6 New Messages
Digest #4560
Messages
Wed Nov 28, 2012 5:37 am (PST) . Posted by:
"Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.c
Hürriyet Daily News
November 28, 2012
NATO to control Patriots
BRUSSELS/ANKARA: NATO's chief says the command of Patriots will be under the control of the alliance and hints that the decision will be taken within ‘days.’ Meanwhile, opposition parties slam the deployment decision
====
“Russia has no right to intervene in this process. This is a NATO decision; third parties have nothing to say,” Rasmussen said about Russian objections to the deployment.
“Will these missiles be deployed to protect the Kürecik radar base? Or will these missiles be deployed as a result of bargaining with Israel behind closed doors? The government should answer these questions.”
====
NATO General-Secretary Anders Fogh Rasmussen believes that NATO allies will respond positively to Turkey’s demand for Patriot missiles within “days” and that command of the system will be under NATO control. He also said the alliance would not avoid using further measures for Turkey’s defense.
Rasmussen said NATO allies were concerned about Turkey’s defense and that all allies were likely to support Turkey’s demand for the missiles. “Turkey’s demand for Patriot missiles is only for defensive purposes,” Rasmussen said in an interview with private Turkish broadcaster NTV. “The deployment of missiles will conform to the NATO chain of command, of which Turkey is also a part.”
“Russia has no right to intervene in this process. This is a NATO decision; third parties have nothing to say,” Rasmussen said about Russian objections to the deployment.
According to Rasmussen, NATO finances would be used to fund the Patriot system and Turkey would also contribute as the host country. The NATO chief was also questioned regarding the efficiency of Patriot missiles. “I suppose this deployment will dissuade potential aggression,” he said. “Similar instruments were used in Turkey in 2003. NATO possesses sufficient instruments to provide for Turkey’s defense and will not avoid using them.” Rasmussen did not give a specific date for the deployment of the missiles, though he said it would take days, not weeks.
Questions from CHP, MHP
The request has raised eyebrows in opposition parties, as the main and nationalist opposition parties linked the issue to the protection of Israel. Main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu has countered government claims and played down any missile threat from Syria. “Will these missiles be deployed to protect the Kürecik radar base? Or will these missiles be deployed as a result of bargaining with Israel behind closed doors? The government should answer these questions,” Kılıçdaroğlu said yesterday in an address to his party’s parliamentary group meeting.
Government statements over a possible missile threat from Syria are not persuasive, according to the main opposition leader.
Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli echoed Kılıçdaroğlu and calling on the government to inform Parliament on the missiles. “We wonder why Prime Minister Erdoğan abruptly requested Patriot missiles from NATO. Have Syrian missiles been directed to Turkey? Has President Gül’s concern over missiles turned out to be right? Is Turkey a target for chemical missiles? Our other worry is whether Patriot missiles will be deployed for Israel’s defense,” he said in an address to his parliamentary group yesterday.
==============================
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==============================
Hürriyet Daily News
November 28, 2012
NATO to control Patriots
BRUSSELS/ANKARA: NATO's chief says the command of Patriots will be under the control of the alliance and hints that the decision will be taken within ‘days.’ Meanwhile, opposition parties slam the deployment decision
====
“Russia has no right to intervene in this process. This is a NATO decision; third parties have nothing to say,” Rasmussen said about Russian objections to the deployment.
“Will these missiles be deployed to protect the Kürecik radar base? Or will these missiles be deployed as a result of bargaining with Israel behind closed doors? The government should answer these questions.”
====
NATO General-Secretary Anders Fogh Rasmussen believes that NATO allies will respond positively to Turkey’s demand for Patriot missiles within “days” and that command of the system will be under NATO control. He also said the alliance would not avoid using further measures for Turkey’s defense.
Rasmussen said NATO allies were concerned about Turkey’s defense and that all allies were likely to support Turkey’s demand for the missiles. “Turkey’s demand for Patriot missiles is only for defensive purposes,” Rasmussen said in an interview with private Turkish broadcaster NTV. “The deployment of missiles will conform to the NATO chain of command, of which Turkey is also a part.”
“Russia has no right to intervene in this process. This is a NATO decision; third parties have nothing to say,” Rasmussen said about Russian objections to the deployment.
According to Rasmussen, NATO finances would be used to fund the Patriot system and Turkey would also contribute as the host country. The NATO chief was also questioned regarding the efficiency of Patriot missiles. “I suppose this deployment will dissuade potential aggression,” he said. “Similar instruments were used in Turkey in 2003. NATO possesses sufficient instruments to provide for Turkey’s defense and will not avoid using them.” Rasmussen did not give a specific date for the deployment of the missiles, though he said it would take days, not weeks.
Questions from CHP, MHP
The request has raised eyebrows in opposition parties, as the main and nationalist opposition parties linked the issue to the protection of Israel. Main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu has countered government claims and played down any missile threat from Syria. “Will these missiles be deployed to protect the Kürecik radar base? Or will these missiles be deployed as a result of bargaining with Israel behind closed doors? The government should answer these questions,” Kılıçdaroğlu said yesterday in an address to his party’s parliamentary group meeting.
Government statements over a possible missile threat from Syria are not persuasive, according to the main opposition leader.
Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli echoed Kılıçdaroğlu and calling on the government to inform Parliament on the missiles. “We wonder why Prime Minister Erdoğan abruptly requested Patriot missiles from NATO. Have Syrian missiles been directed to Turkey? Has President Gül’s concern over missiles turned out to be right? Is Turkey a target for chemical missiles? Our other worry is whether Patriot missiles will be deployed for Israel’s defense,” he said in an address to his parliamentary group yesterday.
==============================
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==============================
Wed Nov 28, 2012 6:04 am (PST) . Posted by:
"Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff
http://www.mod.gov.ge/en/news/
Ministry of Defence of Georgia
November 28, 2012
Minister of Defence of Georgia meets with Mr. Eric Rubin
Defence Minister Irakli Alasania has received Mr. Eric Rubin, the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs today.
The U.S.-Georgia partnership, NATO integration prospects, reforms scheduled in the field of defence and the contribution of Georgian peacekeepers in the ISAF mission were the key topics of discussion at the meeting. According to Irakli Alasania, Georgia still remains a reliable partner of the United States and stands ready to provide more contributions to global security.
The Defence Minister expressed gratitude for the support of the United States to Georgia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and Euro-Atlantic integration. During the meeting with Eric Rubin Irakli Alasania underlined the visit of the NATO Military Committee in Georgia scheduled for next year.
At the meeting, the sides focused attention on enhanced defence cooperation between the two countries. Within the framework of the U.S.-Georgia Charter on Strategic Partnership, the United States provides assistance to the Georgian side in six directions which cover, among other issues, enhancement of air-defence capabilities, defensive combat engineer training and education and utility helicopter aviation training support.
------------------------------
http://www.civil.ge/eng/
Civil Georgia
November 27, 2012
Defense Minister's Visit to Afghanistan
Tbilisi: Defense Minister Irakli Alasania visited Afghanistan this week where he met Georgian troops serving in the ISAF mission, the country’s leadership, as well as the ISAF leadership, the Georgian Ministry of Defense (MoD) said on November 26.
Georgia has doubled its contribution to the NATO-led ISAF operation in Afghanistan to 1,571 servicemen starting from October, according to the Georgian Ministry of Defense (MoD).
Georgia currently has two battalions in the Helmand province of Afghanistan: the 12th battalion of the first infantry brigade and 32nd battalion of the third infantry brigade; for the latter it is the second tour of duty in Afghanistan.
Georgian troops “will continue fulfilling their obligations in ISAF until the end of 2014 and render assistance to Afghan National Security Forces in post-ISAF period,” MoD said.
During the visit Alasania met with Georgian troops in Helmand province and also held talks with General John R. Allen, the commander of U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan, according to the Georgian MoD.
On the last day of the visit Alasania met the president of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai, on November 25.
Georgia has lost a total of eighteen soldiers in Afghanistan since joining ISAF mission in November, 2009, seven of them this year.
==============================
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==============================
Ministry of Defence of Georgia
November 28, 2012
Minister of Defence of Georgia meets with Mr. Eric Rubin
Defence Minister Irakli Alasania has received Mr. Eric Rubin, the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs today.
The U.S.-Georgia partnership, NATO integration prospects, reforms scheduled in the field of defence and the contribution of Georgian peacekeepers in the ISAF mission were the key topics of discussion at the meeting. According to Irakli Alasania, Georgia still remains a reliable partner of the United States and stands ready to provide more contributions to global security.
The Defence Minister expressed gratitude for the support of the United States to Georgia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and Euro-Atlantic integration. During the meeting with Eric Rubin Irakli Alasania underlined the visit of the NATO Military Committee in Georgia scheduled for next year.
At the meeting, the sides focused attention on enhanced defence cooperation between the two countries. Within the framework of the U.S.-Georgia Charter on Strategic Partnership, the United States provides assistance to the Georgian side in six directions which cover, among other issues, enhancement of air-defence capabilities, defensive combat engineer training and education and utility helicopter aviation training support.
------------------------------
http://www.civil.ge/eng/
Civil Georgia
November 27, 2012
Defense Minister's Visit to Afghanistan
Tbilisi: Defense Minister Irakli Alasania visited Afghanistan this week where he met Georgian troops serving in the ISAF mission, the country’s leadership, as well as the ISAF leadership, the Georgian Ministry of Defense (MoD) said on November 26.
Georgia has doubled its contribution to the NATO-led ISAF operation in Afghanistan to 1,571 servicemen starting from October, according to the Georgian Ministry of Defense (MoD).
Georgia currently has two battalions in the Helmand province of Afghanistan: the 12th battalion of the first infantry brigade and 32nd battalion of the third infantry brigade; for the latter it is the second tour of duty in Afghanistan.
Georgian troops “will continue fulfilling their obligations in ISAF until the end of 2014 and render assistance to Afghan National Security Forces in post-ISAF period,” MoD said.
During the visit Alasania met with Georgian troops in Helmand province and also held talks with General John R. Allen, the commander of U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan, according to the Georgian MoD.
On the last day of the visit Alasania met the president of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai, on November 25.
Georgia has lost a total of eighteen soldiers in Afghanistan since joining ISAF mission in November, 2009, seven of them this year.
==============================
Stop NATO e-mail list home page with archives and search engine:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/
Stop NATO website and articles:
http://rickrozoff.wordpress.co
To subscribe for individual e-mails or the daily digest, unsubscribe, and otherwise change subscription status:
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==============================
Wed Nov 28, 2012 6:04 am (PST) . Posted by:
"linguisticresearch"
body p { margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0pt; }
http://publicintelligence.net/
<http://publicintelligence.
