NATO-Russia Statement on the 12 December Permanent Joint Council meeting at Ambassadorial level

The fifth meeting of the NATO-Russia Permanent Joint Council (PJC) at Ambassadorial level took place on Friday, 12 December 1997 at NATO Headquarters. It was aimed at reviewing the implementation of the 1997 PJC Work Programme and preparing for the second meeting of the PJC at the level of Foreign Ministers scheduled for 17 December 1997. In this context, Ambassadors approved a comprehensive report on PJC activities and reached agreement on draft 1998 Work Programme, for approval by Ministers.

Ambassadors had an exchange of views on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They welcomed the conclusions of the Peace Implementation Conference held in Bonn on 9-10th December. They underscored that the unity and engagement of the international community in assisting in the implementation of the Peace Agreement was paramount in order to reach a self-sustaining peace. The Bosnian parties must make full use of the continuing international assistance through an enhanced cooperation among themselves and with the international organizations active in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Recognising the importance of the adaptation of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE), Ambassadors agreed that NATO member states and Russia would continue to work together in Vienna with the other States Parties to enhance the CFE Treaty's viability and effectiveness. Ambassadors also had an exchange of views on the importance of the Open Skies Treaty in strengthening security and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area.

NATO and Russian representatives discussed the role of the PJC in creating a security architecture in the Euro-Atlantic region. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and stressed the importance of the forthcoming OSCE Ministerial Council in Copenhagen.