8 New Messages
Digest #4566
Messages
Tue Dec 4, 2012 5:32 am (PST) . Posted by:
"Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff
http://en.trend.az/regions/met
Trend News Agency
December 3, 2012
Report: Patriots to be provided to Turkey by Germany, Holland
====
[S]peculation is rife that the deployment is a measure to counter a possible missile threat not from Syria, but from Iran...
The monitoring operations of the Patriot radars will be controlled from the Ramstein Allied Air Command headquarters, which serves as a NATO installation in the German state of Rheinland-Pfalz...
====
NATO members Germany and the Netherlands will supply Turkey with the Patriot missile systems it has sought to bolster its national security...Today's Zaman reported.
Germany will provide two Patriot PAC-3 surface-to-air missiles to Ankara, while the Netherlands will deliver one Patriot PAC-2 missile, say reports by Turkey's private NTV television, citing NATO sources.
NATO member Turkey formally requested Patriot missiles from the bloc earlier last month after weeks of talks with NATO allies about how to shore up security on its 900-kilometer (560 mile) border...
Ankara has repeatedly scrambled fighter jets along the frontier and responded in kind to stray Syrian shells that have crossed into its territory.
[S]peculation is rife that the deployment is a measure to counter a possible missile threat not from Syria, but from Iran, as the Patriot missiles requested by Ankara are not designed to provide protection against mortar or other stray shells similar to the ones that have landed several times on the Turkish side of the border in recent weeks.
...
Another of Turkey's NATO allies, the US reportedly pointed to the fact that outside of the ones it has already provided to Israel and Poland, the rest of America's Patriot systems are under maintenance, making it difficult for the US to respond to Turkey's recent requests.
The sources also stated that a decision has been made as to where the missile systems will be set up. The Patriots are to be deployed within a triangular area including the provinces of Gaziantep, Malatya and Diyarbakır in southern and eastern Turkey.
After a decision made last week at a meeting at NATO's Allied Forces Northern Europe (AFNORTH) command related to the Turkish request, Germany and the Netherlands each committed to supplying the Patriot systems to Turkey.
It is expected that military plans related to the Turkish demand for Patriots will be finalized at a NATO foreign ministerial meeting starting on Tuesday in the Belgian capital of Brussels.
The approval process for the delivery of the Patriots is expected to start in the German and Belgian parliaments on Thursday at the latest, with the possibility of delivery taking place after Dec. 9.
Patriots to detect threats 80 kilometers into Syrian territory
The conditions under which Patriots would be fired have also been decided, according to the report. Patriot radars are expected to be able to detect Syrian missiles within 80 kilometers of the border. In such an instance, missile defense systems would be activated in order to eliminate the threat.
The monitoring operations of the Patriot radars will be controlled from the Ramstein Allied Air Command headquarters, which serves as a NATO installation in the German state of Rheinland-Pfalz, while the control center will be commanded locally from within Turkey, according to the report.
==============================
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==============================
Trend News Agency
December 3, 2012
Report: Patriots to be provided to Turkey by Germany, Holland
====
[S]peculation is rife that the deployment is a measure to counter a possible missile threat not from Syria, but from Iran...
The monitoring operations of the Patriot radars will be controlled from the Ramstein Allied Air Command headquarters, which serves as a NATO installation in the German state of Rheinland-Pfalz...
====
NATO members Germany and the Netherlands will supply Turkey with the Patriot missile systems it has sought to bolster its national security...Today's Zaman reported.
Germany will provide two Patriot PAC-3 surface-to-air missiles to Ankara, while the Netherlands will deliver one Patriot PAC-2 missile, say reports by Turkey's private NTV television, citing NATO sources.
NATO member Turkey formally requested Patriot missiles from the bloc earlier last month after weeks of talks with NATO allies about how to shore up security on its 900-kilometer (560 mile) border...
Ankara has repeatedly scrambled fighter jets along the frontier and responded in kind to stray Syrian shells that have crossed into its territory.
[S]peculation is rife that the deployment is a measure to counter a possible missile threat not from Syria, but from Iran, as the Patriot missiles requested by Ankara are not designed to provide protection against mortar or other stray shells similar to the ones that have landed several times on the Turkish side of the border in recent weeks.
...
Another of Turkey's NATO allies, the US reportedly pointed to the fact that outside of the ones it has already provided to Israel and Poland, the rest of America's Patriot systems are under maintenance, making it difficult for the US to respond to Turkey's recent requests.
The sources also stated that a decision has been made as to where the missile systems will be set up. The Patriots are to be deployed within a triangular area including the provinces of Gaziantep, Malatya and Diyarbakır in southern and eastern Turkey.
After a decision made last week at a meeting at NATO's Allied Forces Northern Europe (AFNORTH) command related to the Turkish request, Germany and the Netherlands each committed to supplying the Patriot systems to Turkey.
It is expected that military plans related to the Turkish demand for Patriots will be finalized at a NATO foreign ministerial meeting starting on Tuesday in the Belgian capital of Brussels.
The approval process for the delivery of the Patriots is expected to start in the German and Belgian parliaments on Thursday at the latest, with the possibility of delivery taking place after Dec. 9.
Patriots to detect threats 80 kilometers into Syrian territory
The conditions under which Patriots would be fired have also been decided, according to the report. Patriot radars are expected to be able to detect Syrian missiles within 80 kilometers of the border. In such an instance, missile defense systems would be activated in order to eliminate the threat.
The monitoring operations of the Patriot radars will be controlled from the Ramstein Allied Air Command headquarters, which serves as a NATO installation in the German state of Rheinland-Pfalz, while the control center will be commanded locally from within Turkey, according to the report.
==============================
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==============================
Tue Dec 4, 2012 5:32 am (PST) . Posted by:
"Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff
http://en.rian.ru/military_new
Russian Information Agency Novosti
December 3, 2012
NATO Experts Select Patriot Missile Sites in Turkey
ANKARA: NATO military experts have selected sites for the deployment of at least three Patriot air defense systems along Turkey's border with Syria, local media reported on Monday.
NATO member Turkey formally requested Patriot missiles from the military alliance after weeks of talks with NATO allies about how to shore up security on its 900-kilometer (560 mile) border. Syria is believed to have several hundred surface-to-surface missiles capable of carrying chemical warheads.
Damascus has repeatedly stated that it would not use chemical weapons against its own people, but could deploy them to thwart "external aggression."
According to NATO sources cited by Turkey’s private NTV television network, Germany has agreed to provide Ankara with two Patriot PAC-3 systems, while the Netherlands will deliver one Patriot PAC-2 missile system.
The missiles will be deployed within a triangular area including the provinces of Gaziantep, Malatya and Diyarbakır in southern and eastern Turkey, CNN-Turk reported.
