Press Release (2001)129 20 Sept. 2001

Statement by the NATO Secretary General I received yesterday a formal request from President Trajkovski for NATO assistance with the security of the international monitoring presence in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1) following the conclusion of Operation Essential Harvest. While recognising that the primary responsibility of the security of the international monitors rests with the host government, the North Atlantic Council is currently considering on an urgent basis the issue of NATO's contribution to the security of international monitors in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. NATO stands ready to continue to assist in the current stabilization process in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Turkey recognises the Republic of Macedonia with its constitutional name.

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