6 New Messages
Digest #4810
Messages
Wed Sep 18, 2013 11:22 am (PDT) . Posted by:
"Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff
http://en.rian.ru/world/201309
Russian Information Agency Novosti
September 18, 2013
Russian Lawmaker Slams US for ‘Silence’ Over Killing of Syrian Kurds
MOSCOW: A senior Russian lawmaker bristled at Washington on Wednesday for its “silence” about the recent killing of hundreds of civilian Kurds by a jihadist rebel group linked to al-Qaida in Syria’s civil war.
Some 450 Kurds, most of them women and children, were killed by the al-Nusra Front between July 28 and August 2 near the northern Syrian city of Aleppo. The Front is linked to al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist group by the United Nations.
“Why is the US silent?” Alexei Pushkov, who heads the international affairs committee of the State Duma, Russia’s lower house of parliament, said on Twitter.
“Where is the moral compass of [US Secretary of State] John Kerry?” he added in an apparent reference to Kerry’s own reported use of the idiom.
In late August, Kerry was quoted by The Associated Press as saying that anyone who thinks that the August 21 chemical attack outside Damascus was fabricated needs to check “their own moral compass.” Washington insisted that the deadly attack, which killed hundreds, was carried out by Syrian President Bashar Assad’s regime, while Damascus and Moscow blamed anti-Assad rebels for the attack.
In early August, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called on the United Nations Security Council to condemn the attacks on Kurdish civilians.
Kurds are Syria’s largest ethnic minority, accounting for more than 10 percent of the country’s 23 million population, and are mostly concentrated in impoverished northeastern regions sandwiched between Turkey and Iraq, according to The Associated Press.
Until recently, the Kurdish areas appeared relatively calm amid Syria’s civil war, which has claimed more than 100,000 lives since March 2011, according to the United Nations and Western media reports. But recent jihadist attacks on Kurdish communities along the Turkish border caused tens of thousands of Kurds to flee to neighboring Iraq, the reports said.
==============================
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Russian Information Agency Novosti
September 18, 2013
Russian Lawmaker Slams US for ‘Silence’ Over Killing of Syrian Kurds
MOSCOW: A senior Russian lawmaker bristled at Washington on Wednesday for its “silence” about the recent killing of hundreds of civilian Kurds by a jihadist rebel group linked to al-Qaida in Syria’s civil war.
Some 450 Kurds, most of them women and children, were killed by the al-Nusra Front between July 28 and August 2 near the northern Syrian city of Aleppo. The Front is linked to al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist group by the United Nations.
“Why is the US silent?” Alexei Pushkov, who heads the international affairs committee of the State Duma, Russia’s lower house of parliament, said on Twitter.
“Where is the moral compass of [US Secretary of State] John Kerry?” he added in an apparent reference to Kerry’s own reported use of the idiom.
In late August, Kerry was quoted by The Associated Press as saying that anyone who thinks that the August 21 chemical attack outside Damascus was fabricated needs to check “their own moral compass.” Washington insisted that the deadly attack, which killed hundreds, was carried out by Syrian President Bashar Assad’s regime, while Damascus and Moscow blamed anti-Assad rebels for the attack.
In early August, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called on the United Nations Security Council to condemn the attacks on Kurdish civilians.
Kurds are Syria’s largest ethnic minority, accounting for more than 10 percent of the country’s 23 million population, and are mostly concentrated in impoverished northeastern regions sandwiched between Turkey and Iraq, according to The Associated Press.
Until recently, the Kurdish areas appeared relatively calm amid Syria’s civil war, which has claimed more than 100,000 lives since March 2011, according to the United Nations and Western media reports. But recent jihadist attacks on Kurdish communities along the Turkish border caused tens of thousands of Kurds to flee to neighboring Iraq, the reports said.
==============================
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Wed Sep 18, 2013 11:23 am (PDT) . Posted by:
"Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff
http://www.itar-tass.com/en/
Itar-Tass
September 18, 2013
Russia and China agree to continue coordination of efforts to resolve Syrian crisis
MOSCOW: Russia and China have agreed to further coordinate their efforts within the United Nations Security Council and other international organizations to resolve the Syrian problem, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday after a meeting between Russian president’s Middle East envoy and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov with China’s Ambassador to Moscow Li Hui.
The two diplomats “discussed the development of the situation around Syria in the context of the tasks of the soonest implementation of the Russia-US agreements on the Syrian chemical weapons and the launch of the political settlement process in Syria on the basis of the Geneva communiqué· of June 30, 2012 by means of convening an international conference on Syria,” the ministry said.
“The sides reiterated their commitment to continue close and efficient coordination of Russia’s and China’s efforts on the Syrian problem within the United Nations Security Council and in other international formats,” the ministry noted.
------------------------------
http://news.xinhuanet.com/
Xinhua News Agency
September 18, 2013
Chinese, Russian FMs discuss Syria crisis on phone
BEIJING: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, had a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views on the Syria crisis via phone on Tuesday, said the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
Wang said China welcomes the Russia-U.S. deal on Syria, hoping that the accord could be implemented as soon as possible.
The Chinese side holds the belief that a military approach cannot solve the conflict, Wang said, adding that China will continue to contribute to facilitating a political solution to the crisis and make due efforts.
Lavrov appreciated China's stand. Both sides agreed to keep close contacts and coordination on the issue.