NATO Technical Report: Measuring the Effectiveness of
Activities that Influence Attitudes and Behaviors
<http://publicintelligence.
November 28, 2012 in North Atlantic Treaty Organization
<http://publicintelligence.
treaty-organization-documents/
<http://info.publicintelligenc
How to Improve your Aim: Measuring the Effectiveness of
Activities that Influence Attitudes and Behaviors
* 100 pages
* This document should be announced and supplied only to
NATO, Government Agencies of NATO nations and their bona
fide contractors, and to other recipients approved by the
RTO National Coordinators.
* August 2011
[Download]
<http://info.publicintelligenc
The emphasis of military operations is shifting more and
more towards non-kinetic activities, such as Psychological
Operations and Information Operations, which are geared
towards influencing attitudes and behaviors of specific
target audiences. Though many such activities are
undertaken, there is little systematic evaluation of the
effects they bring about and their effectiveness. As a
result, it is not well known what these operations
contribute to the overall operation and to what degree
they are achieving their goals. The purpose of the Task
Group HFM-160 was to develop a systematic approach to the
Measurement Of Effectiveness (MOE) of influence
operations.
In our approach, we consider MOE to be a process rather
than a “thing”; there is no definitive list of MOE or
even an overview of best practices. All MOE are
custom made for a specific situation. Our approach
is a way of thinking about how to assess the
effects of what you have done and how effective you
have been. MOE is most intuitively suited to
influence operations, such as PSYOPS. However, any
operation will affect attitudes and behaviors –
especially kinetic operations. For this reason, our
approach generalizes across the whole operations spectrum:
from PSYOPS and CIMIC to the most assertive kinetic
activity. Our work takes NATO PSYOPS doctrine (AJP 3.10.1)
as a starting point and augments it specifically for MOE.
There where we feel existing definitions and procedures
are insufficient, we take the liberty to develop our own.
Our approach should be seen as a starting point. It is not
possible to become an MOE expert in a couple of days after
reading about our approach. Furthermore, some activities
in the approach, such as statistical analysis, should be
supported by knowledgeable individuals; just knowing that
something should be done is not the same as being able to
do it. The approach was designed for operational and
tactical levels working with, commissioning, developing or
interpreting MOE for any type of influence activity. They
should gain an understanding of the complexity of
attitudinal and behavioral MOE, the basics of how to embed
MOE in operations and the basics of how to develop MOE
such that it yields the desired – or at least useful –
information.
The most important key concepts in the HFM-160 approach
to MOE are: effects and effectiveness. Effects refer to
changes in the environment, potentially brought about by
your actions, though other forces may lead to the observed
effects. Effectiveness refers to the degree to which your
actions are responsible for bringing about the desired
effects. Effects can be seen as a goal in and of
themselves; what causes the effects is relatively
unimportant as long as the effects are manifested. In
terms of effectiveness, how the change comes about is key.
It is not enough that change has occurred; you must gain
insight into the cause of this change: either your actions
or something else.
…
2.2.1 Effects
Every operation conducted is geared towards realizing a
particular effect. In terms of kinetic activities, this
may be to diminish the adversary’s fire power or limit
their mobility. In operations geared towards attitudinal
and behavioral change, it may be to create support within
the local population or something more tangible such as
collecting firearms in civilians’ possession. In all
cases, the goal is to change something through your
actions. Any change resulting from any operation may be
identified as an effect. Though hopefully the effect you
want is what changes, an effect may also be unwanted or
unintended. Effects may be positive or negative. They may
also be material, attitudinal or behavioral.
…
<http://publicintelligence.
asuringInfluence-21.png>
Tags: North Atlantic Treaty Organization
<http://publicintelligence.
tion/> , Psychological Operations
<http://publicintelligence.
Strategic Communications
<http://publicintelligence.
No Comments »
<http://publicintelligence.
Related Material From the Archive:
1. U.S. Army FM 3-13 Inform and Influence
Activities Draft Manual
<http://publicintelligence.
2. Information Operations Are Now “Inform
and Influence Activities”
<http://publicintelligence.
orm-and-influence-activities/>
3. NATO Sensors for Urban Operations Technical
Report
<http://publicintelligence.
technical-report/>
4. NATO Military Policy on Information Operations
<http://publicintelligence.
5. NATO Bilateral Strategic Command Information
Operations Reference Book
<http://publicintelligence.
6. NATO Military Concept for Strategic
Communications
<http://publicintelligence.
7. NATO Military Policy on Psychological
Operations <http://publicintelligence.
8. NATO Strategic Communications Policy
<http://publicintelligence.
http://publicintelligence.net/
<http://publicintelligence.
NATO Technical Report: Measuring the Effectiveness of
Activities that Influence Attitudes and Behaviors
<http://publicintelligence.
November 28, 2012 in North Atlantic Treaty Organization
<http://publicintelligence.
treaty-organization-documents/
<http://info.publicintelligenc
How to Improve your Aim: Measuring the Effectiveness of
Activities that Influence Attitudes and Behaviors
* 100 pages
* This document should be announced and supplied only to
NATO, Government Agencies of NATO nations and their bona
fide contractors, and to other recipients approved by the
RTO National Coordinators.
