Meeting of the Euro- Atlantic Partnership Council in Defence Ministers Session Brussels, 13 June 1997

Speaking Notes of H.E. Dr. Werner Fasslabend Defence Minister of Austria

Although we are present in a historic moment, the first EAPC-Meeting in Defence Ministers Session, we should not overlook the risk of actual situations in Europe. The alliance has changed dramatically in the past 5 years and has become the basic element of the future European security architecture. Engagement with non NATO-nations in former Yugoslavia certainly was a decisive step. Estimating the situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina I see three military options: Remain with the same size of force as now Total withdrawal of the troops and remaining with observers and a rapid reaction force outside the mission area Reduction of the actual force strength. But even more important are political options and there I also see three possibilities: The three ethnic groups will stay together in the country The country will fall apart - peacefully The country will fall apart - due to a crisis As possible military options always are a consequence on the political goal everything should be undertaken to achieve a successful political and economy progress in Bosnia-Herzegovina. This will include a certain military presence necessary to ensure the stability within the country and the region.