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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)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
