Statements by the Chief of the General Staff of the French Military, General Jean Pierre Kelche and the Chief of the General Staff of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia, General Trajce Krstevski on December 21, 1998

Statements by the Chief of the General Staff of the French Military, General Jean Pierre Kelche and the Chief of the General Staff of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia, General Trajce Krstevski

The Chief of the General Staff of the French Military, General Jean Pierre Kelche

I started this visit with meeting the chief of the Macedonian General Staff, after that I had a meeting with the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Macedonia. This was a good opportunity to express to the Republic of Macedonia, our gratitude for everything that was provided at for the Extraction forces. Everything was done to provide the forces with the best accommodation. I believe that with the presence of these forces will provided additional contacts, which will additionally strengthen traditionally good relations between militaries, that have prevailed between the Republic of Macedonia and France.

Otherwise I’m happy to have the opportunity of contributing towards strengthening of the relations, and being acquainted with the needs of the two armies. In this context, at the discussion that I had with the Chief of the General Staff of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia, we had the opportunity to talk about Macedonian Armed Forces, and the developments for the Macedonian Forces.

Once again, I would like to thank you for the truly wonderful conditions that you have provided for the Extraction Forces, and all these is part of the traditional hospitality of Macedonia.

The Chief of the General Staff of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia, General Trajce Krstevski

With General Jean we have exchange opinions regarding the present and future co-operation between our two militaries. General Jean express his gratitude for the hospitality and for the help that we have provide for the units and the Command of the Extraction Forces.

Several issues were raised, for example the use of Krivolak for training, purposes expanding of the helicopters flying corridor along the borders and use of a larger number of frequencies.

From our side we expressed our gratitude, for the assistance that we have receive and we are still receiving from France, at the same time I pointed out that we expect that this assistance will be enhanced in the future.

Questions by the reporters

Could the Extraction Forces be considered as a kind of a guarantee for Macedonian security considering Milosevic threats that if Extraction Forces enter Yugoslav territory it will be considered as an act of aggression?

The Chief of the General Staff of the French Military, General Jean Pierre Kelche:
It would be most appropriate if this answer comes from the Macedonian side and the Extraction Forces Commander, the French General, but I will give my personal opinion. It was decided that observing forces should be brought in Kosovo for realise the peacekeeping Mr.Milosevic has accepted the obligations to provide security for the observers. The Extraction Forces will act only if some of the teams are in danger. These are not forces for interventions that would take any of the sides. So actually there are no forces for attacking the sovereignty of Yugoslavia. Once again I will repeat that the existence of these forces is conducted, i.e there is United Nations Resolution, which points out that in case of necessity and emergency they could be used for the benefit of the observers. I hope that the vision of Mr Milosevic will and should develop regarding this issue. And, I would also like to emphasise that The Allied Command Europe in this moment is also working on the expansion of this idea.

The Chief of the General Staff of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia, General Trajce Krstevski:
Our Minister of Defence, Nikola Kljusev stated that issues regarding these problems should be resolved by the NATO Command and Milosevic. Ministry of Defence has nothing to resolve or take position about. Relation should be resolved between NATO Command, Milosevic, and Yugoslavia.

Are the problems regarding the accommodation of the NATO troops in Macedonia overcome and could you tell as more about your stated idea of using Krivolak as a training centre for the soldiers?

The Chief of the General Staff of the French Military, General Jean Pierre Kelche:
Once again, I will repeat that Extraction forces are accommodated in excellent facilities, thanks to all the effort made by the Republic of Macedonia, although they didn’t have much time. Extraction forces are accommodated in great facilities. I hope that the Alliance and the Republic of Macedonia in very short period of time will conclude all the issues regarding the accommodation. The capacities of Krivolak are well known to me. I asked the General if possible to provide an easier access to Krivolak, because the Extraction Forces have to go through training.

The Chief of the General Staff of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia, General Trajce Krstevski:
Krivolak could be used. It has all the conditions to be used, but we must make a plan, co-ordination, because Krivolak has also been used by the Macedonian Forces. It is not about concession of Krivolak to the forces but only to used. Conditions and possibilities exist.