* August 2011
[Download]
<http://info.publicintelligenc
The emphasis of military operations is shifting more and
more towards non-kinetic activities, such as Psychological
Operations and Information Operations, which are geared
towards influencing attitudes and behaviors of specific
target audiences. Though many such activities are
undertaken, there is little systematic evaluation of the
effects they bring about and their effectiveness. As a
result, it is not well known what these operations
contribute to the overall operation and to what degree
they are achieving their goals. The purpose of the Task
Group HFM-160 was to develop a systematic approach to the
Measurement Of Effectiveness (MOE) of influence
operations.
In our approach, we consider MOE to be a process rather
than a “thing”; there is no definitive list of MOE or
even an overview of best practices. All MOE are
custom made for a specific situation. Our approach
is a way of thinking about how to assess the
effects of what you have done and how effective you
have been. MOE is most intuitively suited to
influence operations, such as PSYOPS. However, any
operation will affect attitudes and behaviors –
especially kinetic operations. For this reason, our
approach generalizes across the whole operations spectrum:
from PSYOPS and CIMIC to the most assertive kinetic
activity. Our work takes NATO PSYOPS doctrine (AJP 3.10.1)
as a starting point and augments it specifically for MOE.
There where we feel existing definitions and procedures
are insufficient, we take the liberty to develop our own.
Our approach should be seen as a starting point. It is not
possible to become an MOE expert in a couple of days after
reading about our approach. Furthermore, some activities
in the approach, such as statistical analysis, should be
supported by knowledgeable individuals; just knowing that
something should be done is not the same as being able to
do it. The approach was designed for operational and
tactical levels working with, commissioning, developing or
interpreting MOE for any type of influence activity. They
should gain an understanding of the complexity of
attitudinal and behavioral MOE, the basics of how to embed
MOE in operations and the basics of how to develop MOE
such that it yields the desired – or at least useful –
information.
The most important key concepts in the HFM-160 approach
to MOE are: effects and effectiveness. Effects refer to
changes in the environment, potentially brought about by
your actions, though other forces may lead to the observed
effects. Effectiveness refers to the degree to which your
actions are responsible for bringing about the desired
effects. Effects can be seen as a goal in and of
themselves; what causes the effects is relatively
unimportant as long as the effects are manifested. In
terms of effectiveness, how the change comes about is key.
It is not enough that change has occurred; you must gain
insight into the cause of this change: either your actions
or something else.
…
2.2.1 Effects
Every operation conducted is geared towards realizing a
particular effect. In terms of kinetic activities, this
may be to diminish the adversary’s fire power or limit
their mobility. In operations geared towards attitudinal
and behavioral change, it may be to create support within
the local population or something more tangible such as
collecting firearms in civilians’ possession. In all
cases, the goal is to change something through your
actions. Any change resulting from any operation may be
identified as an effect. Though hopefully the effect you
want is what changes, an effect may also be unwanted or
unintended. Effects may be positive or negative. They may
also be material, attitudinal or behavioral.
…
<http://publicintelligence.
asuringInfluence-21.png>
Tags: North Atlantic Treaty Organization
<http://publicintelligence.
tion/> , Psychological Operations
<http://publicintelligence.
Strategic Communications
<http://publicintelligence.
No Comments »
<http://publicintelligence.
Related Material From the Archive:
1. U.S. Army FM 3-13 Inform and Influence
Activities Draft Manual
<http://publicintelligence.
2. Information Operations Are Now “Inform
and Influence Activities”
<http://publicintelligence.
orm-and-influence-activities/>
3. NATO Sensors for Urban Operations Technical
Report
<http://publicintelligence.
technical-report/>
4. NATO Military Policy on Information Operations
<http://publicintelligence.
5. NATO Bilateral Strategic Command Information
Operations Reference Book
<http://publicintelligence.
6. NATO Military Concept for Strategic
Communications
<http://publicintelligence.
7. NATO Military Policy on Psychological
Operations <http://publicintelligence.
8. NATO Strategic Communications Policy
<http://publicintelligence.
Wed Nov 28, 2012 8:08 pm (PST) . Posted by:
"Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff
http://www.globaltimes.cn/
Global Times
November 28, 2012
Russia-China rapport can be pillar of international stability
====
China has "three rings" of diplomacy. The first ring is sound relations with big powers; the second is friendly ties with its neighbors; and the third is all-round cooperation with other developing countries. Russia is the only country that falls into all three rings.
China now faces security threats from three sides: east, south and west. The only secure side is north thanks to good relations with Russia and Central Asian countries. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) should play an active role in Afghanistan, when US-led NATO troops withdraw in 2014.
In multinational arenas such as the UN Security Council, G20, SCO, and the BRICS, China and Russia have found more and more common interests.
====
Editor's Note:
Chinese diplomacy under the new leadership is being closely watched and discussed by political scientists and scholars around the world. The Chinese and Russian leaderships have seen increasing bilateral cooperation both economically and politically in recent years. How will these relations develop? What challenges remain ahead of the two largest emerging powers? The RIA Novosti news agency invited analysts from both countries to debate these issues after China's leadership transition at the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.
Sustained growth
Wu Enyuan, researcher of the Institute of Russian, Eastern European and Central Asian Studies under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences
Despite the change in leadership, China's foreign policy will maintain its previous role as serving domestic economic development. China has "three rings" of diplomacy. The first ring is sound relations with big powers; the second is friendly ties with its neighbors; and the third is all-round cooperation with other developing countries. Russia is the only country that falls into all three rings.