-----------------------------
http://www.itar-tass.com/en/
Itar-Tass
September 18, 2013
Russia supports Syria and country’s counteraction to terror
BEIRUT: The Syrian people “values highly Russia’s position and the country’s support to counteract any hostile acts and terror,” Syrian President Bashar Assad stated on Wednesday, adding that Russia's stance "resurrects hope for a new balance of power on the global arena."
Assad received Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov in Damascus on Wednesday.
Russia’s UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said at the 68th session of the UN General Assembly that Russia believes that the evidence suggesting that the chemical attack in the suburbs of Damascus on August 21could be a provocation must be thoroughly looked into,
Syrian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Bashar Jaafari said on Thursday, September 12 that Syria has become a full member of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
------------------------------
http://www.interfax.com/
Interfax
September 18, 2013
Damascus provides new info on opposition's involvement in chemical weapons use - Ryabkov
DAMASCUS: Syria has provided Russian experts with additional evidence that the opposition used chemical weapons and it can be considered "very convincing," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said.
"There is some confusion in this regard. We received additional proof, which had been gathered and analyzed by the Syrian authorities. They consider it to be evidence of chemical weapons use by the so-called Syrian opposition in eastern Ghouta on the 22nd, 23rd and 24th," Ryabkov told reporters in Damascus on Wednesday.
"This is not news, this is not what makes headlines," Ryabkov said.
------------------------------
http://en.rian.ru/russia/20130
Russian Information Agency Novosti
September 18, 2013
Russia to Submit Its Syria Chemical Attack Findings to UN
VALDAI: Moscow will soon submit to the United Nations findings indicating that the Syrian opposition had used chemical weapons during the deadly civil war, the Russian foreign minister said Wednesday.
“Reports about the use of chemical weapons [in Syria] reflect the fact that the opposition regularly resorts to provocations seeking to trigger [foreign military] strikes and intervention in Syria. We have enough evidence [to prove it],” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said during the 10th annual meeting of the Valdai Club, a Kremlin-backed discussion forum that brings together Russian and foreign politicians, academics and other public figures.
“We have information related to the incidents that took place in August in the Damascus suburb of Ghouta, a lot of information. We will take it all to the UN Security Council,” he added.
UN inspectors said Monday that they had found “clear and convincing evidence” that chemical weapons, including the nerve agent sarin, were used in an August 21 attack in Ghouta that killed hundreds of people.
The US and some of its Western allies have attributed the attack to the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad, but Moscow and Syria have repeatedly called it a provocation by anti-Assad rebels.
Lavrov said Syrian officials had handed over evidence indicating the opposition’s possible involvement in the chemical attack to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, who is currently on a visit to Damascus.
“I haven’t familiarized myself with it yet, but I’m convinced that the experts would work with it and, of course, we would submit it to the UN Security Council,” Lavrov said.
Ryabkov traveled to Damascus to discuss Syria’s compliance with the US-Russian plan to place Syrian chemical weapons stockpiles under international control.
“We expect all the sides to honor this deal,” Lavrov said.
According to a Valdai Club participant, political expert Gleb Pavlovsky, Lavrov said Russia had no plans of pressing for Assad’s resignation.
“Lavrov refuses to persuade Assad to leave [his post]. Moscow has no experience of political engineering like that,” Pavlovsky wrote on his Facebook page.
On September 14, after days of intense negotiations, Lavrov and US Secretary of State John Kerry announced an ambitious plan under which all chemical weapons in Syria would be made available to international inspectors by November and destroyed by mid-2014.
Two days later, it became evident that the two states differ in their approaches to the plan.
The United States is pushing for a UN Security Council resolution that would allow the use of military force against Syria in response to its failure to comply with the plan, US State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Tuesday, hours after Lavrov said that option was a nonstarter.
------------------------------
http://www.interfax.com/
Interfax
September 18, 2013
Moscow to send to UN SC proof that insurgents used chemical weapons in Ghouta - Lavrov
MOSCOW: Russia intends to provide the proof, provided by Damascus, that the opposition used chemical weapons in eastern Ghouta near Damascus, to the UN Security Council.
"Of course, we will provide all of this to the UN Security Council," Russian Foreign Minister told reporters following his speech at the Valdai Discussion Club.
This proof has been given to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov in Damascus.
Lavrov said that the materials given to Ryabkov confirm that the events in Ghouta on August 21 were of a provocative character. At the same time, Lavrov said he had not yet studied these materials but was certain experts would deal with them.
"We have enough evidence that the reports on chemical weapons reflect the fact that the opposition frequently resorts to such provocations in order to cause strikes [and foreign military] intervention. There is a lot of information. It is widely accessible on the Internet. This information is stipulated in the report our experts prepared on the events related to the use of chemical weapons in Aleppo in March 2013. And indeed there is a lot of information regarding the incidents, which took place in the Ghouta district near Damascus in August. We will consider all of this in the [UN] Security Council together with the report, which has been provided by UN experts, confirming the fact that chemical weapons were used. And it will be found out who did this," Lavrov said.
==============================
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==============================
Itar-Tass
September 18, 2013
Russia and China agree to continue coordination of efforts to resolve Syrian crisis
MOSCOW: Russia and China have agreed to further coordinate their efforts within the United Nations Security Council and other international organizations to resolve the Syrian problem, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday after a meeting between Russian president’s Middle East envoy and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov with China’s Ambassador to Moscow Li Hui.
The two diplomats “discussed the development of the situation around Syria in the context of the tasks of the soonest implementation of the Russia-US agreements on the Syrian chemical weapons and the launch of the political settlement process in Syria on the basis of the Geneva communiqué· of June 30, 2012 by means of convening an international conference on Syria,” the ministry said.
