Press Release {Number} 19 Sept. 2001

Press Statement Meeting of the NATO-Russia Permanent Joint Council The NATO-Russia Permanent Joint Council (PJC) met at Ambassadorial level on Wednesday, 19 September 2001. Ambassadors discussed the evolving peace process in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1). There was consensus that there is no alternative to the peace process and all efforts are to be supported to bring this process to a sucessful end. Ambassadors continued consultations on the political and defence efforts against proliferation of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons and their delivery means, including follow-on discussions of current threats/risks and TMD cooperation. They reviewed the substantial results of the NATO/Russia experts' meeting, held in Brussels on 12 July. Ambassadors decided that NATO/Russia expert-level consultations on issues related to non-strategic missile defence will continue. In view of the terrorist attacks on the United States of America on 11 September and recalling the statement issued by the Permanent Joint Council on 13 September, Ambassadors expect that consultations at an appropriate level be held to pursue intensified NATO-Russia co-operation in combatting international terrorism. The PJC at Ambassadorial level will meet again on 29 October 2001. Turkey recognises the Republic of Macedonia with its constitutional name.

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