15 Jan. 2003

Civil-military cooperation taken to a new level Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Group North, based in the Netherlands, formally received its status as an international NATO military headquarters on 15 January. It started as a multinational initiative launched by NATO to which six members responded (the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Poland). These NATO countries will provide the Alliance with the capacity to co-ordinate military and civilian authorities and organisations during crises. Bridging the gap between the military and civilians is essential since close cooperation between all bodies involved in a post-conflict area helps local authorities rebuild a social fabric and restore normal living conditions for the population. Additional information: IMS Webmodule