“The sides reiterated their commitment to continue close and efficient coordination of Russia’s and China’s efforts on the Syrian problem within the United Nations Security Council and in other international formats,” the ministry noted.
------------------------------
http://news.xinhuanet.com/
Xinhua News Agency
September 18, 2013
Chinese, Russian FMs discuss Syria crisis on phone
BEIJING: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, had a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views on the Syria crisis via phone on Tuesday, said the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
Wang said China welcomes the Russia-U.S. deal on Syria, hoping that the accord could be implemented as soon as possible.
The Chinese side holds the belief that a military approach cannot solve the conflict, Wang said, adding that China will continue to contribute to facilitating a political solution to the crisis and make due efforts.
Lavrov appreciated China's stand. Both sides agreed to keep close contacts and coordination on the issue.
-----------------------------
http://www.itar-tass.com/en/
Itar-Tass
September 18, 2013
Russia supports Syria and country’s counteraction to terror
BEIRUT: The Syrian people “values highly Russia’s position and the country’s support to counteract any hostile acts and terror,” Syrian President Bashar Assad stated on Wednesday, adding that Russia's stance "resurrects hope for a new balance of power on the global arena."
Assad received Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov in Damascus on Wednesday.
Russia’s UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said at the 68th session of the UN General Assembly that Russia believes that the evidence suggesting that the chemical attack in the suburbs of Damascus on August 21could be a provocation must be thoroughly looked into,
Syrian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Bashar Jaafari said on Thursday, September 12 that Syria has become a full member of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
------------------------------
http://www.interfax.com/
Interfax
September 18, 2013
Damascus provides new info on opposition's involvement in chemical weapons use - Ryabkov
DAMASCUS: Syria has provided Russian experts with additional evidence that the opposition used chemical weapons and it can be considered "very convincing," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said.
"There is some confusion in this regard. We received additional proof, which had been gathered and analyzed by the Syrian authorities. They consider it to be evidence of chemical weapons use by the so-called Syrian opposition in eastern Ghouta on the 22nd, 23rd and 24th," Ryabkov told reporters in Damascus on Wednesday.
"This is not news, this is not what makes headlines," Ryabkov said.
------------------------------
http://en.rian.ru/russia/20130
Russian Information Agency Novosti
September 18, 2013
Russia to Submit Its Syria Chemical Attack Findings to UN
VALDAI: Moscow will soon submit to the United Nations findings indicating that the Syrian opposition had used chemical weapons during the deadly civil war, the Russian foreign minister said Wednesday.
“Reports about the use of chemical weapons [in Syria] reflect the fact that the opposition regularly resorts to provocations seeking to trigger [foreign military] strikes and intervention in Syria. We have enough evidence [to prove it],” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said during the 10th annual meeting of the Valdai Club, a Kremlin-backed discussion forum that brings together Russian and foreign politicians, academics and other public figures.
“We have information related to the incidents that took place in August in the Damascus suburb of Ghouta, a lot of information. We will take it all to the UN Security Council,” he added.
UN inspectors said Monday that they had found “clear and convincing evidence” that chemical weapons, including the nerve agent sarin, were used in an August 21 attack in Ghouta that killed hundreds of people.
The US and some of its Western allies have attributed the attack to the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad, but Moscow and Syria have repeatedly called it a provocation by anti-Assad rebels.
Lavrov said Syrian officials had handed over evidence indicating the opposition’s possible involvement in the chemical attack to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, who is currently on a visit to Damascus.
“I haven’t familiarized myself with it yet, but I’m convinced that the experts would work with it and, of course, we would submit it to the UN Security Council,” Lavrov said.
Ryabkov traveled to Damascus to discuss Syria’s compliance with the US-Russian plan to place Syrian chemical weapons stockpiles under international control.
“We expect all the sides to honor this deal,” Lavrov said.
According to a Valdai Club participant, political expert Gleb Pavlovsky, Lavrov said Russia had no plans of pressing for Assad’s resignation.
“Lavrov refuses to persuade Assad to leave [his post]. Moscow has no experience of political engineering like that,” Pavlovsky wrote on his Facebook page.
On September 14, after days of intense negotiations, Lavrov and US Secretary of State John Kerry announced an ambitious plan under which all chemical weapons in Syria would be made available to international inspectors by November and destroyed by mid-2014.
Two days later, it became evident that the two states differ in their approaches to the plan.
The United States is pushing for a UN Security Council resolution that would allow the use of military force against Syria in response to its failure to comply with the plan, US State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Tuesday, hours after Lavrov said that option was a nonstarter.
------------------------------
http://www.interfax.com/
Interfax
September 18, 2013
Moscow to send to UN SC proof that insurgents used chemical weapons in Ghouta - Lavrov
MOSCOW: Russia intends to provide the proof, provided by Damascus, that the opposition used chemical weapons in eastern Ghouta near Damascus, to the UN Security Council.
"Of course, we will provide all of this to the UN Security Council," Russian Foreign Minister told reporters following his speech at the Valdai Discussion Club.
This proof has been given to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov in Damascus.
Lavrov said that the materials given to Ryabkov confirm that the events in Ghouta on August 21 were of a provocative character. At the same time, Lavrov said he had not yet studied these materials but was certain experts would deal with them.
