Press Release (98)80 13 June 1998

Statement by NATO Secretary General, Dr. Javier Solana, on Exercise "Determined Falcon" Following the decision by NATO Ministers of Defence on 11 June 1998, NATO will hold Exercise "DETERMINED FALCON" on 15 June 1998. This is an air exercise in Albania and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1) which is taking place with the agreement of these two governments. The objective of this exercise is to demonstrate NATO's capability to project power rapidly into the region. A variety of NATO aircraft will be participating in this exercise including fighters, reconnaissance, airborne early warning, tankers and helicopters. The aircraft are provided by a number of NATO nations. The aircraft will originate at bases in NATO countries, fly to the exercise area for specific events and then return to their originating bases. The Fifth Allied Tactical Air Force (FIVEATAF) Combined Air Operations Centre at Vicenza, Italy, will be responsible for the conduct of the exercise. NATO continues to support a political solution which brings an end to the violence in Kosovo, provides an enhanced status for Kosovo, preserves the territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and safeguards the human and civil rights of all inhabitants of Kosovo, whatever their ethnic origin. On this basis, we intend to contribute to the response of the international community. NATO also remains determined to contribute to efforts promoting stability and security in neighbouring countries, with particular emphasis on Albania and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Further details on the exercise can be obtained from AFSOUTH Public Information Office, tel: +39 81 721 2263/2235. Turkey recognises the Republic of Macedonia with its constitutional name.