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Last update: 03-Mar-2004 18:46 NATO Update

26-27 Feb.
& 1 Mar. 2004
 

Secretary General calls for more contributions to Afghanistan mission

News
27/02/2004 - NATO
NATO Secretary General to visit Luxembourg - 1 March 2004
25/02/2004 - NATO
NATO Secretary General to visit Spain and Portugal, 26 - 27 February 2004
Background
NATO in Afghanistan
The expansion of NATO’s mission in Afghanistan and preparations for the Istanbul Summit topped the agenda during Mr. de Hoop Scheffer’s visits to Spain, Portugal and Luxembourg, 26 February to 1 March.

Mr. de Hoop Scheffer is continuing his round of visits to all NATO member countries to outline his priorities as Secretary General and to consult on key issues on the Alliance’s agenda.

More troops for Afghanistan

In Madrid, on 26 February, the Secretary General had an audience with King Juan Carlos and met with Prime Minister José Maria Aznar, Foreign Minister Ana Palacio and Defence Minister Federico Trillo.

The talks focused the expansion of the NATO-led peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan. The Secretary General reiterated the need for NATO member countries to make contributions that would allow the establishment of more Provincial Reconstruction Teams throughout the country.

Mr. de Hoop Scheffer told reporters neither NATO nor the international community could afford to fail in their effort to stabilize the country.

Looking to Istanbul

The Secretary General also discussed the preparations for the upcoming Summit meeting of NATO Heads of State and Government, due to take place in Istanbul this June.

One of the main topics envisaged on the Summit agenda are plans for expanding and deepening NATO’s programme of cooperation with its Mediterranean partner countries, known as the Mediterranean Dialogue.

This topic, as well as Afghanistan, was also discussed by the Secretary General in Lisbon on 27 February, where he met with the President Jorge Sampaio, Prime Minister José Manuel Durão Barroso, Foreign Minister Teresa Patrício Gouveia and Defence Minister Paulo Portas.

Speaking to reporters in Lisbon, Mr. de Hoop Scheffer also said that the Alliance would probably agree to consider a formal role in the stabilization effort in Iraq, if asked to do so by a legitimate Iraqi government.

The Secretary General concluded this current round of visits with a trip to Luxembourg on 1 March, for an audience with the Grand Duke, as well as meetings with Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker, Foreign Minister Lydie Polfer and Defence Minister Charles Goerens.

Mr. de Hoop Scheffer also met with President Parliament Mr. Jean Spautz and addressed the Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee.

During the visit, the Secretary General also announced his intention to invite Russian President Putin to the Istanbul Summit.