Meeting of the Planning Committee in Ministerial Session 13 Jun 1996

Speaking Note for the Chairman Introductory Remarks Good morning. May I welcome you back to Brussels for the first DPC meeting in its current format. Many issues which we would normally have discussed in the DPC are now, for the first time, to be considered by all 16 Allies at our NAC (Defence Ministers) meeting later today. I am sure we are all looking forward to this historic occasion. But I should like to stress that the subjects we shall now consider remain fundamental to the continued military effectiveness of our Alliance. We must therefore continue to give them our closest attention. Before turning to our first agenda item, I would like to welcome our three new members, the Italian Defence Minister, Sr. Beniamino Andreatta, the Spanish Defence Minister, Sr. Eduardo Serra Rexach and the Turkish Defence Minister, Mr. Oltan Sungurlu. I would also like to remind you of arrangements for the first part of our day's business. About 45 minutes has been allowed for this DPC session following which we will adjourn and reconvene in the Presentation Room at 10 a.m. for the Nuclear Planning Group meeting. This will last until 11 a.m. when we will again adjourn and reconvene at 11.15 a.m. in Room 1 with our French colleague for the Restricted Session of the NAC in Defence Ministers session. The Press will also be present for the opening of our meeting at 16. Can I now turn to Item I of our agenda.