3 New Messages
Digest #4612
Messages
Wed Jan 23, 2013 7:20 am (PST) . Posted by:
"Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff
http://www.bna.bh/portal/en/
Bahrain News Agency
January 22, 2013
HM the King receives NATO delegation
Manama: His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa today received at Sakhir Palace the British ambassador to Bahrain Iain Lindsay accompanied by a parliamentary delegation from the military and security affairs committee at NATO led by Sir John Stanley on the occasion of its visit to the kingdom.
His Majesty welcomed the visiting delegation and discussed with them means of further developing cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and NATO towards achieving joint interest for both sides. He also stressed on Bahrain's keenness in further strengthening these ties being a strategic partner despite the fact that it is a non-NATO member. His Majesty emphasised on the importance of exchanging expertise and visits in the fields that supported security, stability and peace in the region and world. He also lauded the great efforts exerted by NATO and effective contributions in maintaining peace and preserving security and stability in the region and other areas in the world. His Majesty expressed his appreciation for NATO's care towards further bolstering horizons of cooperation with the Kingdom of Bahrain in military and security fields.
Meanwhile, the NATO delegation during the meeting affirmed the strategic role played by the Kingdom of Bahrain due to its exceptional geographic position and its great role both regionally and internationally. The delegation also welcomed the noble call by His Majesty for the resumption of the national unity dialogue affirming that dialogue was the ideal solution to develop the democratic experience in the country. The NATO delegation expressed their admiration towards the outstanding standards of the Bahrain Defense Force and its strategic role in supporting regional security.
==============================
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==============================
Bahrain News Agency
January 22, 2013
HM the King receives NATO delegation
Manama: His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa today received at Sakhir Palace the British ambassador to Bahrain Iain Lindsay accompanied by a parliamentary delegation from the military and security affairs committee at NATO led by Sir John Stanley on the occasion of its visit to the kingdom.
His Majesty welcomed the visiting delegation and discussed with them means of further developing cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and NATO towards achieving joint interest for both sides. He also stressed on Bahrain's keenness in further strengthening these ties being a strategic partner despite the fact that it is a non-NATO member. His Majesty emphasised on the importance of exchanging expertise and visits in the fields that supported security, stability and peace in the region and world. He also lauded the great efforts exerted by NATO and effective contributions in maintaining peace and preserving security and stability in the region and other areas in the world. His Majesty expressed his appreciation for NATO's care towards further bolstering horizons of cooperation with the Kingdom of Bahrain in military and security fields.
Meanwhile, the NATO delegation during the meeting affirmed the strategic role played by the Kingdom of Bahrain due to its exceptional geographic position and its great role both regionally and internationally. The delegation also welcomed the noble call by His Majesty for the resumption of the national unity dialogue affirming that dialogue was the ideal solution to develop the democratic experience in the country. The NATO delegation expressed their admiration towards the outstanding standards of the Bahrain Defense Force and its strategic role in supporting regional security.
==============================
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==============================
Wed Jan 23, 2013 5:57 pm (PST) . Posted by:
"Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff
http://www.nato.int/cps/en/nat
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
January 21, 2013
''Meeting Today's Security Challenges''
Introductory remarks by Ambassador Alexander Vershbow, NATO Deputy Secretary General at the ‘Munich Security Conference Kick-Off' - Berlin Germany
Edited by RR
===
As we look to the evolution of our commitment to Afghanistan, we must not forget other changes in the strategic landscape – both outside our Alliance and within it, including the Arab Awakening and the growing importance of the Asia-Pacific region.
A coordinated, transatlantic approach can help encourage China to remain a responsible stakeholder in the region and beyond, while consolidating positive changes as we have seen in Burma.
At the same time, the U.S. pivot will require European nations to be better able to address security challenges in and around Europe...
[W]e can continue to build on that progress...so that we can achieve greater cooperation between NATO and the European Union in developing capabilities, in engaging North Africa and the Middle East, and in tackling cyber threats and other new and emerging challenges.