Some foreigners are skeptical about China's economic model. They believe China is facing greater and greater risks of economic collapse, mixed with severe corruption problems. But we must realize there is also great potential to bridge the development gaps between cities and the countryside, and between the western and eastern parts of the country. China's domestic consumption demand has yet to be unleashed.
China's and Russia's leaderships also have reached a target to bring bilateral annual trade volume to $100 billion in 2015, and then double it by 2020. Although the figure is not comparable with the current China-US trade volume of nearly $450 billion a year, it remains an ambitious goal, given the current weak state of China-Russia trade. A precondition for this to succeed is a stable environment for sustained economic growth in China. Russia will undoubtedly benefit from this.
China now faces security threats from three sides: east, south and west. The only secure side is north thanks to good relations with Russia and Central Asian countries. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) should play an active role in Afghanistan, when US-led NATO troops withdraw in 2014.
Social risks
Sergey Luzyanin, deputy director of the Institute of Far East Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences
A group of Russian experts has carefully examined the report that Chinese leader Hu Jintao made at the 18th Party congress. We noted China's ambition to build a wealthy and strong socialist country by 2049. China's strategy is based on harmonious development and friendly relations with neighboring countries.
In multinational arenas such as the UN Security Council, G20, SCO, and the BRICS, China and Russia have found more and more common interests. China has realized that Russia, which has settled its territorial issues with China, can be a very good partner in these occasions. But economic cooperation between China and Russia has apparently fallen behind political cooperation.
While China applies the brakes to its economic growth rate, it will be no easy task to double the income of Chinese people by the end of this decade. What's more, the middle class in China, benefiting from the transition of economic development model, will continue to grow up and demand more political representatives. This will happen as the grass roots in China are becoming increasingly averse to corruption.
Externally, the US will not loosen up its containment of China, and expanding China-US exchanges will not only let the two become more interdependent, but also bring more potential frictions.
Common duties
Feng Yujun, director of the Institute of Russian Studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations
Russian President Vladimir Putin has made it clear in his foreign policy statement that China's economic development is a historic opportunity for Russia. But there have been negative thoughts emerging in Russia recently. Some people see a stronger China as a threat, and they believe China erodes Russia's interests in Central Asia by developing ties with ex-Soviet republics there.
When China and Russia were hostile to each other in the 1960s, both lost opportunities to develop economic ties, setting them back decades. Now, the leaders from both countries have renewed this focus. Russia has set itself the goal of increasing its per capita income to $35,000 in 2020. Even if China doubles its people's income by that time, the Chinese per capita income will only stand at $10,000. China does not pose any economic threat to Russia.
In political governance, China and Russia could also find a way to share their experience in fighting against corruption. And internationally, the two countries share the common responsibility to avoid a new imbalance in Asia-Pacific, preventing hot disputes from souring into real conflicts.
==============================
Stop NATO e-mail list home page with archives and search engine:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/
Stop NATO website and articles:
http://rickrozoff.wordpress.co
To subscribe for individual e-mails or the daily digest, unsubscribe, and otherwise change subscription status:
stopnato-subscribe@yahoogroups
==============================
Global Times
November 28, 2012
Russia-China rapport can be pillar of international stability
====
China has "three rings" of diplomacy. The first ring is sound relations with big powers; the second is friendly ties with its neighbors; and the third is all-round cooperation with other developing countries. Russia is the only country that falls into all three rings.
China now faces security threats from three sides: east, south and west. The only secure side is north thanks to good relations with Russia and Central Asian countries. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) should play an active role in Afghanistan, when US-led NATO troops withdraw in 2014.
In multinational arenas such as the UN Security Council, G20, SCO, and the BRICS, China and Russia have found more and more common interests.
====
Editor's Note:
Chinese diplomacy under the new leadership is being closely watched and discussed by political scientists and scholars around the world. The Chinese and Russian leaderships have seen increasing bilateral cooperation both economically and politically in recent years. How will these relations develop? What challenges remain ahead of the two largest emerging powers? The RIA Novosti news agency invited analysts from both countries to debate these issues after China's leadership transition at the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.
Sustained growth
Wu Enyuan, researcher of the Institute of Russian, Eastern European and Central Asian Studies under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences
Despite the change in leadership, China's foreign policy will maintain its previous role as serving domestic economic development. China has "three rings" of diplomacy. The first ring is sound relations with big powers; the second is friendly ties with its neighbors; and the third is all-round cooperation with other developing countries. Russia is the only country that falls into all three rings.
Some foreigners are skeptical about China's economic model. They believe China is facing greater and greater risks of economic collapse, mixed with severe corruption problems. But we must realize there is also great potential to bridge the development gaps between cities and the countryside, and between the western and eastern parts of the country. China's domestic consumption demand has yet to be unleashed.
China's and Russia's leaderships also have reached a target to bring bilateral annual trade volume to $100 billion in 2015, and then double it by 2020. Although the figure is not comparable with the current China-US trade volume of nearly $450 billion a year, it remains an ambitious goal, given the current weak state of China-Russia trade. A precondition for this to succeed is a stable environment for sustained economic growth in China. Russia will undoubtedly benefit from this.
China now faces security threats from three sides: east, south and west. The only secure side is north thanks to good relations with Russia and Central Asian countries. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) should play an active role in Afghanistan, when US-led NATO troops withdraw in 2014.
