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Ministry of Defence

Answer

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the relationship is between the new European peacekeeping force in Bosnia and the European Union; what command and control structures operate; what the relationship is between the new force and NATO; and if he will make a statement. [207711] Mr. Hoon: The European Union peacekeeping force in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Operation ALTHEA, operates under the political control and strategic direction of the European Union. This is implemented through the Political and Security Committee and the EU Military Committee to the EU Operation Commander, General Sir John Reith, who also holds the NATO position of Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe. The EU is able to draw on many NATO assets and capabilities in support of Operation ALTHEA in accordance with the Berlin Plus arrangements. There is a close working relationship between the EU and NATO in relation to operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, supported by the collocation of personnel at all levels of command. In Bosnia, there is a very close working relationship between the Commander of the EU Force and the Senior Military Representative in NATO HQ Sarajevo.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

207711; 429 c573W;429 c571W

Session

2004-05

Subjects

Armed forces Deployment EU countries Peacekeeping operations NATO Bosnia and Herzegovina EU defence policy

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk