11 Nov. 2004

NATO debut at UN Security Council News 09/11/2004 - NATO NATO Secretary General to visit the United States Opinion 11/11/2004 - NATO Speech by NATO Secretary General, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer at the United Nations Security Council Key links United Nations NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer addressed the UN Security Council in New York on 11 November, the first time a NATO Secretary General has taken part in a formal session of the body. Mr. De Hoop Scheffer was in New York as part of a three-day visit to the United States. Apart from the addressing the Security Council, Mr. De Hoop Scheffer discussed ongoing cooperation in Afghanistan, the Balkans and the situation in Iraq with United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan. An effective framework for dialogue and action In his address, the Secretary General emphasized NATO’s utility as a framework for dialogue and action that is tried and tested, and has a wealth of experience. “Bosnia and Herzegovina is the most successful proof of the effectiveness and potential of the United Nations and NATO working together for peace and stability,” De Hoop Scheffer told the Council, “We have developed an effective operational relationship between our two organisations there. And we have adopted the model of our cooperation to other operations.” He added that while NATO did not aspire to the role of a “global policeman”, it had broadened its scope for assistance to the United Nations by expanding the horizon of Alliance missions. “Our support now includes missions in other theatres and active cooperation on common challenges such as the fight against terrorism,” the Secretary General said. He pointed to NATO’s involvement in Afghanistan and support for the recent presidential election in the country as examples. “NATO nations are always prepared to consider further requests for support. I fully expect this cooperation will continue.”