Press Release (2002)067 21 May 2002

NATO Extends Amber Fox Mission NATO has today agreed to extend the mission of Operation Amber Fox for an additional four months until October 26, 2002. The decision by the North Atlantic Council follows a request from the President of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1) for NATO to continue its mission after the current mandate expires on June 26, 2002. Operation Amber Fox provides security for the international monitors who were deployed to the country to monitor the re-entry of security forces into former crisis areas, although the primary responsibility for this security remains with the Government of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1). Operation Amber Fox, in co-operation with the government of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1) and other international organisations, has made a significant contribution to the implementation of the peace plan in the country. Operation Amber Fox has been under German command since it was launched. As of June, it will be Dutch-led. NATO is grateful to both Germany for its excellent leadership, and to the Netherlands for agreeing to take over. NATO remains committed to the stability and prosperity of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1). Turkey recognises the Republic of Macedonia with its constitutional name.

Tel: Fax: +32 (0)2 707 50 41 +32 (0)2 707 50 57 B-1110 Brussels/Bruxelles http://www.nato.int press@hq.nato.int