JOINT STATEMENT
SOUTHEASTERN EUROPE DEFENSE MINISTERIAL (SEDM)
DEPUTY CHIEFS OF DEFENSE (DCHODs)MEETING
(08 JUNE 2006Sofia)
The Deputy Chiefs of Defense of SEDM countries:
-Lieutenant General Slavko BARIĆ
-Lieutenant General Cosimo D’ARRIGO
-Major General Adil GAZAFER
-Major General Luan HOXHA
-Brigadier General Alojz JEHART
-Vice Admiral Emil LYUTSKANOV
-Brigadier General Melvin SPIESE
-Major General Juriy SHAPOVAL
-Lieutenant General Florian PINŢĂ, represented by Air Flotilla General Ion Aurel STANCIU
-Lieutenant General Efstathios STRATAKOS
-General Işık KOŞANER, represented by Lieutenant General Hilmi Akın ZORLU
together with the Deputy Chief of Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Major General Slavko PULJIĆ, Serbia, Major General Zdravko PONOŠ,and Moldova, represented by Ambassador Viacheslav Madan,with guest status, convened in Sofia on 08June 2006 to take further steps in strengthening cooperationandenhancing stability, security and prosperity in Southeastern Europe.
The Deputy Chiefs of Defense expressed their appreciation to Deputy Chiefs of Defense of BosniaHerzegovina, Serbia, and Moldova representatives, for their first participation in SEDM DCHODs meeting. They also extended their gratitude toNATO Joint Forces Command Brunssum (JFC Brunssum) and Joint Forces Command Naples (JFC Naples) for their continuous support and cooperation.
The Deputy Chiefs of Defense highlycommendedProf. Besnik BARAJ, former Chairman of SEDM-CC and PMSC for his outstanding efforts and contribution to the SEDM Process and MPFSEE Initiative achievements, during his tour of duty.
The Deputy Chiefs of Defense welcomed Mr. Petrit KARABINA, new SEDM-CC and PMSC Chairman, and pledged their full support and cooperation in the future.
The Deputy Chiefs of Defense welcomed the briefing given by SEDM-CC and PMSC Chairman on PMSC and SEDM-CC activities, since their last meeting.
The Deputy Chiefs of Defense expressed their satisfaction onboth the completed and current SEEBRIG activities, and extended their appreciation to SEEBRIG for their excellent performance during the ongoing ISAF Mission in Kabul, Afghanistan.They emphasized that deployment in ISAF has increased cooperation among SEDM member nations and served to enhance integration of non-NATO SEDMnations into NATO.
The Deputy Chiefs of Defense welcomed the briefing given by SEDM-CC and PMSC Chairman on MPFSEE Agreement Revision, asrecommended by SEDM nations, and agreed to carry out necessary improvements.In this context, HQ SEEBRIG is kindly requested to present proposals taking into account FOC shortfalls, lessons learned from KMNB IX Mission and nations’ comments regarding a draft-documentat the next PMSC Meeting. PMSC Secretariat will coordinate the MPFSEE Agreement Revision process.
Having welcomed the representative of JFC Brunssum for his informative briefing on “Status Report on ISAF Operations in Afghanistan”, the Deputy Chiefs of Defense noted that this platform constitutes a solid basis for the enhancement of cooperation between SEDM and NATO in the future.
The Deputy Chiefs of Defense welcomed the contribution of JFC Naples and emphasized their continuous support for ongoing NATO-led operations in the region and reiterated their commitment to contribute to NATO’s efforts in strengthening security and stability in Southeastern Europe.
The Deputy Chiefs of Defense welcomed the presentation of JFC Naples on NATO Maritime Operation “ACTIVE ENDEAVOUR”. The Deputy Chiefs of Defense expressed their full support on the concept of maritime Operation Active Endeavour and participation of non-NATO SEDM members in this operation.
The Deputy Chiefs of Defense exchanged views on SEDM activities,SEEBRIG mission as KMNB IX, in Kabul, Afghanistan, the opportunity for possible SEEBRIG engagement in another PSO, as well as elimination of shortfalls identified during NATO certification process and mission.
The Deputy Chiefs of Defense acknowledged the steps taken with regard to SEDM projects, and expressed their appreciation forthe respective chairs. They encouraged further measures to increase their efficiency and exploit possible ways to launch new projects.
The Deputy Chiefs of Defense welcomed Ukraine’s full membership to the SEDM Process and encouraged its full membership into MPFSEE Initiative. They tasked SEDM-CC&PMSC Secretariat to coordinate with Ukrainian authorities and inform all nations on the outcomes.
In compliance with SEDM Meeting,WashingtonD.C., the Deputy Chiefs of Defense encouragedthe steps taken by BosniaHerzegovina, and Serbiatowards their future status in theSEDM Process.
The venue of the next DCHODs Meeting will be decided atthe next SEDM-CC Meeting.
All participants expressed their gratitude to the Deputy Chief of Defense of Bulgaria for hosting the meeting andthe distinctive Bulgarian hospitality.
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