No. 8. (20/03/98) - 1. STATEMENT BY THE NORTH ATLANTIC COUNCIL ON THE CONTINUATION OF A NATO-LED MULTINATIONAL MILITARY PRESENCE IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Following consultations with non-NATO contributors, the North Atlantic Council today agreed that, subject to the necessary mandate from the UN Security Council, NATO is prepared to organize and lead a multinational force in Bosnia and Herzegovina following the end of SFOR's current mandate in June. This decision was taken in the light of encouraging progress in the implementation of the Peace Agreement, to which SFOR has made a major contribution, the conclusions of the Peace Implementation Conference in Bonn and an assessment of the military situation provided by the NATO Military Authorities. On the basis of today's decision, the Alliance looks forward to further progress towards achieving self-sustaining stability and calls on the parties to assume their responsibilities in implementing the Peace Agreement fully and without delay.

The new NATO-led multinational force will retain the well-established name SFOR. It will have the mission to deter renewed hostilities and to contribute to a secure environment for the ongoing civil implementation efforts in order to stabilize and consolidate the peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It will have an enhanced capability to help promote public security in close cooperation with the Office of the High Representative, the UN International Police Task Force and the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The force will continue to provide broad support for the implementation of the civil aspects of the Peace Agreement including the promotion of democratic institutions, support for OHR, IPTF, UNHCR, OSCE, ICTY and other international civil agencies and assistance in carrying out humanitarian tasks. As part of a transition strategy the extent of support over time should be adapted to developments in the political and security situation and to progress in the implementation of the civil elements of the Peace Agreement including the Autumn elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Force levels will therefore be reviewed later this year and at regular intervals with the aim of achieving both progressive reductions in the size, role and profile of the force as part of the transition strategy and the transfer of responsibilities to the common institutions, other civil authorities, the UN, the High Representative, the OSCE and other international organizations as appropriate.

The Council has directed the NATO Military Authorities to initiate the necessary planning. It will review the detailed Operation Plan in the Spring in consultation with non-NATO contributors taking into account national procedures. NATO welcomes the support of non-NATO participants in SFOR for the continuation of the force and the widespread interest in continuing to contribute to the force.

No. 8. (20/03/98) - 2. STATEMENT BY THE SECRETARY GENERAL
OF NATO ON IRAQ

The North Atlantic Council today discussed the situation in Iraq. The unanimous adoption of the UN Security Council resolution 1154 was welcomed. Strong support was expressed for the UN Security Council insistence on compliance by Iraq with its obligations under the Memorandum of Understanding and UNSCR 1154, and all other relevant UNSCRs, including the provision of immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access to the Special Commission and the IAEA. As UNSCR 1154 notes, any violation by Iraq of its obligations would have severest consequences. At the same time, compliance by Iraq with its obligations would allow the Security Council to act in accordance with the relevant provisions of UNSCR 687 in the lifting of sanctions.

Particular importance is attached to the respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of Iraq, Kuwait and the neighbouring states. Stability in the Gulf region is important to the security of the Euro-Atlantic area.

No. 8. (20/03/98) - 3. COUNCIL STATEMENT ON CROATIA

The North Atlantic Council remains committed to full implementation of the Peace Agreement for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

With respect to the return of refugees and displaced persons, we call on Croatia to promote and allow their return to their places of origin in Croatia and throughout the region.

The North Atlantic Council fully supports Ambassador Guldimann's efforts as Head of the OSCE Mission to Croatia, including with respect to the resettlement of refugees and displaced persons.

Allies are deeply concerned by the speech by the President of Croatia on 21st February which contradicts both the letter and the spirit of the Peace Agreement for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The North Atlantic Council reminds Croatia of its obligations under the Peace Agreement for Bosnia and Herzegovina and related agreements, the respect of which will be critical for the development of relations between NATO and Croatia.

No. 8. (20/03/98) - 4. COUNCIL STATEMENT ON THE SITUATION IN KOSOVO

The North Atlantic Council is profoundly concerned by the violent incidents which took place in Kosovo the last few days, and in particular the Serbian police's brutal suppression of a peaceful demonstration in Pristina on 2nd March 1998. It condemns unreservedly the violent repression of non-violent expression of political views as well as terrorist acts to achieve political goals.

The North Atlantic Council calls on all sides to take immediate steps to reduce the tensions. The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) in particular has the obligation to undertake early initiatives to avoid a deterioration of the situation. A rapid and full implementation of the Education Agreement would represent an important step forward.

The North Atlantic Council calls on the authorities in Belgrade and leaders of the Kosovar Albanian community to enter without preconditions into a serious dialogue in order to develop a mutually acceptable political solution for Kosovo within the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) on the basis of the principles outlined by the international community, and most recently the Contact Group on 8th January and 25th February 1998. The North Atlantic Council welcomes international efforts to facilitate this process, including by the OSCE.

NATO and the international community have a legitimate interest in developments in Kosovo, inter alia because of their impact on the stability of the whole region which is of concern to the Alliance.