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Statement
by the Secretary General on the situation in the former
Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1)
The North Atlantic Council has today approved a further
package of measures designed to enhance stability in the
Southern Balkans and demonstrate its firm support for
the multi-ethnic government of the former Yugoslav Republic
of Macedonia (1). NATO is
absolutely committed in its support of the government
in Skopje as it faces the challenge of extremist groups,
whose violent activities we totally condemn. We reject
any attempt at the forcible changing of borders. We stand
fully behind the sovereignty, stability, and the territorial
integrity of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
(1).
Since the attacks in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
(1) began, KFOR has taken
a number of steps to improve border security, to further
ensure Kosovo cannot be used as a base for attacks into
neighbouring areas. We have sent extra troops to the border
area and increased patrolling to improve our ability to
detect, disrupt and deter any flow of men and material
from Kosovo to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
(1). A further review has
shown such activities can be further increased, and more
troops will now be sent to the border area. The North
Atlantic Council has also endorsed the need for further
troops for KFOR, which is doing a magnificent job despite
a greatly increased workload, and being severely stretched.
Our co-operation with the government in Skopje will also
be further strengthened. We have already improved military
co-ordination, and the exchange of military information,
but following a series of high-level visits we have now
decided to send a senior representative, Ambassador Hans-Joerg
Eiff, to supplement the existing NATO Liaison Officer
based in Skopje. His presence is an indication of the
importance we place on supporting the former Yugoslav
Republic of Macedonia (1).
We also now have a military liaison team based in the
Ministry of Defence in Skopje, and that will be run by
a senior NATO military officer. NATO has also endorsed
the call for direct bilateral assistance by NATO Allies
to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1),
and will work to co-ordinate such bilateral efforts both
in Brussels and on the ground in Skopje.
I am confident the array of measures now in place or underway
will have a significant impact on the security situation.
They are also being done in full co-operation with other
organisations, such as the EU, OSCE and UN and this co-ordinated
response is an indication of the international determination
to support stability in the region.
What is needed now is restraint and cool judgment. Firmness
in the face of attacks should be matched by political
action to ensure the men of violence are not allowed the
opportunity to polarise the situation. Ultimately, the
solution to problems in the area can only be found through
political means. Maintaining the solidarity of all ethnic
communities is the best way to ensure the defeat of extremist
groups.
My message is that we are determined that the men of violence
will not succeed. There is now an unparalleled opportunity
for stability in the region. I call upon all political
leaders, but especially in Kosovo and the ethnic Albanian
communities in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
(1), to condemn violence
unreservedly, and work to end it. In this regard, I welcome
the very strong statement made by Albanian Prime Minister
Meta. The international community has put immense effort
into defending minorities against repression, and it will
not accept extremists undermining the immense progress
that has been made in giving the whole Balkans a better
future.
1.
Turkey recognizes the Republic of Macedonia with its constitutional
name.
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