Social risks
Sergey Luzyanin, deputy director of the Institute of Far East Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences
A group of Russian experts has carefully examined the report that Chinese leader Hu Jintao made at the 18th Party congress. We noted China's ambition to build a wealthy and strong socialist country by 2049. China's strategy is based on harmonious development and friendly relations with neighboring countries.
In multinational arenas such as the UN Security Council, G20, SCO, and the BRICS, China and Russia have found more and more common interests. China has realized that Russia, which has settled its territorial issues with China, can be a very good partner in these occasions. But economic cooperation between China and Russia has apparently fallen behind political cooperation.
While China applies the brakes to its economic growth rate, it will be no easy task to double the income of Chinese people by the end of this decade. What's more, the middle class in China, benefiting from the transition of economic development model, will continue to grow up and demand more political representatives. This will happen as the grass roots in China are becoming increasingly averse to corruption.
Externally, the US will not loosen up its containment of China, and expanding China-US exchanges will not only let the two become more interdependent, but also bring more potential frictions.
Common duties
Feng Yujun, director of the Institute of Russian Studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations
Russian President Vladimir Putin has made it clear in his foreign policy statement that China's economic development is a historic opportunity for Russia. But there have been negative thoughts emerging in Russia recently. Some people see a stronger China as a threat, and they believe China erodes Russia's interests in Central Asia by developing ties with ex-Soviet republics there.
When China and Russia were hostile to each other in the 1960s, both lost opportunities to develop economic ties, setting them back decades. Now, the leaders from both countries have renewed this focus. Russia has set itself the goal of increasing its per capita income to $35,000 in 2020. Even if China doubles its people's income by that time, the Chinese per capita income will only stand at $10,000. China does not pose any economic threat to Russia.
In political governance, China and Russia could also find a way to share their experience in fighting against corruption. And internationally, the two countries share the common responsibility to avoid a new imbalance in Asia-Pacific, preventing hot disputes from souring into real conflicts.
==============================
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==============================
Wed Nov 28, 2012 8:08 pm (PST) . Posted by:
"Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff
http://en.trend.az/regions/sca
Trend News Agency
November 28, 2012
Georgia, U.S. discuss deepening of military cooperation
N. Kirtskhalia
Tbilisi: U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Eric Rubin met with Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Alasania.
The conversation touched upon bilateral cooperation, prospects of integration into NATO, reforms planned in the defense area and the contribution of the Georgian contingent in the international mission ISAF, the Georgian Defense Ministry told Trend on Wednesday.
Alasania said that Georgia remains a reliable partner of the United States and is ready to make an even greater contribution to global security.
Alasania thanked the guest for support to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia and integration into Euro-Atlantic structures.
At the meeting, Alasania also paid attention to the NATO Military Committee's planned visit to Georgia next year.
The conversation also touched upon the military cooperation between Georgia and the United States. Within the strategic partnership the United States provides assistance to Georgia in six areas, which primarily envisages strengthening the capacity of anti-aircraft defense, as well as training in military engineering.
------------------------------
http://www.mod.gov.ge/en/news/
Ministry of Defence of Georgia
November 28, 2012
Minister of Defence of Georgia meets with Mr. Eric Rubin
Defence Minister Irakli Alasania has received Mr. Eric Rubin, the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, today. The U.S.-Georgia partnership, NATO integration prospects, reforms scheduled in the field of defence and the contribution of Georgian peacekeepers in the ISAF mission were the key topics of discussion at the meeting. According to Irakli Alasania, Georgia still remains a reliable partner of the United States and stands ready to provide more contributions to global security.
The Defence Minister expressed gratitude for the support of the United States to Georgia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and Euro-Atlantic integration. During the meeting with Eric Rubin, Irakli Alasania underlined the visit of the NATO Military Committee in Georgia scheduled next year.
At the meeting, the sides focused attention on the enhanced defence cooperation between the two countries. Within the framework of the U.S.-Georgia Charter on Strategic partnership, the United States provides assistance to the Georgian side in six directions which cover, among other issues, enhancement of air-defence capabilities, defensive combat engineer training and education and utility helicopter aviation training support.
------------------------------
http://rustavi2.com/news/news_
Rustavi 2
November 27, 2012
Eric Rubin holds meetings in Tbilisi
U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Eric Rubin pays an official visit to Georgia. He will participate in a session of the working group on Defense and Security Issues, which is held in the framework of the U.S.-Georgia Strategic Partnership Commission. Meetings with the NGOs, international missions to Georgia and country`s senior authorities are also on the agenda.
Mr. Rubin has already met with Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili. The sides emphasized the meaning of the 20-year-long cooperation between Georgia and the United States and expressed their hope that the cooperation between the two friendly countries would be further enhanced.
Bidzina Ivanishvili thanked Eric Rubin for great support provided to Georgia. The issue of Georgia-Russia relations was also reviewed.
`We had a very friendly, warm meeting; it was very interesting. We discussed bilateral relations once more and expressed hope that these relations would be enhanced in the terms of the new government,` Bidzina Ivanishvili said after the meeting.
==============================
Stop NATO e-mail list home page with archives and search engine:
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Stop NATO website and articles:
http://rickrozoff.wordpress.co
To subscribe for individual e-mails or the daily digest, unsubscribe, and otherwise change subscription status:
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==============================
Trend News Agency
November 28, 2012
Georgia, U.S. discuss deepening of military cooperation
N. Kirtskhalia
Tbilisi: U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Eric Rubin met with Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Alasania.
