Brussels, 08/05/2003 (Agence Europe) - A meeting took place on Thursday between Political and Security Committee (COPS) of the EU, and the North Atlantic Council (NAC), which was also attended by the Prime Minister of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Branko Crvenkovski, who updated them on the situation in his country, and progress made in reforms underway. Lord Robertson, who declared himself "satisfied" with his report, pointed out that the EU's military mission on the ground involves the whole of its host country, adding: "we must remain alert to political and criminal dangers".
The collaboration between the EU and NATO in terms of military capability was also raised. "We need 21st century capability for 21st century challenges", said Lord Robertson. As to possible Alliance presence in Iraq, he stated: "various countries feel that NATO does have a part to play, but we need a better understanding of the situation before making a decision".