Ministers of Defence Meeting with Co-operation Partners Brussels 14 Jun 1996

Scenario and Speaking Notes for the Chairman 10:30 Official Public Opening [Opening Statement by the Secretary General (see opposite)] ca.10:45 Start of the Closed Session (after the media have withdrawn) Before we start our substantive discussions, I would like to review briefly how I would like to proceed with todays meeting. You have received the agenda. I presume you are in agreement. [PAUSE] Thank you. In my letter to you last week, I offered some suggestions to structure our debate. Agenda Item I provides broad scope for a free-ranging discussion on security issues. IFOR would be at least one specific item of discussion. I intend to take Item II -- PfP Planning and Review Process -- and Item III -- Defence-related Cooperation -- together, as they provide a broad basis for exchanging views on Partnership for Peace. On procedure, I would ask Ministers to take the floor only once depending on the main emphasis of your remarks. I would also ask you to keep your statements brief. The International Staff will assist in circulating your full statements should you desire. We should complete agenda Item I in the morning. We will then break at 12:45. A family portrait will be taken, followed by an informal lunch hosted by NATO. We will resume the meeting at 15:00 hours with a view to finishing at 16:30. Shortly thereafter, I will hold a press conference. May I now turn to the first item of our agenda.