The conversation touched upon bilateral cooperation, prospects of integration into NATO, reforms planned in the defense area and the contribution of the Georgian contingent in the international mission ISAF, the Georgian Defense Ministry told Trend on Wednesday.
Alasania said that Georgia remains a reliable partner of the United States and is ready to make an even greater contribution to global security.
Alasania thanked the guest for support to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia and integration into Euro-Atlantic structures.
At the meeting, Alasania also paid attention to the NATO Military Committee's planned visit to Georgia next year.
The conversation also touched upon the military cooperation between Georgia and the United States. Within the strategic partnership the United States provides assistance to Georgia in six areas, which primarily envisages strengthening the capacity of anti-aircraft defense, as well as training in military engineering.
------------------------------
http://www.mod.gov.ge/en/news/
Ministry of Defence of Georgia
November 28, 2012
Minister of Defence of Georgia meets with Mr. Eric Rubin
Defence Minister Irakli Alasania has received Mr. Eric Rubin, the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, today. The U.S.-Georgia partnership, NATO integration prospects, reforms scheduled in the field of defence and the contribution of Georgian peacekeepers in the ISAF mission were the key topics of discussion at the meeting. According to Irakli Alasania, Georgia still remains a reliable partner of the United States and stands ready to provide more contributions to global security.
The Defence Minister expressed gratitude for the support of the United States to Georgia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and Euro-Atlantic integration. During the meeting with Eric Rubin, Irakli Alasania underlined the visit of the NATO Military Committee in Georgia scheduled next year.
At the meeting, the sides focused attention on the enhanced defence cooperation between the two countries. Within the framework of the U.S.-Georgia Charter on Strategic partnership, the United States provides assistance to the Georgian side in six directions which cover, among other issues, enhancement of air-defence capabilities, defensive combat engineer training and education and utility helicopter aviation training support.
------------------------------
http://rustavi2.com/news/news_
Rustavi 2
November 27, 2012
Eric Rubin holds meetings in Tbilisi
U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Eric Rubin pays an official visit to Georgia. He will participate in a session of the working group on Defense and Security Issues, which is held in the framework of the U.S.-Georgia Strategic Partnership Commission. Meetings with the NGOs, international missions to Georgia and country`s senior authorities are also on the agenda.
Mr. Rubin has already met with Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili. The sides emphasized the meaning of the 20-year-long cooperation between Georgia and the United States and expressed their hope that the cooperation between the two friendly countries would be further enhanced.
Bidzina Ivanishvili thanked Eric Rubin for great support provided to Georgia. The issue of Georgia-Russia relations was also reviewed.
`We had a very friendly, warm meeting; it was very interesting. We discussed bilateral relations once more and expressed hope that these relations would be enhanced in the terms of the new government,` Bidzina Ivanishvili said after the meeting.
==============================
Stop NATO e-mail list home page with archives and search engine:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/
Stop NATO website and articles:
http://rickrozoff.wordpress.co
To subscribe for individual e-mails or the daily digest, unsubscribe, and otherwise change subscription status:
stopnato-subscribe@yahoogroups
==============================
Wed Nov 28, 2012 8:08 pm (PST) . Posted by:
"Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff
http://www.aco.nato.int/switze
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Allied Command Operations
November 28, 2012
SWITZERLAND: A KEY PARTNER ON DEFENCE REFORM
====
A number of military training facilities are available for PfP training activities. These include the Centre for Information and Communication of the Armed Forces in Berne, the Mountain Training Centre of the Swiss Armed Forces in Andermatt, the International Training Centre of the Swiss Army (SWISSINT) in Stans, and the Tactical Training Centre at the Swiss Officers’ Training Centre in Lucerne.
Switzerland is also an active donor to Partnership Trust Fund projects. Along with individual Allies and partners, it has supported 13 projects since 2000, which have provided assistance for the destruction of mines, arms, or ammunition in Albania, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Serbia, Montenegro, Ukraine and, more recently, Jordan and Mauritania.
====
NATO and Switzerland have developed a strong partnership over the years since the country joined the Partnership for Peace in 1996. The Swiss armed forces are making a valuable contribution to the NATO-led force in Kosovo. Switzerland has also distinguished itself in terms of its significant contribution to promoting work with partners in the area of defence reform, education and training. The NATO Secretary General exchanged views with key members of the Swiss government on how to deepen partnership, during his visit to Switzerland on 22 November.
"Our partnership goes much further, and deeper, than operations,” underlined NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, speaking at the prestigious Churchill Symposium of Zürich University’s European Institute. "Over the years, your country has developed enormous credibility and trust – both among NATO Allies and among our other partners. With your soft-power diplomacy and your mediation skills, you have become a unique and essential contributor to our cooperative security.”
...
"Because of these shared values, Switzerland has made an enormous investment in NATO’s partnership programmes. You have provided trainers in defence reform, military training and education, and building democratic institutions. Your experts work alongside those of NATO to build more transparent and democratic security institutions,” added Mr. Fogh Rasmussen.
Committed to cooperative security
Switzerland is a generous contributor – intellectually, materially and financially – to the development of practical cooperative security within the Euro-Atlantic area and beyond.
The support of the government and of government-funded institutions has played an essential part in deepening and enhancing NATO’s Partnership for Peace (PfP) programme and the activities of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC)...
The country hosts many courses within the PfP framework and develops training materials in areas such as democratic control of armed forces, international humanitarian law, humanitarian demining, civil-military cooperation, security policy, arms control and disarmament.
