NATO’S commander-in-chief for Allied Forces Southern Europe Admiral James Ellis reiterated this week that there is no plutonium risk from the use of depleted uranium weapons in the Balkans.

Ellis was in Sofia on Tuesday to meet with Bulgarian Defence Minister Boyko Noev and consult with the Bulgarian government on the continuing challenges faced by the region. “I find that the insights offered by those who have lived here for generations are particularly useful in examining options in potential policy for long-term solutions that benefit us all,” Ellis said.

He stressed that studies to date have not established any link between the use of depleted uranium and illnesses and deaths reported among NATO troops who have served in the Balkans. Six Italians and one Portuguese soldier have died, and there were dozens more cases of unexplained illnesses which were dubbed “Balkan Syndrome.” Depleted uranium is used on missiles, shells and bullets because of its heavy armour penetration.

Ellis said that any decision on the future use of depleted uranium weapons needs to be reached in a sensible way, as those weapons were created to ensure the effectiveness of military operations. “The issue needs to be addressed clearly and openly, as it is. The scientific data and the facts associated with this material have to be provided as they have, and then the decisions need to be made on a calm and rational basis, as I believe they are,” Ellis said.

General Mikho Mikhov, the chief of the Bulgarian Army General Staff, also met with Ellis to discuss Bulgarian involvement in peacekeeping operations as well as increasing the combat effectiveness of the country’s army.

Ellis took over command responsibility for NATO’s KFOR operations in Kosovo last week. As part of the same decision, taken by NATO last October, responsibility for the NATO-led SFOR operation in Bosnia-Herzegovina will also be taken over February 19 by the regional command of Allied Forces Southern Europe. This shift will lead to Ellis being the commander-in-chief for both operations.