Brussels, 25/10/2002 (Agence Europe) - On Friday, the European Council approved the text for implementation of the Nice provisions relating to the participation of non-EU NATO allies in operations under the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP). The text amends Article 2 of the "Ankara Document" by introducing minor but important changes, said Greek Foreign Minister Georges Papandreou. High Representative Javier Solana told the press he had received a mandate for immediately beginning negotiations with NATO, that he hopes to conclude before the NATO Summit in Prague on 21 and 22 November.
On Monday, Javier Solana is to meet representatives of the Turkish authorities in Copenhagen after contacts over the weekend with Lord Robertson, NATO Secretary General. In his view, this move forward will "contribute to strengthening relations between the EU and Turkey". Should this text be renegotiated with Turkey? "I do not think this will be necessary because we have a text by Fifteen that should be accepted by Ankara", Mr Solana said.
In answer to questions on the EU taking over the Amber Fox mission in Macedonia from NATO, Mr Solana said "if all goes well, we shall be in a position to take the operation over" at the end of the year. "I have discussed a great deal with the new government of Macedonia, and my feeling is that it would like to keep an international presence there after 2002", Mr Solana said.