It is increasingly clear that President Assad’s days are numbered...NATO had the foresight...to establish partnerships with several of the nations of North Africa, the Middle East and the Gulf region through our Mediterranean Dialogue and Istanbul Cooperation Initiative...They could serve as the framework for NATO to help countries seeking to reshape their societies following the Arab Awakening.
===
Thank you, Wolfgang (Ischinger) and State Minister Mueller, for that kind introduction. And thanks to the Deutsche Bahn for getting me here despite the snowy weather. I didn’t want to miss this kick-off event given the importance of the Munich Security Conference. Let me add that It’s an honour to share the podium with such eminent political figures from Germany and from Egypt.
In Washington, just a few minutes ago, President Obama was inaugurated for his second term in office. Being an American, and indeed the first American Deputy Secretary General of NATO, I thought it would be opportune to focus my remarks on the importance of the transatlantic relationship for dealing with many of today’s security challenges. Because, despite all the changes and upheavals of recent years, the transatlantic community remains essential to sustaining our own security and stability, and for addressing new challenges and opportunities around the world.
Let me start with a few comments about NATO’s number one priority...Afghanistan...Some 100,000 troops, mostly from North America and Europe, are working together to help the Afghan government take the lead for security across the country...
But that will not be the end of NATO’s commitment to Afghanistan. We are already planning a post-ISAF mission that will focus on training, advising and assisting, the Afghan National Security Forces beyond 2014.
...
At the same time, closer cooperation with Afghanistan’s neighbours is needed to help prevent the re-creation of havens for terrorist training and other illegal activities such as narcotics production...
As we look to the evolution of our commitment to Afghanistan, we must not forget other changes in the strategic landscape – both outside our Alliance and within it, including the Arab Awakening and the growing importance of the Asia-Pacific region.
In the coming years, the United States will continue its strategic pivot towards the Pacific. Given that North America and Europe share the same goals of open markets, open seas, and open political dialogue, there is every reason for Europe to support that pivot – and even to be part of it. A coordinated, transatlantic approach can help encourage China to remain a responsible stakeholder in the region and beyond, while consolidating positive changes as we have seen in Burma.
At the same time, the U.S. pivot will require European nations to be better able to address security challenges in and around Europe – and in the process, to help create a fairer sharing of the burdens within NATO...
For example, fifteen years ago, during the Kosovo conflict, the United States dropped 90% of the precision-guided munitions, and the other Allies dropped only 10%. Two years ago, during our mission...in Libya...it was the other way around.
Today, European Allies are involved in each of the 24 multinational ‘Smart Defence’ projects that we have agreed in NATO to improve our capabilities while getting “more bang for the Euro.” Europeans, in fact, are leading two-thirds of these projects. European Allies are also making important contributions to NATO’s fledgling missile defence system – and we expect to see further contributions in the future. At the same time, European nations are also making progress in the EU framework with complementary pooling-and-sharing initiatives.
I am confident that we can continue to build on that progress in the coming years – so that Europe will be better able to meet its security responsibilities; and so that we can achieve greater cooperation between NATO and the European Union in developing capabilities, in engaging North Africa and the Middle East, and in tackling cyber threats and other new and emerging challenges.
One very urgent challenge is the crisis on our south-eastern border. The Alliance remains deeply concerned by the situation in Syria...
[W]e are currently deploying Patriot missiles to...Turkey...This decision demonstrates our solidarity as an Alliance. But it also shows the ability of European Allies to deliver real security. And I want to use this opportunity to thank the German Government for the determination it has shown on this issue.
It is increasingly clear that President Assad’s days are numbered. Within our transatlantic community, I think we must begin to consider how we might help a post-Assad Syria make the transition...
NATO has considerable experience, including with disarming militias, securing military sites, and assisting security sector reform...We must be ready to make that expertise available if it is requested by the Syrians, in concert with the United Nations and regional organizations like the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
NATO had the foresight, beginning in the mid-90s, to establish partnerships with several of the nations of North Africa, the Middle East and the Gulf region through our Mediterranean Dialogue and Istanbul Cooperation Initiative. These partnerships provided the basis for four of our Middle Eastern partners to contribute military forces to our Libya operations.