Their deployment is expected to be formally approved during a ministerial meeting of the 28 NATO allies in Brussels on December 4-5.
US Patriot surface-to-air missiles were deployed to Turkey in 1991 and 2003, during the two Gulf Wars. At that time the missiles were provided by the Netherlands.
Russia has repeatedly voiced concern about plans to deploy Patriot missiles on Turkey's border with Syria, although Moscow avoided directly criticizing Turkey.
Russia believes the deployment would mean the direct involvement of NATO forces in the Syrian conflict, further undermining the already unstable situation in the region.
Russian President Vladimir Putin will raise the issue at a meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan during his current visit to Turkey, his spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday.
==============================
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==============================
Russian Information Agency Novosti
December 3, 2012
NATO Experts Select Patriot Missile Sites in Turkey
ANKARA: NATO military experts have selected sites for the deployment of at least three Patriot air defense systems along Turkey's border with Syria, local media reported on Monday.
NATO member Turkey formally requested Patriot missiles from the military alliance after weeks of talks with NATO allies about how to shore up security on its 900-kilometer (560 mile) border. Syria is believed to have several hundred surface-to-surface missiles capable of carrying chemical warheads.
Damascus has repeatedly stated that it would not use chemical weapons against its own people, but could deploy them to thwart "external aggression."
According to NATO sources cited by Turkey’s private NTV television network, Germany has agreed to provide Ankara with two Patriot PAC-3 systems, while the Netherlands will deliver one Patriot PAC-2 missile system.
The missiles will be deployed within a triangular area including the provinces of Gaziantep, Malatya and Diyarbakır in southern and eastern Turkey, CNN-Turk reported.
Their deployment is expected to be formally approved during a ministerial meeting of the 28 NATO allies in Brussels on December 4-5.
US Patriot surface-to-air missiles were deployed to Turkey in 1991 and 2003, during the two Gulf Wars. At that time the missiles were provided by the Netherlands.
Russia has repeatedly voiced concern about plans to deploy Patriot missiles on Turkey's border with Syria, although Moscow avoided directly criticizing Turkey.
Russia believes the deployment would mean the direct involvement of NATO forces in the Syrian conflict, further undermining the already unstable situation in the region.
Russian President Vladimir Putin will raise the issue at a meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan during his current visit to Turkey, his spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday.
==============================
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==============================
Tue Dec 4, 2012 5:32 am (PST) . Posted by:
"Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff
http://www.aco.nato.int/northw
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Allied Command Operations
December 3, 2012
Northwood open for Business as NATO Maritime Hub
====
"[W]e are now in a position to provide command, capability design, advice; as well as take the lead for directing a whole range of NATO maritime assets including aircraft, ships and submarines. Indeed, nominally this could be as many as 750 ships and 800 thousand men and women.”
=====
From 1 December Northwood Headquarters in Middlesex, UK officially becomes host to NATO’s new Maritime Command.
Vice Admiral Christian Canova French Navy, recently appointed Deputy Commander NATO Maritime Command says: "that this not only represents an extraordinary privilege for the UK which will now host the sole maritime command for NATO, but it fuses together all maritime expertise into one centre of excellence...We will be NATO’s primary advocate and advisor for the whole Maritime domain.”
The change is a result of a larger programme decided at NATO’s 2010 Lisbon Summit aimed at making NATO’s command structure more efficient and effective. Admiral Canova added that "from today we are open for business and while some elements of integration are still underway for a few more months, we are now in a position to provide command, capability design, advice; as well as take the lead for directing a whole range of NATO maritime assets including aircraft, ships and submarines. Indeed, nominally this could be as many as 750 ships and 800 thousand men and women.”
The overall changes will also help make NATO’s Command structure more affordable. Throughout the whole of NATO positions are being trimmed from 12,000 HQ personnel to around 9,000 and reducing the number of NATO HQs from ten to six, in the largest re-structuring since the end of the Cold War. The new Maritime Command will report directly to Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Mons.
By the end of March 2013, NATO’s Maritime Command Naples will de-activate but MC Naples’ unique Mediterranean expertise will be preserved. Admiral Canova credits Naples HQ with having a "thorough knowledge of all maritime issues in and around the Mediterranean, and a well developed network in the region”. This includes their vast experience with Operation Active Endeavour, NATO’s Mediterranean counter-terrorism mission. "That network is something we want to continue,” he says.
These changes will take place during the next few months however, today the 1 Dec 2012 marks NATO-wide transition day when the Maritime Command at Northwood will assume its formal authority. A four-month transition period will follow, culminating in the de-activation of MC Naples on 28 March 2013. Northwood’s recent focus has been Operation Ocean Shield, NATO’s mission to counter Somali piracy in the Indian Ocean. While that remains important, Admiral Canova envisions the new Maritime Command at Northwood as aiming for a more comprehensive view, looking at, " a wider set of Maritime issues and threats.” Accordingly, the focus will have to be broadened from the current attention on Operation Ocean Shield.
==============================
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==============================
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Allied Command Operations
December 3, 2012
Northwood open for Business as NATO Maritime Hub
====
"[W]e are now in a position to provide command, capability design, advice; as well as take the lead for directing a whole range of NATO maritime assets including aircraft, ships and submarines. Indeed, nominally this could be as many as 750 ships and 800 thousand men and women.”
=====
From 1 December Northwood Headquarters in Middlesex, UK officially becomes host to NATO’s new Maritime Command.
Vice Admiral Christian Canova French Navy, recently appointed Deputy Commander NATO Maritime Command says: "that this not only represents an extraordinary privilege for the UK which will now host the sole maritime command for NATO, but it fuses together all maritime expertise into one centre of excellence...We will be NATO’s primary advocate and advisor for the whole Maritime domain.”
The change is a result of a larger programme decided at NATO’s 2010 Lisbon Summit aimed at making NATO’s command structure more efficient and effective. Admiral Canova added that "from today we are open for business and while some elements of integration are still underway for a few more months, we are now in a position to provide command, capability design, advice; as well as take the lead for directing a whole range of NATO maritime assets including aircraft, ships and submarines. Indeed, nominally this could be as many as 750 ships and 800 thousand men and women.”
The overall changes will also help make NATO’s Command structure more affordable. Throughout the whole of NATO positions are being trimmed from 12,000 HQ personnel to around 9,000 and reducing the number of NATO HQs from ten to six, in the largest re-structuring since the end of the Cold War. The new Maritime Command will report directly to Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Mons.
