EU Security Presence in The Former Yugoslav Republic of MacedoniaDouglas Davidson, Charge d'Affaires of U.S. Mission to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in EuropeStatement to the OSCE Permanent Council Vienna, Austria April 4, 2003 Released by the U.S. Mission to the OSCE
(As delivered)
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The United States welcomes the seamless transition of peacekeeping duties in Macedonia from NATO to the EU [European Union], which occurred on Monday. We look forward to close cooperation with the EU, the OSCE Mission to Skopje, and the Macedonian Government in this endeavor.
The recent conclusion of the NATO-EU agreements on security cooperation -- commonly referred to as "Berlin-Plus" -- followed by the handover to the EU marks the first example of the NATO-EU strategic partnership in action, and is a significant event. We are certain that the EU peacekeepers will fulfill their mandate in Macedonia effectively and professionally. Thank you. |
