Press Communique M-NAC-2 (95)119

For immediate release 5th December 1995

STATEMENT ON BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA

On the eve of the most significant military operation in the history of this Alliance, we, the Foreign and Defence Ministers of all 16 Allies, speak and act with unity of purpose. Together, we affirm our commitment to continue the Alliance's efforts to bring peace to Bosnia-Herzegovina. Our common resolve, founded on transatlantic cooperation, will enable us to respond effectively to this threat to European stability.

Decisive action by the Alliance through the judicious and effective use of NATO air power in support of a determined diplomatic effort helped create the conditions that have made peace possible in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Our aim now is to contribute to a just and lasting peace in Bosnia-Herzegovina. All Parties to the Dayton peace agreement have accepted NATO's role, which will be authorised by a UN Security Council Resolution, even-handed, and limited in duration and scope. NATO will not be imposing a settlement, but will take the necessary action to ensure compliance.

We have today endorsed the military planning for the Implementation Force. JOINT ENDEAVOUR will attest to NATO's capacity to fulfil its new missions of crisis management and peacekeeping, in addition to its core functions as a defensive alliance. We welcome the wide range of offers from Partnership for Peace and other nations outside of our Alliance to participate in and support the operation. Russia's participation is especially significant as a concrete example of our evolving relationship.

JOINT ENDEAVOUR represents a critical part of a comprehensive international effort in support of peace in Bosnia-Herzegovina. We underline the importance of putting in place the necessary mechanisms to help implement the civil aspects and to promote regional stabilisation, building on the conferences in London, Paris and Bonn, so that the conditions for lasting peace are firmly established within 12 months. We shall cooperate fully with the High Representative and the organisations responsible for these tasks.

We pay tribute to the efforts of the United Nations and all the countries and organisations with which NATO has worked to bring an end to the tragedy in the Former Yugoslavia and to alleviate the untold sufferings of the civilian population. We specially remember today the countless innocent victims and the sacrifice of all the soldiers and civilians who have given their lives in pursuit of peace in the Former Yugoslavia.

We say to the people of the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina: We are ready to help you. Past differences can - and must - be put aside. New forms of partnership must be built among you. We are confident that together we can succeed.