By the end of March 2013, NATO’s Maritime Command Naples will de-activate but MC Naples’ unique Mediterranean expertise will be preserved. Admiral Canova credits Naples HQ with having a "thorough knowledge of all maritime issues in and around the Mediterranean, and a well developed network in the region”. This includes their vast experience with Operation Active Endeavour, NATO’s Mediterranean counter-terrorism mission. "That network is something we want to continue,” he says.
These changes will take place during the next few months however, today the 1 Dec 2012 marks NATO-wide transition day when the Maritime Command at Northwood will assume its formal authority. A four-month transition period will follow, culminating in the de-activation of MC Naples on 28 March 2013. Northwood’s recent focus has been Operation Ocean Shield, NATO’s mission to counter Somali piracy in the Indian Ocean. While that remains important, Admiral Canova envisions the new Maritime Command at Northwood as aiming for a more comprehensive view, looking at, " a wider set of Maritime issues and threats.” Accordingly, the focus will have to be broadened from the current attention on Operation Ocean Shield.
==============================
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==============================
Tue Dec 4, 2012 5:46 am (PST) . Posted by:
"Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff
http://english.ruvr.ru/2012_12
Voice of Russia
December 4, 2012
Will Syria be a new Iraq, and will Hillary Clinton be a new Colin Powell?
Boris Volkhonsky
As reported by the Washington Post, senior US officials including President Barack Obama warned Syrian President Bashar Assad that deploying chemical weapons is "totally unacceptable," after what US officials said were new intelligence reports that the Damascus government is preparing such munitions for possible use.
It all started with the outgoing Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton who, on her visit to Prague, said on Monday, "This is a red line for the United States. I'm not going to telegraph in any specifics what we would do in the event of credible evidence that the Assad regime has resorted to using chemical weapons against their own people. But suffice to say we are certainly planning to take action."
President Obama followed suit telling the Syrian government that “there will be consequences, and you will be held accountable”.
"Syria’s Foreign Ministry said in an official statement that "Syria has stressed repeatedly that it will not use these types of weapons, if they were available, under any circumstances against its people."
Still, the information cover-up is going on in full swing. Reports supplied by US intelligence agencies concerning the alleged Syrian stockpiles of chemical weapons are appearing in various Western media. According to such reports, Syria possesses up to 1,000 tons of chemical weapons stored in 50 towns and cities. The weapons include mustard gas and sarin, and the CIA also believes (or, rather, tries to make others believe) that Syria has attempted to develop more toxic and more persistent nerve agents, such as VX gas. The weapons, according the CIA, "can be delivered by aircraft, ballistic missile, and artillery rockets."
For anyone with a memory as short-lived as not to remember the events of 9 years ago, the reports sound alarming if not catastrophic. Indeed, all this is happening against a background of heavy military preparations along Syrian borders with Turkey requesting NATO allies to supply Patriot missile defenses.
But when and if we remember the events of 2003, we cannot but feel a kind of déjà vu.
In 2003, there was a similar propagandist campaign concerning Iraqi alleged program aimed at acquiring weapons of mass destruction. The then Secretary of State Colin Powell publicly demonstrated photos supplied by the intelligence and meant to demonstrate that Saddam Hussein was possessing such weapons and ready to use them.
The photos served as a pretext for launching an open military aggression against Iraq which eventually led to toppling and murdering Saddam Hussein. After Americans took control of the country it turned out that the whole story was cock-eyed and there were no such weapons in Iraq. But who would care – by that time the aims of the operations had been successfully achieved and there was no comeback.
It seems that this time the US is going to use the old well-tested trick. First, the massive media campaign aimed at persuading the international public that the biggest threat for the world is coming from Bashar al-Assad. Then comes some kind of provocation – like using a device that may look (and smell) like a chemical weapon and blaming the Syrian regime for it. This will open gates for an open military intervention that will lead to toppling Bashar al-Assad.
After all, maybe no weapons of mass destruction will be found in Syria. But who would care – by that time the aims of the operation will have been successfully achieved.
"We simply cannot allow the 21st century to be darkened by the worse weapons of the 20th century," said US President Barack Obama. Indeed, this phrase reveals the real intentions of the US administration. Being technologically the most advanced global power, the US would prefer to remain the only power capable of using the "best" weapons of the 21st century, depriving all others of the right and capacity to retaliate.
Boris Volkhonsky, senior research fellow, Russian Institute for Strategic Studies
==============================
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==============================
Voice of Russia
December 4, 2012
Will Syria be a new Iraq, and will Hillary Clinton be a new Colin Powell?
Boris Volkhonsky
As reported by the Washington Post, senior US officials including President Barack Obama warned Syrian President Bashar Assad that deploying chemical weapons is "totally unacceptable," after what US officials said were new intelligence reports that the Damascus government is preparing such munitions for possible use.
It all started with the outgoing Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton who, on her visit to Prague, said on Monday, "This is a red line for the United States. I'm not going to telegraph in any specifics what we would do in the event of credible evidence that the Assad regime has resorted to using chemical weapons against their own people. But suffice to say we are certainly planning to take action."
President Obama followed suit telling the Syrian government that “there will be consequences, and you will be held accountable”.
"Syria’s Foreign Ministry said in an official statement that "Syria has stressed repeatedly that it will not use these types of weapons, if they were available, under any circumstances against its people."
Still, the information cover-up is going on in full swing. Reports supplied by US intelligence agencies concerning the alleged Syrian stockpiles of chemical weapons are appearing in various Western media. According to such reports, Syria possesses up to 1,000 tons of chemical weapons stored in 50 towns and cities. The weapons include mustard gas and sarin, and the CIA also believes (or, rather, tries to make others believe) that Syria has attempted to develop more toxic and more persistent nerve agents, such as VX gas. The weapons, according the CIA, "can be delivered by aircraft, ballistic missile, and artillery rockets."
For anyone with a memory as short-lived as not to remember the events of 9 years ago, the reports sound alarming if not catastrophic. Indeed, all this is happening against a background of heavy military preparations along Syrian borders with Turkey requesting NATO allies to supply Patriot missile defenses.
But when and if we remember the events of 2003, we cannot but feel a kind of déjà vu.
In 2003, there was a similar propagandist campaign concerning Iraqi alleged program aimed at acquiring weapons of mass destruction. The then Secretary of State Colin Powell publicly demonstrated photos supplied by the intelligence and meant to demonstrate that Saddam Hussein was possessing such weapons and ready to use them.
The photos served as a pretext for launching an open military aggression against Iraq which eventually led to toppling and murdering Saddam Hussein. After Americans took control of the country it turned out that the whole story was cock-eyed and there were no such weapons in Iraq. But who would care – by that time the aims of the operations had been successfully achieved and there was no comeback.
