PRESS RELEASE (93) 52


DECISIONS TAKEN AT THE MEETING OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC COUNCIL
ON 9TH AUGUST 1993


The COUNCIL takes note:

     Of the report on the development of the Geneva
negotiations presented today.  It renews its firm support for
the negotiations, reaffirms that any solution to the Bosnia-
Herzegovina conflict requires the implementation of the
relevant UNSC resolutions, the conclusion of a lasting cease
fire and the implementation of a durable settlement, and
confirms its willingness to participate in such
implementation.  The Council underlines again that the air
strikes foreseen by the Council decisions of August 2 are
limited to the support of humanitarian relief, and must not be
interpreted as a decision to intervene militarily in the
conflict.  All parties should therefore resume without delay
the negotiations.

     Of the latest developments in Bosnia-Herzegovina.  The
situation for the population continues to be dramatic and
unacceptable.  There should be no doubt about the firm
determination of NATO and its member nations to act against
those responsible so that the resolutions of the UN Security
Council are respected and the suffering brought to an end.  In
this context, it is essential that the Bosnian Serbs lift
without delay the siege of Sarajevo and that the heights
around the city and the means of access are placed under the
control of UNPROFOR.  Actions and provocations throughout
Bosnia-Herzegovina jeopardizing the delivery of humanitarian
assistance should cease.

     Of the importance of taking into account the safety of UN
and relief agency personnel.

     Of the position set out by the UN Secretary General in
his letter of August 4 and confirms that NATO's actions take
place under the authority of the United Nations Security
Council, within the framework of the relevant UNSC
resolutions, including UN Security Council resolutions 770,
776 and 836, and in support of UNPROFOR as it carries out its
overall mandate.



The COUNCIL decides:

1.  To approve, recalling the assessments set forth in the
covering memorandum, the "Operational Options for Air Strikes
in Bosnia-Herzegovina" forwarded by the Military Committee
pursuant to the Council's August 2 decision, including the
targeting identification process and NATO/UN command and
control arrangements for air strikes.  In particular, the
Council agrees with the position of the UN Secretary-General
that the first use of air power in the theatre shall be
authorized by him.  With respect to NATO, the NAC shall be the
political authority that will decide on the conduct of air
strikes, which will be carried out in coordination with the
UN.

2.  To maintain a close, day-by-day review of the situation on
the ground in Bosnia-Herzegovina and at the negotiations in
Geneva, and to be prepared to re-convene at short notice to
decide whether to implement air strikes in accordance with the
Operational Options approved in paragraph 1 above.  Such a
meeting may be requested by any member of the Alliance or by
SACEUR or in response to a request from the UN.

3.  To authorize the Secretary General to respond to the UN
Secretary-General's letter of August 4, informing him of the
results of today's meeting and informing him that the
essential elements of the Operational Options approved today
by the NAC, which were developed in full cooperation with
UNPROFOR and which ensure close NATO/UN coordination in the
planning and implementation of air strikes in Bosnia, will be
forwarded to him.

4.  To authorize the Secretary General to announce publicly
the results of today's meeting, stating that NATO has approved
the Operational Options for air strikes as called for on
August 2, and is prepared to act in coordination with the UN,
when and if the situation demands.

5.  To direct SACEUR, in coordination with UNPROFOR, to
proceed on an urgent basis with the target identification and
planning required to carry out the Operational Options
approved today, including the associated detailed changes
needed to the relevant operational plans.