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Good Morning from SFOR. I have one point for you today. SFOR can confirm that due to the improved security situation in Bosnia and Herzegovnia it will reduce to a deterrent force of around 7,000 troops by next June.

Yesterday the North Atlantic Council in Defence Ministers Session made the following announcement:

1. The Alliance has made indispensable contributions to peace and stability in the Balkans, and we remain fully committed to these goals. In light of significant progress in Bosnia-Herzegovina, SFOR will reduce to a deterrent force of around 7,000 troops by next June. Over the coming months, we will consider how to adjust the operation further, including its possible termination by the end of 2004 and a transition possibly to a new NATO military liaison and advisory mission (NATO Headquarters Sarajevo) and to a new EU mission.

SFOR has brought some significant changes in the region and remains committed to security and political stability in BiH. As the tasks and duties have evolved, new concepts of operation can be adopted and heavy war-fighting equipment is no longer required. As a consequence, overall numbers can be reduced.

The transition to a Deterrent Presence profile throughout BiH and further force reductions are feasible not only because the overall situation allows it but also because they are sustained by a robust, effective and highly visible Over The Horizon Forces (OTHF) that demonstrate intent and capabilities and, ultimately, supports the prevention of a return to wholesale violence. While SFOR forces may increasingly be less visible, their presence will still be felt through continued operations, inspections and engagement with the citizens of BiH.

SFOR's principal purpose is to contribute to the maintenance of a safe and secure environment in which the International Community and BiH authorities can develop accountable governments that promote peace, stability and respect for human rights, economic well being and self sufficiency.

SFOR is committed to support the rule of law throughout BiH and supports the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY)'s efforts to apprehend Personnel Indicted for War Crimes and hand them over to the appropriate authorities.

The handover of the mission in BiH from NATO to EU requires a decision at the political level. For the time being, such a decision has not been made.

Our common aim remains to gradually transfer the responsibility for peace implementation to the local population and its institutions.

Thank you.