One of the most active members of the PfP Consortium of Defence Academies and Security Studies Institutes, Switzerland has made a number of civilian training facilities available. These include the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD), the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF), and the International Relations and Security Network (ISN) based in Zurich.
A number of military training facilities are available for PfP training activities. These include the Centre for Information and Communication of the Armed Forces in Berne, the Mountain Training Centre of the Swiss Armed Forces in Andermatt, the International Training Centre of the Swiss Army (SWISSINT) in Stans, and the Tactical Training Centre at the Swiss Officers’ Training Centre in Lucerne.
Switzerland is also an active donor to Partnership Trust Fund projects. Along with individual Allies and partners, it has supported 13 projects since 2000, which have provided assistance for the destruction of mines, arms, or ammunition in Albania, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Serbia, Montenegro, Ukraine and, more recently, Jordan and Mauritania.
Switzerland has also supported a Trust Fund project in Serbia for the reintegration of demobilized military personnel into the civilian workforce. Moreover, the country is co-leading a Trust Fund on Building Integrity in Defence Institutions and has also contributed over 130,000 euro to the Trust Fund for the development of the Afghan National Army.
Support for peace-support operations
Swiss law excludes participation in combat operations for peace enforcement and Swiss units will only participate in operations under UN or OSCE mandate. Within the limits of its neutrality, Switzerland participates in peace-support operations or multilateral cooperation in military training.
Over 200 soldiers are currently deployed as part of the Kosovo Force (KFOR). The Swiss armed forces have been contributing to KFOR’s Multinational Task Force – South since 1999.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Allied Command Operations
November 28, 2012
SWITZERLAND: A KEY PARTNER ON DEFENCE REFORM
====
A number of military training facilities are available for PfP training activities. These include the Centre for Information and Communication of the Armed Forces in Berne, the Mountain Training Centre of the Swiss Armed Forces in Andermatt, the International Training Centre of the Swiss Army (SWISSINT) in Stans, and the Tactical Training Centre at the Swiss Officers’ Training Centre in Lucerne.
Switzerland is also an active donor to Partnership Trust Fund projects. Along with individual Allies and partners, it has supported 13 projects since 2000, which have provided assistance for the destruction of mines, arms, or ammunition in Albania, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Serbia, Montenegro, Ukraine and, more recently, Jordan and Mauritania.
====
NATO and Switzerland have developed a strong partnership over the years since the country joined the Partnership for Peace in 1996. The Swiss armed forces are making a valuable contribution to the NATO-led force in Kosovo. Switzerland has also distinguished itself in terms of its significant contribution to promoting work with partners in the area of defence reform, education and training. The NATO Secretary General exchanged views with key members of the Swiss government on how to deepen partnership, during his visit to Switzerland on 22 November.
"Our partnership goes much further, and deeper, than operations,” underlined NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, speaking at the prestigious Churchill Symposium of Zürich University’s European Institute. "Over the years, your country has developed enormous credibility and trust – both among NATO Allies and among our other partners. With your soft-power diplomacy and your mediation skills, you have become a unique and essential contributor to our cooperative security.”
...
"Because of these shared values, Switzerland has made an enormous investment in NATO’s partnership programmes. You have provided trainers in defence reform, military training and education, and building democratic institutions. Your experts work alongside those of NATO to build more transparent and democratic security institutions,” added Mr. Fogh Rasmussen.
Committed to cooperative security
Switzerland is a generous contributor – intellectually, materially and financially – to the development of practical cooperative security within the Euro-Atlantic area and beyond.
The support of the government and of government-funded institutions has played an essential part in deepening and enhancing NATO’s Partnership for Peace (PfP) programme and the activities of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC)...
The country hosts many courses within the PfP framework and develops training materials in areas such as democratic control of armed forces, international humanitarian law, humanitarian demining, civil-military cooperation, security policy, arms control and disarmament.
One of the most active members of the PfP Consortium of Defence Academies and Security Studies Institutes, Switzerland has made a number of civilian training facilities available. These include the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD), the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF), and the International Relations and Security Network (ISN) based in Zurich.
A number of military training facilities are available for PfP training activities. These include the Centre for Information and Communication of the Armed Forces in Berne, the Mountain Training Centre of the Swiss Armed Forces in Andermatt, the International Training Centre of the Swiss Army (SWISSINT) in Stans, and the Tactical Training Centre at the Swiss Officers’ Training Centre in Lucerne.
Switzerland is also an active donor to Partnership Trust Fund projects. Along with individual Allies and partners, it has supported 13 projects since 2000, which have provided assistance for the destruction of mines, arms, or ammunition in Albania, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Serbia, Montenegro, Ukraine and, more recently, Jordan and Mauritania.
Switzerland has also supported a Trust Fund project in Serbia for the reintegration of demobilized military personnel into the civilian workforce. Moreover, the country is co-leading a Trust Fund on Building Integrity in Defence Institutions and has also contributed over 130,000 euro to the Trust Fund for the development of the Afghan National Army.
Support for peace-support operations
Swiss law excludes participation in combat operations for peace enforcement and Swiss units will only participate in operations under UN or OSCE mandate. Within the limits of its neutrality, Switzerland participates in peace-support operations or multilateral cooperation in military training.
Over 200 soldiers are currently deployed as part of the Kosovo Force (KFOR). The Swiss armed forces have been contributing to KFOR’s Multinational Task Force – South since 1999.
