8 Feb. 2002

Renewed request for NATO assistance in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1) During his visit to Skopje on 8 February, NATO Secretary General, Lord Robertson, received an official request from President Trajkovski for the extension of Operation Amber Fox. The President asked for a further three-month's extension of the NATO operation, which started in September 2001. The request will be examined by the Alliance and a decision taken shortly. Lord Robertson was in Skopje as part of his tour of partner countries aspiring to NATO membership. The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1) is one of the nine countries participating in NATO's Membership Action Plan. As well as meeting President Trajkovski to discuss progress made by Skopje in reaching membership criteria, Lord Robertson also met Prime Minister Georgievski, Foreign Minister Casule, Minister of Defence Popovski, the Speaker of the Parliament and several parliamentarians. An assessment report of all nine countries will be drawn up six months before the Prague Summit, which is to take place in November 2002 when at least one of these nine countries will be invited to join NATO. Additional information: Webmodule dedicated to Operation Amber Fox. Turkey recognises the Republic of Macedonia with its constitutional name.