"We have enough evidence that the reports on chemical weapons reflect the fact that the opposition frequently resorts to such provocations in order to cause strikes [and foreign military] intervention. There is a lot of information. It is widely accessible on the Internet. This information is stipulated in the report our experts prepared on the events related to the use of chemical weapons in Aleppo in March 2013. And indeed there is a lot of information regarding the incidents, which took place in the Ghouta district near Damascus in August. We will consider all of this in the [UN] Security Council together with the report, which has been provided by UN experts, confirming the fact that chemical weapons were used. And it will be found out who did this," Lavrov said.
==============================
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==============================
Wed Sep 18, 2013 11:23 am (PDT) . Posted by:
"Jude" jd_garner
But will places like Latvia really want the war forces there? And will they
respond well to war games in their country?
Thu Sep 19, 2013 5:54 am (PDT) . Posted by:
"Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff
http://www.nato.int/cps/en/SID
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
September 16, 2013
NATO Secretary General thanks Djibouti for counter-piracy efforts
NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen and the President of Djibouti discussed counter-piracy efforts off the Horn of Africa and the situation in Somalia during the president’s visit to NATO headquarters on Monday (16 September 2013). The Secretary General thanked President Ismail Omar Guelleh for his country’s leadership role in fighting piracy. “Djibouti’s strong commitment to counter-piracy and your support for our efforts are greatly appreciated,” Mr. Fogh Rasmussen said.
Somalia has been the base for most pirate activity off Africa’s east coast. “We agree on the importance of continued efforts to help stabilise the country, both from a political and security perspective. Because ultimately, the roots of piracy are not at sea, but on land,” said the Secretary General. Despite the fact that the last successful pirate attack happened more than a year ago, ships from NATO’s counter-piracy mission, Operation Ocean Shield, maintain a high level of vigilance off the Horn of Africa. “This shows how effective international cooperation can be in the face of such a serious challenge. However, we agree that we cannot afford to be complacent,” said Mr. Fogh Rasmussen.
The Alliance’s relationship with Djibouti “has real potential,” the Secretary General said, adding that NATO was open to explore further cooperation. A NATO-Djibouti agreement is currently being finalised which would see the establishment of a liaison office in support of Ocean Shield. The Secretary General said that NATO would continue to look at capacity building opportunities during port visits of Allied vessels to Djibouti. “Building capacity in the region is something that both of us see as the key to long-term maritime security off the Horn of Africa,” he said.
==============================
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==============================
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
September 16, 2013
NATO Secretary General thanks Djibouti for counter-piracy efforts
NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen and the President of Djibouti discussed counter-piracy efforts off the Horn of Africa and the situation in Somalia during the president’s visit to NATO headquarters on Monday (16 September 2013). The Secretary General thanked President Ismail Omar Guelleh for his country’s leadership role in fighting piracy. “Djibouti’s strong commitment to counter-piracy and your support for our efforts are greatly appreciated,” Mr. Fogh Rasmussen said.
Somalia has been the base for most pirate activity off Africa’s east coast. “We agree on the importance of continued efforts to help stabilise the country, both from a political and security perspective. Because ultimately, the roots of piracy are not at sea, but on land,” said the Secretary General. Despite the fact that the last successful pirate attack happened more than a year ago, ships from NATO’s counter-piracy mission, Operation Ocean Shield, maintain a high level of vigilance off the Horn of Africa. “This shows how effective international cooperation can be in the face of such a serious challenge. However, we agree that we cannot afford to be complacent,” said Mr. Fogh Rasmussen.
The Alliance’s relationship with Djibouti “has real potential,” the Secretary General said, adding that NATO was open to explore further cooperation. A NATO-Djibouti agreement is currently being finalised which would see the establishment of a liaison office in support of Ocean Shield. The Secretary General said that NATO would continue to look at capacity building opportunities during port visits of Allied vessels to Djibouti. “Building capacity in the region is something that both of us see as the key to long-term maritime security off the Horn of Africa,” he said.
==============================
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Thu Sep 19, 2013 6:14 am (PDT) . Posted by:
"Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff
http://www.nato.int/cps/en/nat
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
September 19, 2013
NATO: Ready, Robust, Rebalanced
Speech by NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen at the Carnegie Europe Event
Thank you, Jan, for that very kind introduction and thank you to Carnegie for organizing this morning session.
I have been looking forward to meeting you this morning to outline some major security policy priorities as we are approaching two important security policy events within the next year : an EU Summit on defence and security in December, and a NATO Summit next year.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We live in a world in transition. And transition often leads to turmoil and turbulence. In such times, we need something strong. Stable. And secure. For 28 nations in Europe and North America, that pillar of strength is NATO. We are seeing tragic turmoil and turbulence just beyond NATO’s south eastern border. We have also recently seen renewed efforts by the international community to stop the terrible bloodshed in Syria.
I welcome the framework for the elimination of Syrian chemical weapons agreed between the United States and Russia. The next step should be an expeditious agreement of a United Nations Security Council Resolution to ensure effective implementation. The swift, secure and verifiable elimination of Syria’s substantial stocks of chemical weapons is key.
It is clear that what happened around Damascus on 21st August is a war crime. And it is clear that the international community has a duty to hold those responsible to account.
NATO remains vigilant. We continue to keep the situation in Syria under close review. And we continue to protect the Alliance’s south-eastern border.
While the ultimate solution to the Syrian crisis can only be political, I have no doubt that the recent agreement could not have been reached without a credible military option.
This demonstrates once again that we need strong defence capabilities to support strong diplomatic efforts and make them effective.
