22 Aug. 2001

Operation Essential Harvest launched At 12 noon on 22 August, the Alliance decided to authorise the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Ralston, to issue the Activation Order for Operation Essential Harvest. The launching is taking place just over two months after President Trajkovski sent a letter to Lord Robertson asking for NATO assistance in restoring peace and stability in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1). The Alliance approved operational plan "Essential Harvest" on 29 June 2001. Additional information: Operation Essential Harvest: NATO Speech: Statement by NATO Secretary General, Lord Robertson following the North Atlantic Council Decision to Launch Operation Essential Harvest - 22 August 2001 High resolution photos of the statement by NATO Secretary General, Lord Robertson following the North Atlantic Council Decision to Launch Operation Essential Harvest - 22 August 2001 Audio file of the of the statement by NATO Secretary General, Lord Robertson following the North Atlantic Council Decision to Launch Operation Essential Harvest - 22 August 2001 (.MP3/3.810Kb) Turkey recognises the Republic of Macedonia with its constitutional name.