14 Mar. 2002

Visit of NATO's Military Committee to Sarajevo The members of NATO's Military Committee went to Sarajevo to visit the Headquarters of the Stabilisation Force (SFOR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina on 14-15 March. The trip was part of the committee's annual visit schedule designed to enable its members to meet NATO representatives in the field and receive detailed briefings on SFOR's day-to-day activities, as well as its wider agenda. The Chairman of the committee, Admiral Guido Venturoni, and the 19 permanent military representatives attended background briefings on SFOR's current operations and future developments. Highlights of the briefings included the determined effort involving numerous organisations within the international community, to assist Bosnia and Herzegovina's armed forces in a programme of downsizing and re-structuring to reach affordable force levels. The briefings also stressed the continuing need for SFOR to carry out the collection, storage, and monitoring of weapons that could pose a security threat, to maintain a patrol presence in areas that require reassurance of security and to remain engaged as an even-handed catalyst for positive change through legal and democratic means. Long-term concerns included a renewed campaign for de-mining and a vital need for greater progress in the establishment of rule of law to provide a solid framework in which the burden of providing justice, legal accountability and a safe and secure environment will continue to be shifted to local police and state-level institutions. They also took note of SFOR's concerns about organised crime. In addition to current SFOR operations, the briefings touched on the significant steps made recently by the government of Bosnia and Herzegovina in combating terrorism, in concert with the international community. Another issue discussed was the possible rationalisation of NATO forces in the Balkans, which will be raised at the meeting of the Military Committee in May when it convenes at the level of Chiefs of Staff. The Military Committee members took particular note of the progress made in the country's security situation and the high level of cooperation between the military from NATO and non-NATO countries who work together within SFOR. They also expressed their continuing support of SFOR's mission and their engagement in the area. The Military Committee is the senior military authority in NATO under the North Atlantic Council. It recommends measures considered necessary for the common defence of the Euro-Atlantic area and provides guidance to NATO's two strategic commanders. Additional information: IMS Press Advisory: Visit of the Military Committee to SFOR on 14 and 15 March 2002 The official webmodule of the Stabilisation Force (SFOR)