NATO conducted an internal investigation over the incident between a Greek and Macedonian officers during NATO's training in France (Steadfast Juncture 2008).
The Greek officer had verbally attacked Macedonians to take out their badge with the flag and name of the country. The Macedonian officers had refused to take it out and upon consultation with the Macedonian Military decided to leave France ahead of schedule.
"The host country, France, and the organizing training cell had not contacted the central NATO Command in Brussels upon receiving a complaint from a member country." says in its letter Jan Hoop De Scheffer sent to Macedonia's Minister of Defense, Lazar Elenovski.
NATO's conclusion is, the host country France committed an error for allowing, and then taking sides with the Greek Officer by asking the Macedonian Officers to change in "civilian clothing", instead of consulting with Brussels as the official rules and protocol suggests.
Jaan De Hoop Scheffer, continues to say that NATO does not have any policy on uniforms, it is strictly up to the nation to choose.
"Your contributions to the Alliance are of great importance, and are much appreciated. I would like to inform you that I will personally make sure this sort of incident does not occur in the future." says Scheffer in his letter.
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