It seems that this time the US is going to use the old well-tested trick. First, the massive media campaign aimed at persuading the international public that the biggest threat for the world is coming from Bashar al-Assad. Then comes some kind of provocation – like using a device that may look (and smell) like a chemical weapon and blaming the Syrian regime for it. This will open gates for an open military intervention that will lead to toppling Bashar al-Assad.
After all, maybe no weapons of mass destruction will be found in Syria. But who would care – by that time the aims of the operation will have been successfully achieved.
"We simply cannot allow the 21st century to be darkened by the worse weapons of the 20th century," said US President Barack Obama. Indeed, this phrase reveals the real intentions of the US administration. Being technologically the most advanced global power, the US would prefer to remain the only power capable of using the "best" weapons of the 21st century, depriving all others of the right and capacity to retaliate.
Boris Volkhonsky, senior research fellow, Russian Institute for Strategic Studies
==============================
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==============================
Tue Dec 4, 2012 6:06 am (PST) . Posted by:
"Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff
http://news.xinhuanet.com/
Xinhua News Agency
December 4, 2012
NATO ministers to approve Turkey missile request on Tuesday: Rasmussen
BRUSSELS: NATO foreign ministers are expected on Tuesday to approve Turkey's request for Patriot missiles to defend the country from potential attack from neighboring Syria, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said.
"I would expect NATO allies to make a decision later today. I am confident we will demonstrate our determination to deter any threats and defend our ally," he said ahead of a two-day gathering of foreign ministers from 28 NATO members.
The NATO chief reiterated that any deployment of Patriots missiles in Turkey would be "defensive only" and would in no way support a no-fly zone or any offensive operation.
"After the decision, it is for individual allies who are capable to deploy Patriots missiles to take their decisions in full respect for domestic parliamentary procedures," Rasmussen said.
The United States, Germany and the Netherlands have the advanced PAC-3 model Patriot missile that Turkey requested last week to deploy because of its fears of a spillover from the conflict in Syria.
Rasmussen said actual deployment of the Patriots would take place within weeks.
NATO foreign ministers on Tuesday will also meet with their Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, who has voiced opposition to the plan and warned Ankara not to increase its military presence on the border with Syria.
During his visit to Turkey on Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said deploying Patriot missiles were not "the right model and could deteriorate the situation."
In addition, Rasmussen said that the Syrian stockpile of chemical weapons, which is believed to include sarin nerve agent, mustard gas and cyanide, were "a matter of great concern."
"We know that Syria possess missiles, we know they have the chemical weapons and, of course, they have to be included in our calculations. This is the reason why it is a matter of urgency to ensure effective defense and protection of our ally Turkey," he said.
"The possible use of chemical weapons would be completely unacceptable for the international community. If anybody resorts to chemical weapons, I would expect immediate action from the international community," he warned.
U.S. President Barack Obama on Monday also warned Syrian President Bashar al-Assad of "consequences" in using chemical weapons in the Arab country's 21-month conflict.
"The use of chemical weapons is and would be totally unacceptable, and if you make the tragic mistake of using these weapons there will be consequences and you will be held accountable," Obama said.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry stressed Monday that Syria will not use chemical weapons, "even if they existed," against its people under any circumstance.
==============================
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==============================
Xinhua News Agency
December 4, 2012
NATO ministers to approve Turkey missile request on Tuesday: Rasmussen
BRUSSELS: NATO foreign ministers are expected on Tuesday to approve Turkey's request for Patriot missiles to defend the country from potential attack from neighboring Syria, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said.
"I would expect NATO allies to make a decision later today. I am confident we will demonstrate our determination to deter any threats and defend our ally," he said ahead of a two-day gathering of foreign ministers from 28 NATO members.
The NATO chief reiterated that any deployment of Patriots missiles in Turkey would be "defensive only" and would in no way support a no-fly zone or any offensive operation.
"After the decision, it is for individual allies who are capable to deploy Patriots missiles to take their decisions in full respect for domestic parliamentary procedures," Rasmussen said.
The United States, Germany and the Netherlands have the advanced PAC-3 model Patriot missile that Turkey requested last week to deploy because of its fears of a spillover from the conflict in Syria.
Rasmussen said actual deployment of the Patriots would take place within weeks.
NATO foreign ministers on Tuesday will also meet with their Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, who has voiced opposition to the plan and warned Ankara not to increase its military presence on the border with Syria.
During his visit to Turkey on Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said deploying Patriot missiles were not "the right model and could deteriorate the situation."
In addition, Rasmussen said that the Syrian stockpile of chemical weapons, which is believed to include sarin nerve agent, mustard gas and cyanide, were "a matter of great concern."
"We know that Syria possess missiles, we know they have the chemical weapons and, of course, they have to be included in our calculations. This is the reason why it is a matter of urgency to ensure effective defense and protection of our ally Turkey," he said.
"The possible use of chemical weapons would be completely unacceptable for the international community. If anybody resorts to chemical weapons, I would expect immediate action from the international community," he warned.
U.S. President Barack Obama on Monday also warned Syrian President Bashar al-Assad of "consequences" in using chemical weapons in the Arab country's 21-month conflict.
"The use of chemical weapons is and would be totally unacceptable, and if you make the tragic mistake of using these weapons there will be consequences and you will be held accountable," Obama said.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry stressed Monday that Syria will not use chemical weapons, "even if they existed," against its people under any circumstance.
==============================
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==============================
Tue Dec 4, 2012 11:46 am (PST) . Posted by:
"Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff
http://en.rian.ru/russia/20121
Russian Information Agency Novosti
December 4, 2012
Russian Sovereignty 'at Risk' in Arctic: Deputy PM Rogozin
====
Russian senior military officials previously warned against the danger of NATO ships armed with missile defense systems entering northern seas in proximity to Russian borders.
====
Norway: NATO Rehearses For War In The Arctic
http://rickrozoff.wordpress.co
Britain Spearheads “Mini-NATO” In Arctic Ocean, Baltic Sea
http://rickrozoff.wordpress.co
NATO’s, Pentagon’s New Strategic Battleground: The Arctic
http://rickrozoff.wordpress.co
MOSCOW: Russia risks losing its sovereignty by the mid-21st century if it does not assert its national interests in the Arctic today, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said on Tuesday.
“It is extremely important for us to stake out our claims, define the perimeter of our national interests in this [Arctic] region,” he said.
“If we don’t do that we will lose the battle for resources and therefore will lose the big battle for the right to have our own sovereignty and independence.”
He warned that toward the middle of the 21st century the struggle for natural resources will start acquiring “utterly uncivilized forms,” including the presence of NATO warships along the Northern Sea Route ostensibly to protect civilian shipping and navigation.
“That is an attempt to destroy the international formats that ensure cooperation and security in the Arctic zone,” he said.