And this brings me to the theme of my speech: NATO’s future.
Of course, every crisis around the world is different. And NATO cannot be the response for every crisis. But I do believe that NATO is the foundation on which any Ally or group of Allies can build their response to any crisis.
Our political consultations. Our common standards and procedures. Our military command and control structures. And our common experiences in combat and in peace-keeping on three continents. All these make NATO unique. They mean that Allied nations stand ready to act. And that when they act, they can be more effective.
Today, in many parts of the world, Allies are acting under NATO’s command and control – often with partner nations....In Afghanistan and Kosovo. In the Mediterranean and off the Horn of Africa. Over the Baltic states and near Turkey’s border.
...
We have a strong base on which to build. At the Lisbon Summit in 2010, we approved NATO’s new Strategic Concept. We have been successfully implementing it since. And as we draw down from Afghanistan and take stock of twenty years of operations, we have the most capable and tightly connected forces in history, and the widest network of partners.
I cannot predict today what NATO’s next mission will be. But whatever the next challenge is, we need to remain ready to face it. To do that, I see three priorities.
* First, to maintain robust defence and deterrence.
* Second, to reaffirm the bond between Europe and North America and rebalance our relationship.
* And third, to bolster our global perspective and remain ready to work with partners and protect our values in our region and beyond.
...
Over thirty countries around the world have -- or are developing -- missile technology. Some of Europe’s cities are well within range. And against real threats, we need real defences. That is why NATO is building a missile defence system to protect European populations and territory. This, as well, is modern collective defence.
Similarly, we saw in Estonia in 2007 how cyber attacks can harm our economies and our security. We have made good progress in improving our cyber defences. For me, the next step should be to consider how we could assist Allies who come under cyber attack. I believe this, too, is modern collective defence.
Moreover, we must continue to look for ways to improve our joint intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, including the acquisition of observation drones and modernisation of our AWACS aircraft.
...
We also need to strengthen the connection between our forces through more joint exercises, education and training. And to reinforce our NATO Response Force. To defend any Ally. Deploy anywhere. And deter against any threat.
And that is the aim of our Connected Forces Initiative.
Taken together, these steps will ensure NATO remains robust.
Our second priority is to strengthen the transatlantic relationship and rebalance the Alliance.
North America and Europe remain each other’s partner of choice. And we can only be fully effective by working together.
That’s why we must all continue to invest in our Alliance. And why we must all shoulder a fair share of the burden, just as we all share in the benefits.
The engagement of the United States in European security remains strong. And it is keeping up with the security challenges.
A few years ago, the last American nuclear submarines left Sardinia. But shortly afterwards, we saw the first American Aegis ship deploy to the Mediterranean to enhance our defence against missile attacks.
Earlier this year, the last American tank left Germany. But next month the first American Brigade Combat Team will deploy to Europe as part of the NATO Response Force during exercise Steadfast Jazz in the Baltic region.
In May, we saw the last anti-tank aircraft fly out of Germany. But in June, the first American vertical-lift transport aircraft deployed to the United Kingdom to enhance special operations forces.
These are all signs of North America’s continuing commitment to modern transatlantic security.
Europeans are also making important contributions. For instance, by deploying forces on NATO operations in Afghanistan, Kosovo, the Mediterranean, and the Indian Ocean. But I believe that European nations can, and should, do more, to match America’s commitment.
Because a strong NATO needs a strong Europe – with strong capabilities, strong defence industries, and strong political commitment.
I would like to see European Allies playing their part to acquire more drones to improve surveillance. More large transport and air-to-air refuelling aircraft to enhance their ability to deploy on operations. And more upgraded radars on their ships so they can be integrated into our NATO missile defence.
To deliver a strong Europe we also need a strong European defence industrial base. So far, the European defence industry remains too national and too fragmented. This is why I welcome the European Commission’s proposals to enhance the industry’s efficiency and competitiveness. And to help it to fund research and develop new military technologies.
Finally, a strong Europe will require strong political will. To increase defence spending when our economies start to recover, as they will. To develop long-term procurement and investment programmes. And to assume more security responsibilities in Europe’s neighbourhood.
I was encouraged by the debate we had at the recent European Union defence ministerial in Vilnius. So I expect the European Council on security and defence in December to demonstrate strong political commitment. It will help to strengthen Europe. It will help to strengthen the transatlantic partnership. And it will help to rebalance NATO. This is an opportunity not to be missed.
Finally, our third priority is to develop a truly global perspective of security, and the partnerships to match that perspective.
I welcome the increased attention that the United States is paying to the Asia-Pacific region. This is also in Europe’s interest. It is certainly not at the expense of the transatlantic relationship. On the contrary, by paying greater attention to Asia and the Pacific, the United States is also contributing to Europe’s security and well-being. Earlier this year, I visited South Korea and Japan. And I was struck by how well these partners understand our interdependence.
Security today can only be cooperative security. Dialogue and cooperation with partners play an integral part in helping our understanding of world events – and in strengthening international stability and security. And we must now deepen our relationships, and widen our network.
In particular, I believe we should explore ways to help others build their security capacity. We have been doing this successfully both in Kosovo and Afghanistan.
NATO’s unique expertise and experience means we are particularly well suited to helping countries manage difficult political transitions. Modernise their security sectors. Train their forces to deal with internal challenges. And assist them in operating together with their neighbours’ forces to manage crises together...
NATO is looking into a request by the Libyan Prime Minister to provide advice in the development of Libya’s national security forces. And I believe other countries in that region could benefit from NATO’s experience and expertise.
