02 December 1998
(Ambassadorial-level meeting focuses on SFOR) (420) Brussels -- NATO-Russia cooperation in SFOR (Stabilization Force) within the framework of the multinational force in Bosnia and Herzegovina became the focus of discussions at the ambassadorial level at the NATO-Russia Permanent Joint Council (PJC) meeting November 30. According to a statement from NATO headquarters, NATO and Russia continued their consultations on the international community's response to the crisis in Kosovo and welcomed the establishment of international verification missions for Kosovo and discussed ways to cooperate in supporting them. Other subjects discussed were political and defense efforts against proliferation of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons and their delivery means; enhanced regional air traffic safety and increased air traffic capacity issues; and a PJC work program for 1999. Following is the text of the NATO press release: (Begin text) Press Statement 30 Nov. 1998 NATO-Russia Permanent Joint Council Meeting At Ambassadorial Level The NATO-Russia Permanent Joint Council (PJC) at Ambassadorial level met on Monday, 30 November 1998 at NATO Headquarters. Ambassadors exchanged information and views on the situation in and around Bosnia and Herzegovina. They focussed on NATO-Russia cooperation in SFOR within the framework of the multinational force in Bosnia and Herzegovina. NATO and Russia continued their consultations on the international community's response to the crisis in Kosovo. They welcomed the establishment of international verification missions for Kosovo and discussed ways to cooperate in supporting them. Ambassadors expressed their concern about breaches of the cease-fire and stressed the need to see immediate and full compliance with the UN Security Council Resolutions to this end by all parties to the conflict. The representatives of NATO and Russia were informed about the meeting of Chiefs of Defense/Chiefs of Staffs under the auspices of the PJC on 25 November. Ambassadors exchanged views and information on political and defense efforts against proliferation of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons and their delivery means. NATO and Russia discussed enhanced regional air traffic safety and increased air traffic capacity issues. They also reviewed progress and discussed the way ahead with regard to NATO-Russia cooperation with a view to preparing a PJC work program for 1999. The Work Program is expected to be approved by the PJC at the level of Foreign Ministers which will meet in Brussels on 9 December 1998. The next meeting of the Permanent Joint Council at the Ambassadorial level is scheduled for 14 December 1998. (End text)