NATO is deeply concerned about the deteriorating security situation in Kosovo. Since the beginning of November there has been a sharp increase in tension resulting from incidents created in some cases by Serbian security forces and in other cases by armed Kosovar elements such as the UCK.

These incidents risk creating a dangerous cycle of provocation and response which, if continued, could destabilize the ceasefire, reverse the recent improvement in the humanitarian situation, and jeopardize the arrangements being put into place by NATO and OSCE for verification of compliance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

NATO is monitoring the situation closely and has made its concerns clear to the Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the Kosovar Albanians.

NATO insists that all parties must comply fully with the relevant UNSCRs and their other commitments; in particular by observing the ceasefire, avoiding provocation, and moving promptly to negotiations on a political settlement which alone can be the basis of a lasting peace in Kosovo.

(PRESS RELEASE (98)130)

A workshop and an exercise devoted to the various aspects of preparing for disasters in underground public transport systems and of managing emergencies of that type will be held on 23rd and 24th November 1998 in Brussels. This event is designated SUBCAT (SUBway CATastrophe) 98.

The activities are jointly organised by the Fire and Emergency Medical Assistance Service (SIAMU) of the Brussels-Capital region, the Brussels Intercommunal Transport Company (STIB) and the Commission for National Defence Problems (CPND) in the framework of

NATO's Partnership for Peace programme and with the support of the NATO Civil Emergency Planning Directorate.

The aim of the workshop and exercise, which are of particular relevance for local emergency assistance and first response services in urban areas, is to exchange ideas and experiences in order to improve knowledge about the different aspects of emergencies in subways or underground railways. In addition, a practical emergency response in an underground station of Brussels City will allow participants and observers to learn real and concrete lessons applicable to possible future incidents.

More than one hundred people, a third of them from some fifteen NATO cooperation partners or member states, will take part in SUBCAT 98. The workshop will be held at the Caserne des Pompiers (Fire Service barracks), Avenue de l'Heliport 15, 1000 Brussels. The exercise will be in the Heysel underground station.

Further information can be obtained from Mr L. Servais, NATO Civil Emergency Planning Directorate (tel. + 322 707 46 50) or from Col. Verbist, Secretary of the Commission for National Defence Problems, Brussels (tel. + 322 501 48 65).

No. 18 (20/11/98) 3. Doboj III Bridge Opening Ceremony

SARAJEVO - In keeping with the Hungarian tradition for initiating a new bridge, military engineers rolled two beer barrels across the Doboj III bridge, followed by a column of Danish tanks Saturday. General Montgomery Meigs, commander of SFOR, officiated the opening ceremony at the Doboj III bridge starting at 1430 hours on November 21.

Doboj III is the third military bridge built by SFOR in Doboj. It has the distinction of being the longest free standing military bridge in Bosnia measuring a total of 157 meters. It is the 57th military bridge currently in-use in Bosnia. Its completion represents SFOR's continued dedication to improving freedom of movement through Bosnia in accordance with the Dayton Agreement.

General Meigs spoke at the open along with Colonel John Lesperance, SFOR chief engineer, and Colonel Janos Vass, Hungarian Engineer contingent commander. Following the remarks, there was a ribbon cutting ceremony and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque that represents the countries involved with the bridge building project.

Construction began September 7, 1998, after a routine inspection determined that the main civilian crossing in Doboj had deteriorated to the point that it was more economically to replace it. Doboj III will stay in use until after the civilian bridge is rebuilt around the year 2002. SFOR Hungarian Engineers completed the Doboj III bridge November 20, 1998, however, it was officially opened for civilian and SFOR traffic the following day. The bridge stands as a monument to the multinational co-operation from the many engineers, soldiers and aviators from the Bosnia, Hungary, United States, Canada, France, Romania, England, Finland, Denmark and Sweden. Republika Srpska and Federation contractors were both used to augment the SFOR engineer effort.

(NATO statement 21 November 1998)