Press Statement 16 Sept. 1998

Press Statement Following the Meeting of the NATO-Russia Permanent Joint Council at Ambassadorial Meeting on 16 September 1998 The NATO-Russia Permanent Joint Council (PJC) at Ambassadorial level met on Wednesday 16 September 1998 at NATO Headquarters. Ambassadors exchanged information and views on the situation in and around Bosnia and Herzegovina. They focussed on the continuation of NATO-Russia cooperation in SFOR within the framework of the multinational force in Bosnia and Herzegovina. With regard to Kosovo, discussion centered on the international community's response to the crisis and the ongoing intense diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful solution. NATO and Russia voiced deep concern about the humanitarian situation in Kosovo and stressed the need for the highest possible degree of cooperation in alleviating the human suffering. The representatives of NATO and Russia were informed about the meeting of military representatives under the auspices of the PJC on 3 September. Ambassadors exchanged views and information on disarmament and arms control issues, including general discussion on CFE and Open Skies. The PJC will continue to follow the issue. They agreed the need to accelerate talks in Vienna on adapting the CFE Treaty. They also reviewed progress and discussed the way ahead with regard to NATO-Russia cooperation in the fields of civil emergency planning and disaster relief as well as scientific and defence-related environmental issues. The next meeting of the Permanent Joint Council at the Ambassadorial level is scheduled for 21 October 1998.