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| Updated: 22-Feb-2002 | NATO Press Releases |
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Press Release (2002)024 22 Feb. 2002 |
Statement from the Spokesman In the light of recent questions regarding the border between Kosovo and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1), NATO wants to emphasise its absolute support for the territorial integrity of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1). The Secretary General has spoken recently to both the Prime Minister and President to reiterate our firm commitment on this issue. Issues regarding the legal status of the border are matters for the United Nations, which in March 2001 issued a Presidential Statement of the Security Council calling on all parties to respect the demarcation agreement between former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1) and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. In a statement of February 21, 2002, the UN restates its own continuing support for this position, and in this light NATO also emphasises its unchanged respect for the border as agreed by the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1) and FRY in February 2001. We look forward to further building on the already close working relationships in the border area. KFOR has an agreement with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1), known as the Temporary Operating Procedure (TOP), to ensure good co-operation between KFOR and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1) security forces in the policing of the border. This agreement accepts the border line as agreed by former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1) and FRY in their demarcation agreement of February 2001. The TOP has proved highly successful at helping improve border security, and is a key element in helping KFOR and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1) security forces work together effectively. |
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