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Press Statement
24 May 2000 |
Statement
NATO-Russia Permanent Joint Council Meeting at Ministerial level held in
Florence on 24 May 2000
The NATO-Russia Permanent Joint Council (PJC) met at the level of
Foreign Ministers on Wednesday, 24 May 2000 in Florence.
Ministers emphasised the importance for the security and stability in the Euro-Atlantic
area of a strong, stable and enduring partnership between NATO and Russia on the basis of
common interest, reciprocity and transparency, as laid down in the NATO-Russia Founding
Act. In this context, they recalled the visit of the Secretary General of NATO to Moscow
on 16 February when it was agreed that NATO and Russia would work to intensify their
dialogue in the PJC seeking improved
cooperation on a broad range of issues.
Ministers noted important consultations on issues related to the situation in the former
Yugoslavia, building on the cooperation between NATO and Russian forces in SFOR and KFOR.
Ministers noted with particular interest the important exchange of views and information
on strategy, military doctrine and infrastructure development programmes, undertaken at
the recent PJC Ambassadorial meetings, as a means towards building confidence, enhancing
transparency and dispelling misperceptions. They agreed to in-depth follow-up discussions
on these
issues. Ministers also took note of the recent PJC consultations on non-proliferation
issues, disarmament and arms control issues as well as on scientific cooperation.
Ministers reviewed the situation in the former Yugoslavia and exchanged views on
NATO-Russia cooperation in the international security presence in Kosovo (KFOR). They
reviewed, in particular, the state of implementation of the security aspects of UNSCR 1244
and stressed their determination to meet in full the aims set out therein. They are
resolved to work together towards ensuring multi-ethnicity of Kosovo, cessation of
violence against ethnic minorities, return of refugees and internally displaced persons
irrespective of their ethnic origin, strengthening of local democratic structures,
establishment of a functioning judicial system, fight against organised crime, arms and
drugs trafficking and illegal possession of weapons. NATO and Russia agreed to cooperate
closely in all these areas and in the protection of all the ethnic groups in Kosovo. They
underlined that provocations and other attempts to undermine the peace process will not be
tolerated.
Ministers approved a PJC Work Programme for the remainder of 2000, agreeing to continue
ongoing work and outlining a number of additional issues for consultation as well as
practical cooperation activities.
Ministers confirmed agreement on the establishment of a NATO Information Office in Moscow
as provided for in the Founding Act. They agreed to finalise the negotiations as early as
possible, bearing in mind the need to improve public understanding of evolving relations
between NATO and Russia.
Ministers agreed to maintain the positive momentum as demonstrated during this meeting in
Florence and to meet again in December in Brussels to review NATO-Russia consultation and
cooperation under the Founding Act and to continue discussions on issues of mutual
interest.
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