Press Communiqué M-NACC-2 (96)169 Issued at the meeting of the North Atlantic Cooperation Council held at NATO HQ Brussels 11 Dec 1996

Progress Report To Ministers by the Political-Military Steering Committee/ Ad Hoc Group On Cooperation In Peacekeeping

In the second half of 1996, the Political-Military Steering Committee/Ad Hoc Group (PMSC/AHG) on Cooperation in Peacekeeping: continued its discussions of humanitarian aspects of peacekeeping; initiated a review of lessons learned in peacekeeping operations; agreed a work programme for 1997. Discussions of humanitarian aspects of peacekeeping, for which a number of guest speakers were invited, highlighted the need for a more systematic approach to cooperation between the civilian and the military components of a peacekeeping operation. The latter should create a secure environment for the implementation of humanitarian tasks, as well as specific operational support for the success of humanitarian missions. The Group also underlined the need for the early definition of responsibilities and the establishment of a number of arrangements for exchange of information and coordination at various levels. As an example of this, the Group reviewed the role of the Civil-Military Cooperation Mechanism (CIMIC) as it was applied to IFOR. This resulted in ensuring a secure environment and freedom of movement, thus facilitating the implementation of civilian tasks such as repatriation, reconciliation and infrastructure reconstruction. Regarding the humanitarian aspects of peacekeeping operations, the issue of coordination between political, military and civilian organisations involved in a peacekeeping operation requires further study, as does coordination with humanitarian agencies and non-governmental organisations. The Group then commenced a systematic review of lessons learned in peacekeeping operations, drawing from national experience in UN-mandated operations, including within IFOR. The many national contributions and the elements emerging from the discussion and from presentations by a number of guest speakers, including from the UN and the OSCE, have been reflected in a rolling text that will provide the focus for the work of the Group over the next several months. The document covers both strategic aspects, such as mandates, use of force, civil-military relations, coordination among nations and institutions, role of the host country and public relations, and operational aspects, such as planning, command and control, communications, liaison, logistics, training and administrative matters. In view of this intense work, the envisaged seminar on public relations aspects of peacekeeping has been postponed until Spring 1997. Attached at Annex is the PMSC/AHG Work Programme for 1997.

PMSC/Ad Hoc Group On Cooperation In Peacekeeping Work Programme - 1997 Exchange views on concepts, terminology and national doctrines on peacekeeping, and further expand contacts and dialogue with the UN and the OSCE on conceptual approaches to peacekeeping. Continue review of lessons learned in peacekeeping operations, including discussion on specific lessons learned from Operation Joint Endeavour. Discuss and exchange views on humanitarian aspects of peacekeeping, including civil-military relations. Review, as appropriate, efforts to enhance practical cooperation in peacekeeping. Hold a seminar on public relations aspects of peacekeeping and carry out follow-up activities as appropriate. Hold a seminar on conflict prevention and preventive diplomacy and carry out follow-up activities as appropriate.