I would also like to see NATO further develop co-operative relations with regional organizations – such as the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council and the African Union. To contribute to regional security including, if they so wish, by developing their capacities to manage future crises.
[T]his is essential for NATO to be ready to deal with the security challenges of today’s globalised world.
...
The political and military bonds forged in NATO between Europe and North America; our unrivalled capabilities; and our extensive network of partners – form an Alliance that is strong, flexible, and able to perform a wide range of tasks. The tasks we can foresee, and those we can’t yet imagine.
Our job today is to make NATO ready, robust, and rebalanced for the future. So that, in an unpredictable world, it remains an essential source of stability we can all rely on.
Thank you.
==============================
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North Atlantic Treaty Organization
September 19, 2013
NATO: Ready, Robust, Rebalanced
Speech by NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen at the Carnegie Europe Event
Thank you, Jan, for that very kind introduction and thank you to Carnegie for organizing this morning session.
I have been looking forward to meeting you this morning to outline some major security policy priorities as we are approaching two important security policy events within the next year : an EU Summit on defence and security in December, and a NATO Summit next year.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We live in a world in transition. And transition often leads to turmoil and turbulence. In such times, we need something strong. Stable. And secure. For 28 nations in Europe and North America, that pillar of strength is NATO. We are seeing tragic turmoil and turbulence just beyond NATO’s south eastern border. We have also recently seen renewed efforts by the international community to stop the terrible bloodshed in Syria.
I welcome the framework for the elimination of Syrian chemical weapons agreed between the United States and Russia. The next step should be an expeditious agreement of a United Nations Security Council Resolution to ensure effective implementation. The swift, secure and verifiable elimination of Syria’s substantial stocks of chemical weapons is key.
It is clear that what happened around Damascus on 21st August is a war crime. And it is clear that the international community has a duty to hold those responsible to account.
NATO remains vigilant. We continue to keep the situation in Syria under close review. And we continue to protect the Alliance’s south-eastern border.
While the ultimate solution to the Syrian crisis can only be political, I have no doubt that the recent agreement could not have been reached without a credible military option.
This demonstrates once again that we need strong defence capabilities to support strong diplomatic efforts and make them effective.
And this brings me to the theme of my speech: NATO’s future.
Of course, every crisis around the world is different. And NATO cannot be the response for every crisis. But I do believe that NATO is the foundation on which any Ally or group of Allies can build their response to any crisis.
Our political consultations. Our common standards and procedures. Our military command and control structures. And our common experiences in combat and in peace-keeping on three continents. All these make NATO unique. They mean that Allied nations stand ready to act. And that when they act, they can be more effective.
Today, in many parts of the world, Allies are acting under NATO’s command and control – often with partner nations....In Afghanistan and Kosovo. In the Mediterranean and off the Horn of Africa. Over the Baltic states and near Turkey’s border.
...
We have a strong base on which to build. At the Lisbon Summit in 2010, we approved NATO’s new Strategic Concept. We have been successfully implementing it since. And as we draw down from Afghanistan and take stock of twenty years of operations, we have the most capable and tightly connected forces in history, and the widest network of partners.
I cannot predict today what NATO’s next mission will be. But whatever the next challenge is, we need to remain ready to face it. To do that, I see three priorities.
* First, to maintain robust defence and deterrence.
* Second, to reaffirm the bond between Europe and North America and rebalance our relationship.
* And third, to bolster our global perspective and remain ready to work with partners and protect our values in our region and beyond.
...
Over thirty countries around the world have -- or are developing -- missile technology. Some of Europe’s cities are well within range. And against real threats, we need real defences. That is why NATO is building a missile defence system to protect European populations and territory. This, as well, is modern collective defence.
Similarly, we saw in Estonia in 2007 how cyber attacks can harm our economies and our security. We have made good progress in improving our cyber defences. For me, the next step should be to consider how we could assist Allies who come under cyber attack. I believe this, too, is modern collective defence.
Moreover, we must continue to look for ways to improve our joint intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, including the acquisition of observation drones and modernisation of our AWACS aircraft.
...
We also need to strengthen the connection between our forces through more joint exercises, education and training. And to reinforce our NATO Response Force. To defend any Ally. Deploy anywhere. And deter against any threat.
And that is the aim of our Connected Forces Initiative.
Taken together, these steps will ensure NATO remains robust.
Our second priority is to strengthen the transatlantic relationship and rebalance the Alliance.
North America and Europe remain each other’s partner of choice. And we can only be fully effective by working together.
That’s why we must all continue to invest in our Alliance. And why we must all shoulder a fair share of the burden, just as we all share in the benefits.
The engagement of the United States in European security remains strong. And it is keeping up with the security challenges.
A few years ago, the last American nuclear submarines left Sardinia. But shortly afterwards, we saw the first American Aegis ship deploy to the Mediterranean to enhance our defence against missile attacks.
Earlier this year, the last American tank left Germany. But next month the first American Brigade Combat Team will deploy to Europe as part of the NATO Response Force during exercise Steadfast Jazz in the Baltic region.
In May, we saw the last anti-tank aircraft fly out of Germany. But in June, the first American vertical-lift transport aircraft deployed to the United Kingdom to enhance special operations forces.
These are all signs of North America’s continuing commitment to modern transatlantic security.
Europeans are also making important contributions. For instance, by deploying forces on NATO operations in Afghanistan, Kosovo, the Mediterranean, and the Indian Ocean. But I believe that European nations can, and should, do more, to match America’s commitment.
