13 June 2002

International conference on terrorism Lord Robertson, went on a two-day visit to Vienna, Austria, 13-14 June to meet high-level government officials and participate in a conference on "International security and the fight against terrorism". He had meetings with the Federal President, Dr Thomas Klestil, the Federal Chancellor, Dr Wolfgang Schüssel, the President of the Austrian Parliament, Dr Heinz Fischer, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Benita Ferrero-Waldner and the Minister of Defence, Dr Herbert Scheibner. They discussed, among many things, the fight against terrorism and the role of Partner countries in contributing to measures to counter this new security challenge. They also discussed other key issues on NATO's current agenda, including the situation in the Balkans. Austria is an important contributor to NATO's peacekeeping missions in the area. Lord Robertson gave a speech at the international conference on terrorism, which brought together participants from NATO, as well as Partner and Mediterranean Dialogue countries. He emphasised that NATO's approach to security is based on the concept of cooperative security, adding that "common security challenges must be tackled by working together", be it with "former foes or other international organisations". He explained that NATO is making a concerted effort to improve the Alliance's potential to fight terrorism by sharpening its "procedures, its capabilities and its cooperation with Partner countries" and that "NATO should be ready to deploy forces 'as and where required' to carry out such missions". At the end of his speech, Lord Robertson stressed that cooperation was the only way forward. Additional information: Speech by NATO Secretary General Lord Robertson at the conference on "International Security and the Fight Against Terrorism" Website of the Ministry of Defence of Austria Internationale Konferenz "International Security and the Fight Against Terrorism" Webmodule on NATO and the Scourge of Terrorism