28-29 June 2004

Counting down to Istanbul Events NATO Istanbul Summit News 22 June 2004 - NATO Iraqi government requests assistance from NATO On 28 and 29 June, leaders of the now 26 NATO countries are meeting in Istanbul to enhance NATO’s missions, deepen the Alliance’s partnerships and discuss assistance to Iraq. The high-level meetings brings together Heads of State and Government, Defence and Foreign Ministers from NATO and partner countries. Operations, partnerships and capabilities The Alliance is expected to announce an expansion of its presence in Afghanistan and a decision to terminate the NATO-led peacekeeping mission in Bosnia at the end of the year. NATO’s partnerships are set to be strengthened, by opening a dialogue with interested countries of the broader Middle East region. Equally important will be decisions on measures aimed at strengthening NATO’s operational capabilities – the ability to deploy and sustain troops on a wide-range of missions across the globe. This will include a review of NATO’s defence and operational planning process. Allies will also give direction to implement a package of measures for combating terrorism. Heads of State and Government will also discuss a request from the interim Iraqi government for support through training and other forms of technical assistance. Summit live on NATO Web site During the Summit, the NATO Web site will be updated in real-time with decisions, speeches, photos and live Web casts from the meetings. For a complete schedule as well as more information, see http://www.nato.int/istanbul2004