A ceremony to mark the accession of Albania and Croatia will take place at NATO Headquarters on Tuesday 7th April 2009 in the presence of Prime Minister Sali Berisha of Albania and Prime Minister Ivo Sanader of Croatia.

Accreditation

Media accreditation will be held from 7H30 on 7 April 2009. Media Representatives without permanent NATO accreditation are invited to request accreditation directly at the main entrance of the NATO compound from 7H30 on presentation of a valid national press card and identity documents. If the accreditation candidate is not in possession of a valid national press card, he or she is invited, regardless of nationality, to send the NATO Press Service (Fax: +32.2.707.1399) a signed letter from his or her editorial staff. Journalists who are permanently accredited to NATO need not request special accreditation.

Media Advisory

0900 Arrival of all invited guests at the Cour d’Honneur

The SHAPE International Band plays and the SHAPE Honour Guard marches into ceremonial position.

0945 Flag Raising Ceremony in the Cour d’Honneur.

The national anthems of Albania and Croatia are played as their flags are raised. The NATO hymn is played.

0950 Remarks by Mr. Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, NATO Secretary General, followed by words of welcome to the new members by the Dean of the Council.

Responses by the Prime Ministers of Albania and Croatia.

1010 Family portrait

1015 End of ceremony

For further information:

Nato