“Two-thirds of the aggregate wealth of the Arctic is created in Russia,” Rogozin said, referring to the share of value added by Russian extractive companies operating in the region.
Russian senior military officials previously warned against the danger of NATO ships armed with missile defense systems entering northern seas in proximity to Russian borders.
Russia has officially set the goal of deploying a combined-arms force by 2020, including military, border, and coastal guard units, to protect its political and economic interests in the Arctic and boost Russia’s military security.
==============================
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==============================
Russian Information Agency Novosti
December 4, 2012
Russian Sovereignty 'at Risk' in Arctic: Deputy PM Rogozin
====
Russian senior military officials previously warned against the danger of NATO ships armed with missile defense systems entering northern seas in proximity to Russian borders.
====
Norway: NATO Rehearses For War In The Arctic
http://rickrozoff.wordpress.co
Britain Spearheads “Mini-NATO” In Arctic Ocean, Baltic Sea
http://rickrozoff.wordpress.co
NATO’s, Pentagon’s New Strategic Battleground: The Arctic
http://rickrozoff.wordpress.co
MOSCOW: Russia risks losing its sovereignty by the mid-21st century if it does not assert its national interests in the Arctic today, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said on Tuesday.
“It is extremely important for us to stake out our claims, define the perimeter of our national interests in this [Arctic] region,” he said.
“If we don’t do that we will lose the battle for resources and therefore will lose the big battle for the right to have our own sovereignty and independence.”
He warned that toward the middle of the 21st century the struggle for natural resources will start acquiring “utterly uncivilized forms,” including the presence of NATO warships along the Northern Sea Route ostensibly to protect civilian shipping and navigation.
“That is an attempt to destroy the international formats that ensure cooperation and security in the Arctic zone,” he said.
“Two-thirds of the aggregate wealth of the Arctic is created in Russia,” Rogozin said, referring to the share of value added by Russian extractive companies operating in the region.
Russian senior military officials previously warned against the danger of NATO ships armed with missile defense systems entering northern seas in proximity to Russian borders.
Russia has officially set the goal of deploying a combined-arms force by 2020, including military, border, and coastal guard units, to protect its political and economic interests in the Arctic and boost Russia’s military security.
==============================
Stop NATO e-mail list home page with archives and search engine:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/
Stop NATO website and articles:
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To subscribe for individual e-mails or the daily digest, unsubscribe, and otherwise change subscription status:
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==============================
Tue Dec 4, 2012 7:38 pm (PST) . Posted by:
"Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff
http://www.civil.ge/eng/
Civil Georgia
December 4, 2012
Rasmussen: Georgia is NATO's 'Dedicated' Partner
Tbilisi: NATO foreign ministers will “recognize the progress that Georgia has made” when they meet their Georgian counterpart, Maia Panjikidze, on December 5, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said before the start of a two-day NATO foreign ministerial meeting in Brussels on Tuesday.
He said that NATO foreign ministers would “encourage all parties [in Georgia] to keep up the momentum of democratic reforms.”
Rasmussen described Georgia as “a dedicated partner and one of the countries which aspires to join the Alliance.”
“Georgia has shown an exemplary commitment to our mission in Afghanistan and tomorrow we will discuss with all of our partners in ISAF the question of long-term funding for the Afghan forces as part of a broad international effort,” Rasmussen said.
------------------------------
http://www.civil.ge/eng/
Civil Georgia
December 4, 2012
NATO Chief Speaks of Need for 'Smooth Cohabitation' in Georgia
Tbilisi: With the democratic parliamentary elections last month Georgia has passed an important test, but NATO is now looking forward to “a smooth cohabitation” between President Saakashvili and the new government led by PM Ivanishvili, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said.
He made the remarks at a news conference after a meeting of the NATO-Russia Council at foreign ministerial level in Brussels on December 4 while responding to a question from a Georgian journalist that after the elections there were expectations in Georgia of getting a Membership Action Plan (MAP) from NATO either during the NATO-Georgia Commission meeting on December 5 or in the nearest future.
“The elections in Georgia lived up to democratic standards and Georgia that way passed a very important test. Now we look forward to a smooth cohabitation between the new government and the current President; we look forward to presidential elections next year...conducted in the same democratic way as the parliamentary elections this year,” Rasmussen said.
“We have never planned to have discussions on the Membership Action Plan or any other steps at the NATO-Georgia Commission meeting tomorrow,” the NATO Secretary General said.
“The [NATO-Georgia] Commission meeting tomorrow will be the first opportunity for NATO allies to discuss Georgia’s NATO aspirations with the new government. I am very pleased that the new government has reaffirmed its NATO aspirations, so there seems to be a broad consensus in Georgia that Georgia will continue to pursue future membership in our Alliance and in exchange we have reiterated that the decision we took in Bucharest in 2008, that Georgia will become a member of NATO provided of course that Georgia fulfills the necessary criteria, still stands,” Rasmussen added.
------------------------------
http://rustavi2.com/news/news_
Rustavi 2
December 4, 2012
NATO-Georgia Commission to convene in Brussels tomorrow
A series of ministerial talks at NATO headquarters is underway in Brussels. A meeting of the NATO-Russia council was held today. Foreign ministers from NATO nations and Russia agreed to increase their cooperation in 2013 at the meeting.
A meeting of NATO- Georgia Commission, which will be held tomorrow, will open the second day of the ministerial. Georgia`s foreign minister, Ms. Maia Panjikidze, will deliver a speech at the meeting.
The Georgian delegation will also participate in the meeting of the Afghanistan Commission which will convene tomorrow. Georgia is going to attend the meeting with the status of a special guest.
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen made an initial statement regarding Georgia.
"Tomorrow we will meet the foreign minister of Georgia, a dedicated partner and one of the countries which aspires to join the alliance. We will recognize the progress that Georgia has made and encourage all parties to keep up the momentum of democratic reforms. Georgia has shown exemplary commitment to our mission in Afghanistan", he said.
"In my speech I will touch upon the changes that have been carried out in Georgia and the strategy the Georgian government will follow on its way to integration into NATO. This foreign policy priority has not changed and, moreover, Georgia intends to strengthen its strategic partnership with NATO and partner countries even more", Ms. Panjikidze said.
Maia Panjkikidze on the first day of her visit in Brussels held meetings with the foreign ministers of Latvia, Romania and Hungary. At the meetings the sides discussed the position the partner countries are going to show towards Georgia on its way to NATO as well as bilateral relations.
------------------------------
http://www.civil.ge/eng/
Civil Georgia
December 4, 2012
NATO, Georgian FMs to Meet in Brussels
Tbilisi: Foreign ministers from NATO-member states will meet their Georgian counterpart, Maia Panjikidze, in the framework of the NATO-Georgia Commission in Brussels on December 5.
