8 Dec. 1999	Escorting minority groups in Kosovo KFOR continues its security mission, enhancing the protection of minorities. On numerous occasions, the Multinational Brigades (MNBs) have escorted the movement of minority groups, allowing them to travel in a secure environment. For example, MNB (North) escorted a Serb bus convoy from Banjska to Mitrovica as well as a Serb bus from Mitrovica to Svinjare. KFOR has also been very active in providing security for the payment of stipend payments to municipal workers throughout the region. In addition, it continues to distribute humanitarian aid, including school supplies, winter clothing, food and shelter/roofing kits to Kosovars throughout the region.
8 Dec. 1999	Ship design and simulation NATO and Partner countries are cooperating on a project which aims to improve the design of ships. The project, named NIREUS, involves the creation of a three-dimensional computer-simulated ship on which certain tests and modifications could be made before construction actually started. This would allow improvement of design and performance without cost or time loss. Participants from 9 NATO countries and from 3 Partner countries are involved in the project, as is Australia.
8 Dec. 1999	SFOR concerned by road safety Bosnia and Herzegovina has the highest rate of road traffic accidents in Europe. This has prompted the NATO-led Stabilisation Force, SFOR, to launch a road safety campaign aimed at the local population and SFOR drivers. As winter conditions set in, there are fears that the present figures -3 times higher than in the rest of Europe- will get worse. As it is, road traffic accidents already cause the greatest loss of life and are the greatest threat to SFOR personnel.
8 Dec. 1999	The United Nations, the OSCE and the Council of Europe issue a joint declaration urging Russia to respect human rights in Chechnya.
10 Dec. 1999	Turkey becomes an official candidate for accession to the European Union.
10 Dec. 1999	A stronger Europe for a stronger Alliance NATO Secretary General, Lord Robertson, welcomes the initiatives taken at the European Council Summit in Helsinki, 10-11 December. With the creation of a European rapid reaction corps by 2003 and plans for EU-led military operations in response to crises where NATO is not engaged, Lord Robertson said: "A stronger European role will reinforce the Alliance for the 21st century... We look forward to cooperating with the EU in a manner that is both transparent to, and inclusive of, all NATO allies".