NATO’s Military Committee visits Bulgaria, for meetings
with NATO Chiefs of Defence Staff

12-14 September 2008

Background The Military Committee Chairman of the NATO Military Committee

BRUSSELS -- NATO’s Military Committee will meet in Chiefs of Defense Staff session from 12 –14 September. General Zlatan Stoykov, the Chief of the General Staff of the Bulgarian Armed Forces, will welcome the Chairman of the Military Committee, Admiral Giampaolo Di Paola and the 25 other Chiefs of Defense in Sofia on 12 September, where they will gather for a series of meetings and discussions. Albania and Croatia are also participating in the meetings, in preparation towards their membership to NATO.

These meetings will focus on assessing progresses on ongoing operations, and how to improve strategies and capabilities to enhance operational effectiveness. 

Admiral Di Paola and General Zlatan Stoykov will address the media from 1400-1410, September 12, at the Unknown Soldier Memorial, immediately following the Wreath-Laying Ceremony. The same day, from 1600-1615, the Chairman of the Military Committee will give his Opening Remarks at the Boyana Residence. The following day, the Chairman will hold a press point at the Boyana Residence from 1730-1800 on completion of the meetings.

A separate advisory will be issued prior to the conclusion of the meetings in Sofia on 13 September regarding any subsequent media availabilities or releases.  

Note for the Media:

Point of contact for the joint media availability in Sofia
(i.e. timings, accreditation, access, etc):
Lieutenant Colonel Vera NIKOLOVA
Public Relations
General Staff of the Bulgarian Armed Forces
nvo@abv.bg
00 359889314371 (mobile)
00359 2 9222057  (office) - 00359 2 9222040 (fax)

Point of Contact for the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee:
Colonel Massimo PANIZZI
Public Affairs Advisor to the Chairman of the Military Committee
Panizzi.massimo@hq.nato.int
00 32 475757561 (mobile)

Commander Giovanni GALOFORO
Deputy PAA and Public Information Officer to the CMC
Galoforo.giovanni@hq.nato.int
00 32 49994 3107 (mobile)

More information about the Military Committee can be found on the NATO Home Page, www.nato.int/ims/home.htm