17 December 2003

EU-led Security Mission in FYR Macedonia Concludes
EU police mission began December 15

The European Union-led OPERATION CONCORDIA in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia ended December 15 after nine months of active presence throughout the country. This multinational monitoring mission had replaced a NATO-led operation -- ALLIED HARMONY -- as the international security presence early in 2003. Some 26 nations participated in the operation.

The EU will continue to provide support through a police mission known as Operation PROXIMA, which was launched on December 15. NATO, which has a long-standing presence in FYR Macedonia and the neighboring Balkan states, will continue to maintain its presence and strong ties, according to a NATO press release.

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Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe
17 December 2003

OPERATION CONCORDIA CONCLUDES

SHAPE, Belgium -- The EU-led OPERATION CONCORDIA, in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, ended on 15 December after nine months of active presence in communities throughout the country. The multi-national monitoring mission has contributed greatly to the process of creating a stable, Europe-focused society.

Some 26 nations participated in the operation, contributing more than 800 troops in total, with some 400 on the ground at any one time. Their professional presence contributed greatly to stability and cooperation among the citizens at the local level.

"OP CONCORDIA has clearly shown that the close cooperation between NATO and EU, envisaged at the Prague Summit and known as the Berlin-Plus Agreement, is a most effective way to plan and conduct military operations," Admiral Rainer Feist, NATO's Deputy Supreme Allied Commander and Operational Commander of the EU mission told the press on 10 December.

"The idea of the EU being supported by NATO's assets and proven capabilities is not only cost effective but also avoids unnecessary duplication of effort or structures," he added. The EU military planning cell, commanded by Admiral Feist, is co-located with NATO's operational military HQ at SHAPE.

The Operation CONCORDIA began on 30 March 2003 at the request of the nation's government. It followed on from the similar NATO mission, ALLIED HARMONY, assisting local authorities in their quest for a stable and progressive society.

"Clearly today we are witnessing a greatly improved security situation that allows us to put an end to the international military presence," said Admiral Feist at the closing ceremony in Skopje on 15 December.

The EU will continue to provide support through a police mission known as Operation PROXIMA, which was launched on 15 Dec. NATO, which has a long-standing presence in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, as well as in the neighbouring Balkan states, will continue to maintain its presence and strong ties.

The sound links that have been forged with Europe's civil institutions, together with the continued commitment of the international community, are facilitating the processes of positive reform and reconciliation among the peoples of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and the wider region.

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(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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