NATO foreign ministers agree on the increase of NATO-Georgia and NATO-Ukraine commission activity as a mechanism of support for Euro-Atlantic integration [03 Dec 2008]

On 2 and 3 December the NATO Foreign Ministers meeting took place in Brussels. During the meeting, ministers exchanged views on the prospects for the Euro-Atlantic integration of Georgia and Ukraine, NATO relations with the Russian Federation and international operations in Afghanistan and Kosovo. There was also a meeting between the Alliance and representatives of Mediterranean Dialogue countries.

NATO foreign ministers were in agreement that the NATO Bucharest decisions regarding Georgia and Ukraine still stand. At the same time the ministers noted that membership in the Alliance depends on the results of reform. Henceforth in the Euro-Atlantic integration process the central institutions will be the NATO-Ukraine Commission and also the NATO-Georgia Commission, which was created in August this year. These commissions will ensure a regular dialogue, which will allow the evaluation of the progress of reforms in both countries and discussion about the assistance Georgia and Ukraine require on their way toward NATO membership.

During the ministerial meeting there were separate sessions of the NATO-Georgia Commission and the NATO-Ukraine Commission. The foreign ministers of both states took part in the meetings, where NATO-Georgia and NATO-Ukraine relations were examined, and the rate of progress in the implementation of reforms was assessed. Member states of the Alliance encouraged Georgia and Ukraine to make effective use of these NATO co-operation instruments.

In the NATO-Georgia Commission session member states reiterated their unswerving position with regard to Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins, in his address, emphasized that "Russia must observe the agreements of 12 August and 8 September, and must withdraw its army units from Georgia."

The NATO foreign ministers also agreed on the gradual resumption of an informal and limited dialogue with the Russian Federation. "Taking into account the military conflict between Russia and Georgia in August this year, NATO at the moment is the only international organisation which does not have a channel of communications with Russia, therefore a decision has been adopted to resume informal working level discussions on issues of mutual interest", Minister Riektsins indicated. Alliance foreign ministers agreed that any further decisions on the resumption of formal NATO-Russia Council talks will be taken only in line with the NATO Secretary General's report to member states of the Alliance.

In discussions about NATO international operations, particular attention was paid to Afghanistan and the engagement of the Alliance in the securing of stability. Member state ministers noted the evident progress in the Afghanistan state army and the positive developments in the advancement of the national police force, and reiterated their resolve to continue to strengthen the security forces of Afghanistan. The ministers were of one accord that the Presidential elections in Afghanistan, scheduled for 2009, will be a significant step both in terms of political development and involvement by the international community in the consolidation of security and stability in the country.

Member states also reaffirmed their commitment to continue engagement in ensuring the security and stability in Kosovo, and expressed support for the expansion of the EU Rule of Law Mission (EULEX) throughout the entire territory of Kosovo.

At the meeting with countries of the Mediterranean Dialogue, issues of the security situation in the region were discussed, noting in particular the growing threat of piracy.

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