21 May 2003

NATO remains committed to Kosovo NATO Ambassadors reiterated the Alliance’s support for the United Nations mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) following a briefing by its chief, Michael Steiner, at NATO headquarters on 21 May. Mr. Steiner briefed the North Atlantic Council on recent developments together with Lieutenant General Fabio Mini, commander of the NATO-led peacekeeping force in Kosovo. He told reporters that difficulties remained, but that successes have been achieved in a number of areas. Lord Robertson said NATO fully supported recent actions by Mr. Steiner, and confirmed that the Alliance will maintain forces at a level necessary to ensure that safety and security is “robustly enforced”. “The strong message from me and indeed from the whole NATO Council is that illegality, criminality in Kosovo is simply not going to be tolerated,” NATO Secretary General Lord Robertson told reporters. The North Atlantic Council is scheduled to visit Pristina next month. Additional information: Press point by NATO Secretary General, Lord Robertson, Ambassador Michael Steiner, Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and Commander KFOR (COMKFOR) Lt.-Gen. Mini, 21 May 2003 Audio file (.MP3/4212Kb) Website: KFOR