The meeting, which will be held on the sidelines of a two-day NATO foreign ministerial summit, will discuss foreign policy and the reform priorities of Georgia’s new government, according to NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu.
“They’ll discuss the foreign policy and reform priorities of the new government, including its objectives to further strengthen democratic institutions and advance on the path of the Euro-Atlantic integration,” she said on November 30.
A meeting of NATO foreign ministers with non-NATO ISAF contributing nations is also scheduled on December 5.
Last month Georgia doubled its contribution to the NATO-led operation in Afghanistan to 1,571 servicemen, according to the Georgian Ministry of Defense.
...
==============================
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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==============================
Civil Georgia
December 4, 2012
Rasmussen: Georgia is NATO's 'Dedicated' Partner
Tbilisi: NATO foreign ministers will “recognize the progress that Georgia has made” when they meet their Georgian counterpart, Maia Panjikidze, on December 5, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said before the start of a two-day NATO foreign ministerial meeting in Brussels on Tuesday.
He said that NATO foreign ministers would “encourage all parties [in Georgia] to keep up the momentum of democratic reforms.”
Rasmussen described Georgia as “a dedicated partner and one of the countries which aspires to join the Alliance.”
“Georgia has shown an exemplary commitment to our mission in Afghanistan and tomorrow we will discuss with all of our partners in ISAF the question of long-term funding for the Afghan forces as part of a broad international effort,” Rasmussen said.
------------------------------
http://www.civil.ge/eng/
Civil Georgia
December 4, 2012
NATO Chief Speaks of Need for 'Smooth Cohabitation' in Georgia
Tbilisi: With the democratic parliamentary elections last month Georgia has passed an important test, but NATO is now looking forward to “a smooth cohabitation” between President Saakashvili and the new government led by PM Ivanishvili, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said.
He made the remarks at a news conference after a meeting of the NATO-Russia Council at foreign ministerial level in Brussels on December 4 while responding to a question from a Georgian journalist that after the elections there were expectations in Georgia of getting a Membership Action Plan (MAP) from NATO either during the NATO-Georgia Commission meeting on December 5 or in the nearest future.
“The elections in Georgia lived up to democratic standards and Georgia that way passed a very important test. Now we look forward to a smooth cohabitation between the new government and the current President; we look forward to presidential elections next year...conducted in the same democratic way as the parliamentary elections this year,” Rasmussen said.
“We have never planned to have discussions on the Membership Action Plan or any other steps at the NATO-Georgia Commission meeting tomorrow,” the NATO Secretary General said.
“The [NATO-Georgia] Commission meeting tomorrow will be the first opportunity for NATO allies to discuss Georgia’s NATO aspirations with the new government. I am very pleased that the new government has reaffirmed its NATO aspirations, so there seems to be a broad consensus in Georgia that Georgia will continue to pursue future membership in our Alliance and in exchange we have reiterated that the decision we took in Bucharest in 2008, that Georgia will become a member of NATO provided of course that Georgia fulfills the necessary criteria, still stands,” Rasmussen added.
------------------------------
http://rustavi2.com/news/news_
Rustavi 2
December 4, 2012
NATO-Georgia Commission to convene in Brussels tomorrow
A series of ministerial talks at NATO headquarters is underway in Brussels. A meeting of the NATO-Russia council was held today. Foreign ministers from NATO nations and Russia agreed to increase their cooperation in 2013 at the meeting.
A meeting of NATO- Georgia Commission, which will be held tomorrow, will open the second day of the ministerial. Georgia`s foreign minister, Ms. Maia Panjikidze, will deliver a speech at the meeting.
The Georgian delegation will also participate in the meeting of the Afghanistan Commission which will convene tomorrow. Georgia is going to attend the meeting with the status of a special guest.
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen made an initial statement regarding Georgia.
"Tomorrow we will meet the foreign minister of Georgia, a dedicated partner and one of the countries which aspires to join the alliance. We will recognize the progress that Georgia has made and encourage all parties to keep up the momentum of democratic reforms. Georgia has shown exemplary commitment to our mission in Afghanistan", he said.
"In my speech I will touch upon the changes that have been carried out in Georgia and the strategy the Georgian government will follow on its way to integration into NATO. This foreign policy priority has not changed and, moreover, Georgia intends to strengthen its strategic partnership with NATO and partner countries even more", Ms. Panjikidze said.
Maia Panjkikidze on the first day of her visit in Brussels held meetings with the foreign ministers of Latvia, Romania and Hungary. At the meetings the sides discussed the position the partner countries are going to show towards Georgia on its way to NATO as well as bilateral relations.
------------------------------
http://www.civil.ge/eng/
Civil Georgia
December 4, 2012
NATO, Georgian FMs to Meet in Brussels
Tbilisi: Foreign ministers from NATO-member states will meet their Georgian counterpart, Maia Panjikidze, in the framework of the NATO-Georgia Commission in Brussels on December 5.
The meeting, which will be held on the sidelines of a two-day NATO foreign ministerial summit, will discuss foreign policy and the reform priorities of Georgia’s new government, according to NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu.
“They’ll discuss the foreign policy and reform priorities of the new government, including its objectives to further strengthen democratic institutions and advance on the path of the Euro-Atlantic integration,” she said on November 30.
A meeting of NATO foreign ministers with non-NATO ISAF contributing nations is also scheduled on December 5.
Last month Georgia doubled its contribution to the NATO-led operation in Afghanistan to 1,571 servicemen, according to the Georgian Ministry of Defense.
...
==============================
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
==============================
Tue Dec 4, 2012 7:38 pm (PST) . Posted by:
"linguisticresearch"
body p { margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0pt; } On
04.12.2012 20:07, linguisticresearch wrote:
body p { margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0pt; }
1)
http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
Nov 13 Germany and B61 Nuclear Bomb
Modernization
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
Hans Kristensen
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
Weapons <http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
United States
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
»
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
During a recent visit to Germany I did an
interview <http://www.mdr.de/fakt/
Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk magazine FAKT on the
status of the B61 nuclear bomb modernization.
.
By Hans M. Kristensen
Last week, I was in Berlin to testify before the Disarmament
Subcommittee of the German Parliament’s Foreign Affairs
Committee on the future of the U.S. B61 nuclear bombs in Europe
(see my prepared remarks
<http://www.fas.org/programs/s
Bundestag110712.pdf> and fact sheet
<http://tacticalnuclearweapons
o11.pdf> ).
