27/03/2001 (Agence Europe) - In a speech before the European-Atlantic Group in London on Friday, NATO Secretary General Lord Robertson said he was optimistic regarding the possibility of settling the problem between the EU and NATO regarding the development of Esdp. George Robertson placed special emphasis on two issues "that must be managed correctly", i.e., the need to ensure: - that non-EU members of NATO are not excluded from satisfactory participation in EU-led operations". Lord Robertson said that he was confident that "we will very soon have an agreement between the EU and NATO that satisfies all concerned"; - that defence planning between the two organisations does not diverge. "EU and NATO forces must be capable of handling the full range of operations they are assigned: NATO and EU, not either-or". "That is why the Alliance is preparing to offer access to the EU to NATO's defence planning. This will prevent any unnecessary duplication, and ensure that we have the most effective pool of forces. Once again, we are close to a deal", said Lord Robertson.