Because a strong NATO needs a strong Europe – with strong capabilities, strong defence industries, and strong political commitment.
I would like to see European Allies playing their part to acquire more drones to improve surveillance. More large transport and air-to-air refuelling aircraft to enhance their ability to deploy on operations. And more upgraded radars on their ships so they can be integrated into our NATO missile defence.
To deliver a strong Europe we also need a strong European defence industrial base. So far, the European defence industry remains too national and too fragmented. This is why I welcome the European Commission’s proposals to enhance the industry’s efficiency and competitiveness. And to help it to fund research and develop new military technologies.
Finally, a strong Europe will require strong political will. To increase defence spending when our economies start to recover, as they will. To develop long-term procurement and investment programmes. And to assume more security responsibilities in Europe’s neighbourhood.
I was encouraged by the debate we had at the recent European Union defence ministerial in Vilnius. So I expect the European Council on security and defence in December to demonstrate strong political commitment. It will help to strengthen Europe. It will help to strengthen the transatlantic partnership. And it will help to rebalance NATO. This is an opportunity not to be missed.
Finally, our third priority is to develop a truly global perspective of security, and the partnerships to match that perspective.
I welcome the increased attention that the United States is paying to the Asia-Pacific region. This is also in Europe’s interest. It is certainly not at the expense of the transatlantic relationship. On the contrary, by paying greater attention to Asia and the Pacific, the United States is also contributing to Europe’s security and well-being. Earlier this year, I visited South Korea and Japan. And I was struck by how well these partners understand our interdependence.
Security today can only be cooperative security. Dialogue and cooperation with partners play an integral part in helping our understanding of world events – and in strengthening international stability and security. And we must now deepen our relationships, and widen our network.
In particular, I believe we should explore ways to help others build their security capacity. We have been doing this successfully both in Kosovo and Afghanistan.
NATO’s unique expertise and experience means we are particularly well suited to helping countries manage difficult political transitions. Modernise their security sectors. Train their forces to deal with internal challenges. And assist them in operating together with their neighbours’ forces to manage crises together...
NATO is looking into a request by the Libyan Prime Minister to provide advice in the development of Libya’s national security forces. And I believe other countries in that region could benefit from NATO’s experience and expertise.
I would also like to see NATO further develop co-operative relations with regional organizations – such as the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council and the African Union. To contribute to regional security including, if they so wish, by developing their capacities to manage future crises.
[T]his is essential for NATO to be ready to deal with the security challenges of today’s globalised world.
...
The political and military bonds forged in NATO between Europe and North America; our unrivalled capabilities; and our extensive network of partners – form an Alliance that is strong, flexible, and able to perform a wide range of tasks. The tasks we can foresee, and those we can’t yet imagine.
Our job today is to make NATO ready, robust, and rebalanced for the future. So that, in an unpredictable world, it remains an essential source of stability we can all rely on.
Thank you.
==============================
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
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==============================
Thu Sep 19, 2013 6:20 am (PDT) . Posted by:
"Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff
New post on Stop NATO...Opposition to global militarism
Global NATO Renews Threat Against Syria
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
September 19, 2013
NATO: Ready, Robust, Rebalanced
Speech by NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen at the Carnegie Europe Event
Thank you, Jan, for that very kind introduction and thank you to Carnegie for organizing this morning session.
I have been looking forward to meeting you this morning to outline some major security policy priorities as we are approaching two important security policy events within the next year: an EU Summit on defence and security in December, and a NATO Summit next year.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We live in a world in transition. And transition often leads to turmoil and turbulence. In such times, we need something strong. Stable. And secure. For 28 nations in Europe and North America, that pillar of strength is NATO. We are seeing tragic turmoil and turbulence just beyond NATO’s south eastern border. We have also recently seen renewed efforts by the international community to stop the terrible bloodshed in Syria.
I welcome the framework for the elimination of Syrian chemical weapons agreed between the United States and Russia. The next step should be an expeditious agreement of a United Nations Security Council Resolution to ensure effective implementation. The swift, secure and verifiable elimination of Syria’s substantial stocks of chemical weapons is key.
It is clear that what happened around Damascus on 21st August is a war crime. And it is clear that the international community has a duty to hold those responsible to account.
NATO remains vigilant. We continue to keep the situation in Syria under close review. And we continue to protect the Alliance’s south-eastern border.
While the ultimate solution to the Syrian crisis can only be political, I have no doubt that the recent agreement could not have been reached without a credible military option.
This demonstrates once again that we need strong defence capabilities to support strong diplomatic efforts and make them effective.
And this brings me to the theme of my speech: NATO’s future.
Of course, every crisis around the world is different. And NATO cannot be the response for every crisis. But I do believe that NATO is the foundation on which any Ally or group of Allies can build their response to any crisis.
Our political consultations. Our common standards and procedures. Our military command and control structures. And our common experiences in combat and in peace-keeping on three continents. All these make NATO unique. They mean that Allied nations stand ready to act. And that when they act, they can be more effective.
Today, in many parts of the world, Allies are acting under NATO’s command and control – often with partner nations....In Afghanistan and Kosovo. In the Mediterranean and off the Horn of Africa. Over the Baltic states and near Turkey’s border.
...
We have a strong base on which to build. At the Lisbon Summit in 2010, we approved NATO’s new Strategic Concept. We have been successfully implementing it since. And as we draw down from Afghanistan and take stock of twenty years of operations, we have the most capable and tightly connected forces in history, and the widest network of partners.