One of the B61 bombs currently deployed in Europe is scheduled
for an upgrade to extend its life and add new military
capabilities and use-control features. The work has hardly begun
but the project is already behind schedule and the cost has
increased <http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
by more than 150 percent in two years, from $4 billion to
$10.4 billion
<http://www.ucsusa.org/assets/
-July-2012.pdf> . The subcommittee wanted to know if the
program is in trouble. I said I believe it certainly is.
The German television magazine FAKT did an interview (article
<http://www.mdr.de/fakt/
<http://www.mdr.de/fakt/
came as somewhat of a surprise to them that the B61
life-extension will not install a fire-resistant pit to
improve the safety of the weapon. They also tried to get German
Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle on the program. The policy of
the German government coalition is to try to have nuclear
weapons removed from Germany and Westerwelle has publicly
promoted this position clearly in the past. This time he did not
want to talk, however, as journalists and camera-teams chased
him down the hallway. He may have gotten shell-shocked by the
pushback from the old nuclear guard in NATO.
German Foreign Minister Guido
Westerwelle did not want to talk with MDR FAKT about
withdrawal of US nuclear weapons.
.
Although NATO recently determined
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
that the current nuclear posture in Europe meets the
Alliance’s deterrence and defense needs, NATO has
decided – with German backing – to introduce a
new precision-guided nuclear bomb
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
Europe with increased military capabilities at the end of the
this decade for delivery by a new stealthy aircraft.
During my briefing to the foreign affairs committee I urged
Germany to continue to push for a withdrawal. Otherwise it will
have to explain to the German public why it has decided instead
to support deployment of precision-guided nuclear bombs on
stealth-delivered aircraft in Europe. The two positions will be
hard to square.
This publication was made possible by a grant from the
Ploughshares Fund. The statements made and views expressed are
solely the responsibility of the author.
---------------
2)
Nov 26 Nuclear Modernization Talk at
BASIC Panel
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
arms control
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
Kristensen <http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
, Nuclear Weapons
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
States <http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
Comments »
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
Linton Brooks and I discussed nuclear
modernization at a November 13 panel organized by
BASIC.
.
By Hans M. Kristensen
BASIC invited me to discuss nuclear weapons modernization with
Linton Brooks at a Strategic Dialogue panel held at the Capitol
Hill Club on November 13, 2012. We’re still waiting for the
official transcript, but BASIC has a rough recording
<http://www.basicint.org/news/
oks-third-basic-strategic-dial
are available here
<http://www.fas.org/programs/s
dernization111312.pdf> . [Update: all material, including
transcript with questions/answers, is available from BASIC
<http://www.basicint.org/news/
hat-does-it-mean-and-what-
In my talk
<http://www.fas.org/programs/s
dernization111312.pdf> , I argued that the Obama
administration’s nuclear arms control profile is at risk of
being overshadowed by extensive nuclear weapons modernization
plans, and that the approach must be adjusted to ensure that
efforts to reduce the numbers and role of nuclear weapons and
put and end to Cold War thinking are clearly visible as being
the priority of U.S. nuclear policy.
The administration has nearly completed a strategic review
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
nuclear targeting and alert requirements to identify
additional reductions of nuclear forces. Release of the
findings was delayed by the election, but the
administration now needs to use the review to reinvigorate
the nuclear arms reduction agenda that has slowed with the slow
implementation
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
modest New START Treaty and the disappointing
“nuclear status quo” decision
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
the NATO Chicago Summit.
---------------
3)
written by Hans M. Kristensen
Nov 28 B61-12: Contract Signed for
Improving Precision of Nuclear Bomb
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
Hans Kristensen
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
Weapons <http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
United States
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
»
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
The first contract was signed yesterday for the
development of the guided tail kit that will
increase the accuracy of the B61 nuclear bomb.
This conceptual drawing illustrates the principle of
adding a guided tail kit assembly to the gravity bomb.
.
By Hans M. Kristensen
The U.S. Air Force’s new precision-guided nuclear bomb B61-12
moved one step closer to reality yesterday with the Pentagon
issuing a $178.6 million contract
<http://www.defense.gov/
to Boeing. The contract covers Phase 1 (Engineering and
Manufacturing Development) to be completed in October
2015. The contract also includes options for a Phase 2
and production.
In a statement
<http://boeing.mediaroom.com/
contract, Boeing said that the tail kit program
“further expands Boeing’s Direct Attack weapons
portfolio” and that the precision-guided B61-12 would
“effectively upgrade a vital deterrent capability.”
The expensive
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
project will use the 50-kiloton warhead from the B61-4
gravity bomb but add the tail kit to increase the
accuracy and boost the target kill capability
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
similar to the 360-kiloton strategic B61-7 bomb.
Because the B61-4 warhead also has selective lower-yield
options, the tail kit will also allow war planners to select
lower yields to strike targets that today require higher yields,
thereby reducing radioactive fallout of an attack. The Air Force
tried in 1994 to get a precision-guided low-yield nuclear bomb
(PLYWD), but Congress rejected it because of concern that it
would lead to more useable nuclear weapons. Now the Air Force
get’s a precision-guided nuclear bomb anyway.
The U.S. Air Force plans to deploy some of the B61-12s in
Europe late in the decade for delivery by F-15E, F-16, F-35 and
Tornado aircraft to replace the B61-4s currently deployed in
Europe <http://bos.sagepub.com/cgi/
improved accuracy will increase the capability of
NATO’s nuclear posture, which will be further
enhanced by delivery of the B61-12 on the stealthy F-35
Joint Strike Fighter.
Increasing the capability of NATO’s nuclear posture
contradicts the Deterrence and Defense Posture Review
(DDPR) adopted in May 2012, which concluded
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
“the Alliance’s nuclear force posture currently
meets the criteria for an effective deterrence and
defense posture.” Moreover, improving NATO’s
nuclear capabilities undercuts efforts to persuade Russia to
decrease its non-strategic nuclear forces.
Instead of improving nuclear capabilities and wasting
scarce resources, the Obama administration must re-take the
initiative to reduce the role of nuclear weapons and work
with NATO to withdraw the nuclear weapons from Europe.
See also: Modernizing NATO’s Nuclear Forces:
Implications for the Alliance’s Defense Posture and Arms
Control
<http://tacticalnuclearweapons
o11.pdf> And: Previous blogs about NATO and nuclear weapons
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
04.12.2012 20:07, linguisticresearch wrote:
body p { margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0pt; }
1)
http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
Nov 13 Germany and B61 Nuclear Bomb
Modernization
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
Hans Kristensen
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
Weapons <http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
United States
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
»
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
During a recent visit to Germany I did an
interview <http://www.mdr.de/fakt/
Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk magazine FAKT on the
status of the B61 nuclear bomb modernization.
.
