13 Mar. 2002

First visit of Bosnian Tri-Presidency to NATO HQ On 13 March, the Tri-Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina came to NATO HQ. Mr Beriz Belkic, the Chairman of the Presidency, Mr Jozo Krizanovic and Mr Zivko Radisic met NATO Secretary General, Lord Robertson and the Alliance's most important decision making body - the North Atlantic Council. Their discussions focused on the general situation in the Balkans, progress made in downsizing and restructuring the armed forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the strengthening of state-level institutions, measures to fulfil Bosnia's obligations in support of the International Criminal Tribunal for Yugoslavia, the return of displaced persons and refugees and the strengthening of public security. In a joint press event with Mr Belkic, Lord Robertson stated that the strongest message the Alliance had to give was that it wanted Bosnia's success. He reiterated NATO's commitment to Bosnia, adding that although much progress had been made in the country since the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement in 1995, much more needed to be done. In particular, Lord Robertson explained that the armed forces had to be reduced and grouped under a united command and control structure. This, he said, was "an absolute prerequisite" for joining NATO's Partnership for Peace programme. The Tri-Presidency was accompanied by other high-level government officials, including representatives from the Standing Committee for Military Matters, which is a state-level coordinating body for defence and military matters in Bosnia. Additional information: Audio file of the press point by NATO Secretary General, Lord Robertson and the Tri-Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, President Beriz Belkic, President Jozo Krizanovic and President Zivko Radiic (.MP3/3.369Kb) High resolution photos of the visit to NATO of the Tri-Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina