Following the North Atlantic Council in Defence Ministers Session Birmingham, UK 10 Oct. 2000

Statement to the Press by Lord Robertson, NATO Secretary General We had a very useful discussion this morning among the NATO Defence Ministers, focusing on the situation in the Balkans, including the remarkable events in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. As I said in my opening remarks, none of us imaged when this meeting was scheduled that it would coincide with truly historic events. I would like to add my voice to those who have welcomed the sweeping and peaceful democratic changes that have taken place in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. NATO has always supported freedom and democracy in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The people of Yugoslavia have for too long been isolated in Europe because of the policies of the Milosevic regime. Today, we have confirmed our desire to extend the hand of friendship to the people of Yugoslavia. These changes spell the end of Serbia's isolation and provide a vital opportunity to enhance regional stability and put relations in the region on a new, more peaceful and stable footing. We look forward to the day when a newly democratic Federal Republic of Yugoslavia will again take its place alongside its neighbours in the Euro-Atlantic community. In the meantime, we look forward to new policies being enacted by the new government to strengthen democracy in Yugoslavia and build cooperation with the international community, including on the issues of war criminals. And we look forward to exploring with the new government opportunities for enhanced cooperation in implementing the Dayton Peace Agreement, in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and UN Resolution 1244 in Kosovo. For its part, NATO remains fully committed to promoting security and stability in the Balkan region. We will continue to fulfil our mandate to guarantee security in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo through the NATO-led operations, SFOR and KFOR. The events of the past week offer a new hope for Yugoslavia and for the wider region. We in the international community will do everything we can to turn this hope into a reality.