Press release - for immediate release

               First official visit by the WEU Flotilla



Paris, 11th March 1994. - The President of the Western European Union Assembly,
Sir Dudley SMITH, MP, welcomed the news of a first official visit by the WEU's
Contingency Maritime Force, to Taranto from 5th to 9th March.

The three frigates: ZEFFIRO (Italy), CASSARD (France) and CATALUNA (Spain), are
participating in the embargo operations in the Adriatic, flying the WEU flag.
The WEU force comprises five ships at present, under the command of Rear
Admiral BOLONGARO (Italy) and is fully integrated into the combined NATO/WEU
Operation "SHARP GUARD" which was established in the Adriatic on 14th June
1993.

The three frigates rejoined the operational zone on 10th March.

The President of the Assembly expressed the hope that the WEU Permanent Council
and member governments would ensure that the necessary material and human
resources are made available to maintain the effectiveness of the Adriatic
operations.