Press Release (1999)077 17 May 1999

Opening of NATO Archives on Wednesday, 19 May 1999 The Secretary General of NATO, Dr. Javier Solana, will inaugurate the new NATO Archives on 19 May 1999. Following the increasing demand by historians seeking access to NATO documents relative to the founding and early life of the Alliance, some 33,000 documents have been declassified and approved for public disclosure, and 50,000 more are expected to be released in the near future, as an important signal of the Alliance's commitment to transparency and openness. The Archives are situated in the Manfred Wrner building, which houses the missions of NATO's Partner countries. They include a Public Reading Room, where researchers can consult the documents. MEDIA ADVISORY 17.40 Media assemble at Press Centre for transportation to the Manfred Wrner building 18.00 Opening remarks by the Secretary General, Dr. Javier Solana, in the lobby of the Manfred Worner building Open event on a "first come, first served" basis 18.10 Ribbon cutting ceremony at the Archives' entrance Restricted pool, due to limited space available For further information, please contact the Press and Media Service in Brussels, tel: +32-2-707.50.41 Pool arrangements: Mr. Franois Le Blvennec +32-2-707.50.38 TV and radio: Mr. Georges De Brouwer +32-2-707.50.49 Photos: Mr. Armando Jorge Soares +32-2-707.50.46