Press Release (97)80 27 June 1997

Statement by the NATO Spokesman on the Six Month Review of the SFOR Operation in Bosnia-Herzegovina The SFOR operation is planned to be conducted in phases over a period of 18 months, with its force levels reviewed at 6 months and 12 months. The North Atlantic Council, in consultation with the twenty non-NATO countries contributing to SFOR, has now completed the six-month review. The review confirmed that SFOR is accomplishing its mission successfully, enforcing military compliance firmly but fairly, contributing to the secure environment for the overall implementation of the Peace Agreement and providing significant support to the organizations responsible for implementing its civil aspects. While the Parties remain in general compliance with the military provisions of the Peace Agreement, there are still serious concerns about the deficiencies remaining in the overall implementation of the Peace Agreement. NATO and non-NATO contributors to SFOR associate themselves fully with the declaration following the Ministerial meeting of the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council in Sintra on 30th May calling on all the Parties to implement it fully and without delay. A forthcoming milestone in implementing the Peace Agreement are the municipal elections in September. SFOR will provide the general security framework for the elections as well as other direct support to the OSCE, including appropriate logistical and communications support and emergency assistance. As part of the six-month review, SACEUR has been authorized to adjust the force accordingly. With the exception of this force adjustment, no other significant changes to the size and capabilities of SFOR will take place until the NAC, in consultation with the non-NATO SFOR contributors, has undertaken a thorough assessment of the security situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina after the elections.