Press
Release
(97)154
12 Dec. 1997
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NATO-Russia statement
on the 12 December Permanent Joint Council meeting
at Ambassadorial level
The fifth meeting of the NATO-Russia Permanent Joint Council (PJC) at
Ambassadorial level took place on Friday, 12 December 1997 at NATO
Headquarters. It was aimed at reviewing the implementation of the
1997 PJC Work Programme and preparing for the second meeting of the
PJC at the level of Foreign Ministers scheduled for 17 December 1997.
In this context, Ambassadors approved a comprehensive report on PJC
activities and reached agreement on draft 1998 Work Programme, for
approval by Ministers.
Ambassadors had an exchange of views on the situation in Bosnia and
Herzegovina. They welcomed the conclusions of the Peace
Implementation Conference held in Bonn on 9-10th December. They
underscored that the unity and engagement of the international
community in assisting in the implementation of the Peace Agreement
was paramount in order to reach a self-sustaining peace. The Bosnian
parties must make full use of the continuing international assistance
through an enhanced cooperation among themselves and with the
international organizations active in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Recognising the importance of the adaptation of the Treaty on
Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE), Ambassadors agreed that
NATO member states and Russia would continue to work together in
Vienna with the other States Parties to enhance the CFE Treaty's
viability and effectiveness. Ambassadors also had an exchange of
views on the importance of the Open Skies Treaty in strengthening
security and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area.
NATO and Russian representatives discussed the role of the PJC in
creating a security architecture in the Euro-Atlantic region. They
reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the Organisation for
Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and stressed the importance
of the forthcoming OSCE Ministerial Council in Copenhagen.
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