By Hans M. Kristensen
Last week, I was in Berlin to testify before the Disarmament
Subcommittee of the German Parliament’s Foreign Affairs
Committee on the future of the U.S. B61 nuclear bombs in Europe
(see my prepared remarks
<http://www.fas.org/programs/s
Bundestag110712.pdf> and fact sheet
<http://tacticalnuclearweapons
o11.pdf> ).
One of the B61 bombs currently deployed in Europe is scheduled
for an upgrade to extend its life and add new military
capabilities and use-control features. The work has hardly begun
but the project is already behind schedule and the cost has
increased <http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
by more than 150 percent in two years, from $4 billion to
$10.4 billion
<http://www.ucsusa.org/assets/
-July-2012.pdf> . The subcommittee wanted to know if the
program is in trouble. I said I believe it certainly is.
The German television magazine FAKT did an interview (article
<http://www.mdr.de/fakt/
<http://www.mdr.de/fakt/
came as somewhat of a surprise to them that the B61
life-extension will not install a fire-resistant pit to
improve the safety of the weapon. They also tried to get German
Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle on the program. The policy of
the German government coalition is to try to have nuclear
weapons removed from Germany and Westerwelle has publicly
promoted this position clearly in the past. This time he did not
want to talk, however, as journalists and camera-teams chased
him down the hallway. He may have gotten shell-shocked by the
pushback from the old nuclear guard in NATO.
German Foreign Minister Guido
Westerwelle did not want to talk with MDR FAKT about
withdrawal of US nuclear weapons.
.
Although NATO recently determined
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
that the current nuclear posture in Europe meets the
Alliance’s deterrence and defense needs, NATO has
decided – with German backing – to introduce a
new precision-guided nuclear bomb
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
Europe with increased military capabilities at the end of the
this decade for delivery by a new stealthy aircraft.
During my briefing to the foreign affairs committee I urged
Germany to continue to push for a withdrawal. Otherwise it will
have to explain to the German public why it has decided instead
to support deployment of precision-guided nuclear bombs on
stealth-delivered aircraft in Europe. The two positions will be
hard to square.
This publication was made possible by a grant from the
Ploughshares Fund. The statements made and views expressed are
solely the responsibility of the author.
---------------
2)
Nov 26 Nuclear Modernization Talk at
BASIC Panel
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
arms control
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
Kristensen <http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
, Nuclear Weapons
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
States <http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
Comments »
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
Linton Brooks and I discussed nuclear
modernization at a November 13 panel organized by
BASIC.
.
By Hans M. Kristensen
BASIC invited me to discuss nuclear weapons modernization with
Linton Brooks at a Strategic Dialogue panel held at the Capitol
Hill Club on November 13, 2012. We’re still waiting for the
official transcript, but BASIC has a rough recording
<http://www.basicint.org/news/
oks-third-basic-strategic-dial
are available here
<http://www.fas.org/programs/s
dernization111312.pdf> . [Update: all material, including
transcript with questions/answers, is available from BASIC
<http://www.basicint.org/news/
hat-does-it-mean-and-what-
In my talk
<http://www.fas.org/programs/s
dernization111312.pdf> , I argued that the Obama
administration’s nuclear arms control profile is at risk of
being overshadowed by extensive nuclear weapons modernization
plans, and that the approach must be adjusted to ensure that
efforts to reduce the numbers and role of nuclear weapons and
put and end to Cold War thinking are clearly visible as being
the priority of U.S. nuclear policy.
The administration has nearly completed a strategic review
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
nuclear targeting and alert requirements to identify
additional reductions of nuclear forces. Release of the
findings was delayed by the election, but the
administration now needs to use the review to reinvigorate
the nuclear arms reduction agenda that has slowed with the slow
implementation
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
modest New START Treaty and the disappointing
“nuclear status quo” decision
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
the NATO Chicago Summit.
---------------
3)
written by Hans M. Kristensen
Nov 28 B61-12: Contract Signed for
Improving Precision of Nuclear Bomb
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
Hans Kristensen
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
Weapons <http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
United States
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
»
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
The first contract was signed yesterday for the
development of the guided tail kit that will
increase the accuracy of the B61 nuclear bomb.
This conceptual drawing illustrates the principle of
adding a guided tail kit assembly to the gravity bomb.
.
By Hans M. Kristensen
The U.S. Air Force’s new precision-guided nuclear bomb B61-12
moved one step closer to reality yesterday with the Pentagon
issuing a $178.6 million contract
<http://www.defense.gov/
to Boeing. The contract covers Phase 1 (Engineering and
Manufacturing Development) to be completed in October
2015. The contract also includes options for a Phase 2
and production.
In a statement
<http://boeing.mediaroom.com/
contract, Boeing said that the tail kit program
“further expands Boeing’s Direct Attack weapons
portfolio” and that the precision-guided B61-12 would
“effectively upgrade a vital deterrent capability.”
The expensive
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
project will use the 50-kiloton warhead from the B61-4
gravity bomb but add the tail kit to increase the
accuracy and boost the target kill capability
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
similar to the 360-kiloton strategic B61-7 bomb.
Because the B61-4 warhead also has selective lower-yield
options, the tail kit will also allow war planners to select
lower yields to strike targets that today require higher yields,
thereby reducing radioactive fallout of an attack. The Air Force
tried in 1994 to get a precision-guided low-yield nuclear bomb
(PLYWD), but Congress rejected it because of concern that it
would lead to more useable nuclear weapons. Now the Air Force
get’s a precision-guided nuclear bomb anyway.
The U.S. Air Force plans to deploy some of the B61-12s in
Europe late in the decade for delivery by F-15E, F-16, F-35 and
Tornado aircraft to replace the B61-4s currently deployed in
Europe <http://bos.sagepub.com/cgi/
improved accuracy will increase the capability of
NATO’s nuclear posture, which will be further
enhanced by delivery of the B61-12 on the stealthy F-35
Joint Strike Fighter.
Increasing the capability of NATO’s nuclear posture
contradicts the Deterrence and Defense Posture Review
(DDPR) adopted in May 2012, which concluded
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
“the Alliance’s nuclear force posture currently
meets the criteria for an effective deterrence and
defense posture.” Moreover, improving NATO’s
nuclear capabilities undercuts efforts to persuade Russia to
decrease its non-strategic nuclear forces.
Instead of improving nuclear capabilities and wasting
scarce resources, the Obama administration must re-take the
initiative to reduce the role of nuclear weapons and work
with NATO to withdraw the nuclear weapons from Europe.
See also: Modernizing NATO’s Nuclear Forces:
Implications for the Alliance’s Defense Posture and Arms
Control
<http://tacticalnuclearweapons
o11.pdf> And: Previous blogs about NATO and nuclear weapons
<http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/
