air operations.

Let me stress that the use of force will require further decisions by the North Atlantic Council. But today's decision is an important political signal of NATO's readiness to use force, if it becomes necessary to do so.

Finally, let me express the strong support of all Allies for firm Resolution that was adopted in New York last night by the UN Security Council. This Resolution makes it clear what President Milosevic must do:

he must stop his repressive actions against the population;

he must seek a political solution to the Kosovo crisis based on negotiations, as must the Kosovar Albanians;

and he must take immediate steps to alleviate the humanitarian situation.

the Resolution and today's decision by NATO underline the unity of the international community and our resolve to find a solution to the Kosovo crisis.

(Transcript: 24/09/98)

DEFENCE MINISTERS' MEETING IN VILAMOURA

SECRETARY GENERAL's STATEMENT TO THE PRESS

POINT DE PRESSE, 24TH SEPTEMBER

We have just completed the first day of our informal meeting of Allied Defence Ministers. The Defence Ministers of the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland also took part - another important step in integrating them fully into NATO's activities.

Today we discussed three broad topics:

First, the situations in Kosovo, Bosnia and Albania;

Second, our defence relations with Russia;

Third, the Alliance's military and defence agenda as we prepare for our 50th anniversary Summit meeting next April in Washington.

Let me say a word about each of these topics:

First, Kosovo.

As I announced earlier this morning, the North Atlantic Council has today authorized the ACTWARN for both limited air options and a phased air campaign. The ACTWARN is an important political signal of NATO's readiness to use force if it becomes necessary to do so. I hope that President Milosevic will heed this message.

Second, Bosnia.

The election results have not yet been announced. But whatever the final outcome we must continue to press for a pluralist democracy in Bosnia. This is not a time for the international community to hesitate. Bosnia has no future if it returns to the extremism and suspicions of the past. Those who expect to be elected in Bosnia all say that they support Dayton and will cooperate with the international institutions. We will hold them to their word.

SFOR will continue to play a pro-active role in upholding security and supporting the civilian agencies. We will not abandon Bosnia.

Against this background, we exchanged views on the first of our six month reviews of SFOR operations. The first review should be completed by December. It will determine the future size and shape of SFOR.

Let me also mention Albania; We welcome the fact that the democratically elected government of Albania has been successful in regaining control of the situation. However, that situation remains volatile. I call on all political leaders in Albania to exercise restraint and to join a meaningful dialogue.

NATO is providing significant assistance to Albania. We already have an active PfP assistance programme, a fully operational cell in Tirana, and have held exercises in that country. NATO is currently looking at ways to accelerate and reinforce its cooperation with Albania.

Our second main agenda item was our defence cooperation with Russia. At this time of uncertainty in Russia, our Permanent Joint Council and NATO/Russia cooperation are important poles of stability. It is all the more important to build on them now. Over the past few months we have made good progress in developing our military to military relations. Russia is participating in PfP exercises. It is sending officers to NATO courses and to NATO commands. We are on track to establish a NATO Military Liaison Mission in Moscow by the end of the year.

Our third main agenda item was the preparation of the Washington Summit next April. We discussed the various aspects of NATO's internal adaptation, for instance ESDI, CJTF, and the new command structure. We also discussed the future challenges to successful Alliance multinational operations, in particular the need to enhance the interoperability of our forces.

Tomorrow, we will complete our review of Summit preparations by considering what needs to be achieved in time for that meeting, and indeed to prepare the Alliance for the challenges of the first decades of the new century. Ministers will exchange ideas on the ongoing work to update the Strategic Concept.

So, as you can see, we have a very full and intensive agenda and have already had some very important discussions.