Menu
05/01/2004
Lord Robertson steps down as Nato chief
The new Secretary General of Nato has officially taken up his duties today, taking over from former British Defence Secretary Lord Robertson.
Dutchman Jaap de Hoop Scheffer arrived at Nato Headquarters in Brussels this morning to be greeted by the Deputy Secretary General, Ambassador Minuto Rizzo, the Chairman of the Military Committee, General Kujat, and the Dean of the North Atlantic Council, Ambassador Kovanda of the Czech Republic.
In a brief address to the media he paid tribute to his predecessor, Lord Robertson, saying that NATO had taken on new responsibilities and “is going through a continuous process of transformation to be able to meet new challenges”.
Mr de Hoop Scheffer said that his main priorities were to ensure the smooth entry of the seven countries expected to join Nato this year and to improve dialogue between Europe and North America.
He singled out Afghanistan as the main challenge on the organisation's current agenda, saying that Nato and the international community "cannot afford to fail" in the effort to stabilize the country.
Nato’s partnerships, and particularly its relations with the European Union, were also a key priority, he said.
Mr de Hoop Scheffer is the 11th Nato Secretary General, following Lord Robertson, who held the post from 1999 to 2003.
(gmcg)
Dutchman Jaap de Hoop Scheffer arrived at Nato Headquarters in Brussels this morning to be greeted by the Deputy Secretary General, Ambassador Minuto Rizzo, the Chairman of the Military Committee, General Kujat, and the Dean of the North Atlantic Council, Ambassador Kovanda of the Czech Republic.
In a brief address to the media he paid tribute to his predecessor, Lord Robertson, saying that NATO had taken on new responsibilities and “is going through a continuous process of transformation to be able to meet new challenges”.
Mr de Hoop Scheffer said that his main priorities were to ensure the smooth entry of the seven countries expected to join Nato this year and to improve dialogue between Europe and North America.
He singled out Afghanistan as the main challenge on the organisation's current agenda, saying that Nato and the international community "cannot afford to fail" in the effort to stabilize the country.
Nato’s partnerships, and particularly its relations with the European Union, were also a key priority, he said.
Mr de Hoop Scheffer is the 11th Nato Secretary General, following Lord Robertson, who held the post from 1999 to 2003.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 April 2011
NATO Foreign Ministers Meet In Berlin
Over the next two days, Foreign Secretary William Hague is meeting with Foreign Ministers from the 27 other NATO countries and over 20 partner countries in Berlin. The UK and NATO are working with a broad range of partners to confront security challenges.
NATO Foreign Ministers Meet In Berlin
Over the next two days, Foreign Secretary William Hague is meeting with Foreign Ministers from the 27 other NATO countries and over 20 partner countries in Berlin. The UK and NATO are working with a broad range of partners to confront security challenges.
18 March 2004
Troops destined for Kosovo peacekeeping force
The Ministry of Defence is preparing to send an additional 750 troops to Kosovo. The move comes on a call from Nato requesting that the KFOR peacekeeping force be strengthened in the face of continuing ethnic unrest in the area of former Yugoslavia.
Troops destined for Kosovo peacekeeping force
The Ministry of Defence is preparing to send an additional 750 troops to Kosovo. The move comes on a call from Nato requesting that the KFOR peacekeeping force be strengthened in the face of continuing ethnic unrest in the area of former Yugoslavia.
27 January 2004
Unilateral military action undermines global peace efforts: UN
Unilateral military action, akin to that employed by Britain and the US against Iraq, undermines the efforts of the community of nations pursuing global peace, according to the UN Deputy Secretary General.
Unilateral military action undermines global peace efforts: UN
Unilateral military action, akin to that employed by Britain and the US against Iraq, undermines the efforts of the community of nations pursuing global peace, according to the UN Deputy Secretary General.
19 September 2008
UK Backs NATO Transformation Plans
NATO's Defence Ministers are meeting in London today to discuss how to deliver a more efficient and effective NATO. Ministers will talk about how NATO can produce quicker response forces and more mobile capabilities.
UK Backs NATO Transformation Plans
NATO's Defence Ministers are meeting in London today to discuss how to deliver a more efficient and effective NATO. Ministers will talk about how NATO can produce quicker response forces and more mobile capabilities.
01 December 2003
Britain takes lead role in Nato's chemical defence unit
Britain is to take on a leading role in a new multinational Nato battalion designed to respond to attacks from Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) weapons.
Britain takes lead role in Nato's chemical defence unit
Britain is to take on a leading role in a new multinational Nato battalion designed to respond to attacks from Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) weapons.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A fine dry days weather with sunshine quite widespread, particularly from mid-morning. Temperatures best across southern districts. North to northwesy breezes occasionally freshening around the coasts. Maximum temperature 15 °C.Tonight:Most dry with good clear spells bringing a rural frost in the south for some. Cloudier around northern coasts where the odd light shower may develop. Northerly breezes persisting. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
