In the period of 28 – 30 April 2004 the Norwegian Ministry of Defence hosts the annual Principals meeting in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, for the Arctic Military Environmental Co-operation (AMEC) Programme. The main topics for this meeting are to review the status of all AMEC projects and to improve economic and legal mechanisms for efficient multi-lateral co-operation. The work of AMEC directly supports the G-8 Global Partnership against the spread of weapons and materials of mass destruction.

AMEC is a co-operation between the Ministries of Defence of Norway, Russia, The United Kingdom and the Department of Defense of the United States. It was established in 1996 as a forum to address military-related environmental concerns in the Arctic. The AMEC Programme has developed technologies and installed facilities in North-west Russia that minimize radioactive contamination from decommissioned nuclear submarines. In the Murmansk region, AMEC has provided equipment to enable Russia to ensure the safe handling and interim storage of spent nuclear fuel and developed a new treatment facility for solid radioactive waste.

The main goal of AMEC is to preserve the fragile and magnificent Arctic environment, by preventing pollution from military-related activities. The community of Svalbard is an example of extensive international cooperation, especially within science and environmental studies. These characteristics are in many ways parallel to what AMEC represents; international cooperation and protecting the environment. Hence, Svalbard represents a symbol of the main goals of AMEC. The AMEC partners are confident that these surroundings will inspire and direct them to further shape the programme to obtain mutual goals.

A press conference will be held on Friday 30 April 2004 at the Spitsbergen Funken Hotell from 1100 until 1145.

Point of contact: Ingjerd Kroken (Norwegian Ministry of Defence).
Mobile phone: +47 91 69 86 78.