21 May 2002

NATO extends its mandate in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1) NATO members countries agreed, on 21 May, to extend Operation Amber Fox in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1). Operation Amber Fox was launched on 27 September 2001, on the request of President Trajkovski, to contribute to the protection of international monitors from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the European Union. The mission has now been extended a further four months until 26 October 2002. Operation Amber Fox, which has been under German command since it was launched last year, will come under Dutch command from June 2002. It is composed of personnel from NATO member countries and follows on from Operation Essential Harvest (27 August 2001 - 26 September), which helped to disarm ethnic Albanian groups in the country. Additional information: NATO Press Release (2002)067: NATO Extends Amber Fox Mission - 21 May 2002 Webmodule: Operation Amber Fox Turkey recognises the Republic of Macedonia with its constitutional name.