Press Release (2002)020 18 Feb. 2002

Statement by NATO Secretary General, Lord Robertson The North Atlantic Council has agreed to authorise the extension of Operation Amber Fox for a further three months until 26 June 2002, as a response to a formal request from the government of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1) for further assistance with the security of the international monitoring presence in the country. While recognising that the primary responsibility for the security of the international monitors rests with the host government, Task Force Fox will continue to contribute to the protection of the international monitors who are overseeing the implementation of the peace plan in the country. NATO would like to thank Germany for accepting to continue as the lead nation of Task Force Fox for this period. NATO is also grateful to Italy for its generous offer to take over as lead nation had it been needed. NATO remains committed to restoring peace and stability in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and to consolidate the encouraging progress made so far in President Trajkovski's Peace Plan. Turkey recognises the Republic of Macedonia under its constitutional name.

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