I cannot predict today what NATO’s next mission will be. But whatever the next challenge is, we need to remain ready to face it. To do that, I see three priorities.
* First, to maintain robust defence and deterrence.
* Second, to reaffirm the bond between Europe and North America and rebalance our relationship.
* And third, to bolster our global perspective and remain ready to work with partners and protect our values in our region and beyond.
...
Over thirty countries around the world have - or are developing - missile technology. Some of Europe’s cities are well within range. And against real threats, we need real defences. That is why NATO is building a missile defence system to protect European populations and territory. This, as well, is modern collective defence.
Similarly, we saw in Estonia in 2007 how cyber attacks can harm our economies and our security. We have made good progress in improving our cyber defences. For me, the next step should be to consider how we could assist Allies who come under cyber attack. I believe this, too, is modern collective defence.
Moreover, we must continue to look for ways to improve our joint intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, including the acquisition of observation drones and modernisation of our AWACS aircraft.
...
We also need to strengthen the connection between our forces through more joint exercises, education and training. And to reinforce our NATO Response Force. To defend any Ally. Deploy anywhere. And deter against any threat.
And that is the aim of our Connected Forces Initiative.
Taken together, these steps will ensure NATO remains robust.
Our second priority is to strengthen the transatlantic relationship and rebalance the Alliance.
North America and Europe remain each other’s partner of choice. And we can only be fully effective by working together.
That’s why we must all continue to invest in our Alliance. And why we must all shoulder a fair share of the burden, just as we all share in the benefits.
The engagement of the United States in European security remains strong. And it is keeping up with the security challenges.
A few years ago, the last American nuclear submarines left Sardinia. But shortly afterwards, we saw the first American Aegis ship deploy to the Mediterranean to enhance our defence against missile attacks.
Earlier this year, the last American tank left Germany. But next month the first American Brigade Combat Team will deploy to Europe as part of the NATO Response Force during exercise Steadfast Jazz in the Baltic region.
In May, we saw the last anti-tank aircraft fly out of Germany. But in June, the first American vertical-lift transport aircraft deployed to the United Kingdom to enhance special operations forces.
These are all signs of North America’s continuing commitment to modern transatlantic security.
Europeans are also making important contributions. For instance, by deploying forces on NATO operations in Afghanistan, Kosovo, the Mediterranean, and the Indian Ocean. But I believe that European nations can, and should, do more, to match America’s commitment.
Because a strong NATO needs a strong Europe – with strong capabilities, strong defence industries, and strong political commitment.
I would like to see European Allies playing their part to acquire more drones to improve surveillance. More large transport and air-to-air refuelling aircraft to enhance their ability to deploy on operations. And more upgraded radars on their ships so they can be integrated into our NATO missile defence.
To deliver a strong Europe we also need a strong European defence industrial base. So far, the European defence industry remains too national and too fragmented. This is why I welcome the European Commission’s proposals to enhance the industry’s efficiency and competitiveness. And to help it to fund research and develop new military technologies.
Finally, a strong Europe will require strong political will. To increase defence spending when our economies start to recover, as they will. To develop long-term procurement and investment programmes. And to assume more security responsibilities in Europe’s neighbourhood.
I was encouraged by the debate we had at the recent European Union defence ministerial in Vilnius. So I expect the European Council on security and defence in December to demonstrate strong political commitment. It will help to strengthen Europe. It will help to strengthen the transatlantic partnership. And it will help to rebalance NATO. This is an opportunity not to be missed.
Finally, our third priority is to develop a truly global perspective of security, and the partnerships to match that perspective.
I welcome the increased attention that the United States is paying to the Asia-Pacific region. This is also in Europe’s interest. It is certainly not at the expense of the transatlantic relationship. On the contrary, by paying greater attention to Asia and the Pacific, the United States is also contributing to Europe’s security and well-being. Earlier this year, I visited South Korea and Japan. And I was struck by how well these partners understand our interdependence.
Security today can only be cooperative security. Dialogue and cooperation with partners play an integral part in helping our understanding of world events – and in strengthening international stability and security. And we must now deepen our relationships, and widen our network.
In particular, I believe we should explore ways to help others build their security capacity. We have been doing this successfully both in Kosovo and Afghanistan.
NATO’s unique expertise and experience means we are particularly well suited to helping countries manage difficult political transitions. Modernise their security sectors. Train their forces to deal with internal challenges. And assist them in operating together with their neighbours’ forces to manage crises together...
NATO is looking into a request by the Libyan Prime Minister to provide advice in the development of Libya’s national security forces. And I believe other countries in that region could benefit from NATO’s experience and expertise.
I would also like to see NATO further develop co-operative relations with regional organizations – such as the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council and the African Union. To contribute to regional security including, if they so wish, by developing their capacities to manage future crises.
[T]his is essential for NATO to be ready to deal with the security challenges of today’s globalised world.
...
The political and military bonds forged in NATO between Europe and North America; our unrivalled capabilities; and our extensive network of partners – form an Alliance that is strong, flexible, and able to perform a wide range of tasks. The tasks we can foresee, and those we can’t yet imagine.
Our job today is to make NATO ready, robust, and rebalanced for the future. So that, in an unpredictable world, it remains an essential source of stability we can all rely on.
Thank you.
richardrozoff | September 19, 2013 at 1:13 pm | Categories: Uncategorized | URL:http://wp.me/pCpOz-6ax
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