They could serve as the framework for NATO to help countries seeking to reshape their societies following the Arab Awakening.
But let me add that, although I’m proud to be called NATO-centric, I realise that NATO doesn’t have all the answers. In the case of Mali, for example, it makes sense for the European Union, led by France and working with African nations and regional organisations, to take the lead in managing the crisis. But as we have seen in recent days, the ongoing efforts...have received tangible assistance from Europe’s North American partners in the form of intelligence, airlift and other logistical support...
...
==============================
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http://groups.yahoo.com/group/
Stop NATO website and articles:
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==============================
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
January 21, 2013
''Meeting Today's Security Challenges''
Introductory remarks by Ambassador Alexander Vershbow, NATO Deputy Secretary General at the ‘Munich Security Conference Kick-Off' - Berlin Germany
Edited by RR
===
As we look to the evolution of our commitment to Afghanistan, we must not forget other changes in the strategic landscape – both outside our Alliance and within it, including the Arab Awakening and the growing importance of the Asia-Pacific region.
A coordinated, transatlantic approach can help encourage China to remain a responsible stakeholder in the region and beyond, while consolidating positive changes as we have seen in Burma.
At the same time, the U.S. pivot will require European nations to be better able to address security challenges in and around Europe...
[W]e can continue to build on that progress...so that we can achieve greater cooperation between NATO and the European Union in developing capabilities, in engaging North Africa and the Middle East, and in tackling cyber threats and other new and emerging challenges.
It is increasingly clear that President Assad’s days are numbered...NATO had the foresight...to establish partnerships with several of the nations of North Africa, the Middle East and the Gulf region through our Mediterranean Dialogue and Istanbul Cooperation Initiative...They could serve as the framework for NATO to help countries seeking to reshape their societies following the Arab Awakening.
===
Thank you, Wolfgang (Ischinger) and State Minister Mueller, for that kind introduction. And thanks to the Deutsche Bahn for getting me here despite the snowy weather. I didn’t want to miss this kick-off event given the importance of the Munich Security Conference. Let me add that It’s an honour to share the podium with such eminent political figures from Germany and from Egypt.
In Washington, just a few minutes ago, President Obama was inaugurated for his second term in office. Being an American, and indeed the first American Deputy Secretary General of NATO, I thought it would be opportune to focus my remarks on the importance of the transatlantic relationship for dealing with many of today’s security challenges. Because, despite all the changes and upheavals of recent years, the transatlantic community remains essential to sustaining our own security and stability, and for addressing new challenges and opportunities around the world.
Let me start with a few comments about NATO’s number one priority...Afghanistan...Some 100,000 troops, mostly from North America and Europe, are working together to help the Afghan government take the lead for security across the country...
But that will not be the end of NATO’s commitment to Afghanistan. We are already planning a post-ISAF mission that will focus on training, advising and assisting, the Afghan National Security Forces beyond 2014.
...
At the same time, closer cooperation with Afghanistan’s neighbours is needed to help prevent the re-creation of havens for terrorist training and other illegal activities such as narcotics production...
As we look to the evolution of our commitment to Afghanistan, we must not forget other changes in the strategic landscape – both outside our Alliance and within it, including the Arab Awakening and the growing importance of the Asia-Pacific region.
In the coming years, the United States will continue its strategic pivot towards the Pacific. Given that North America and Europe share the same goals of open markets, open seas, and open political dialogue, there is every reason for Europe to support that pivot – and even to be part of it. A coordinated, transatlantic approach can help encourage China to remain a responsible stakeholder in the region and beyond, while consolidating positive changes as we have seen in Burma.
At the same time, the U.S. pivot will require European nations to be better able to address security challenges in and around Europe – and in the process, to help create a fairer sharing of the burdens within NATO...
For example, fifteen years ago, during the Kosovo conflict, the United States dropped 90% of the precision-guided munitions, and the other Allies dropped only 10%. Two years ago, during our mission...in Libya...it was the other way around.
Today, European Allies are involved in each of the 24 multinational ‘Smart Defence’ projects that we have agreed in NATO to improve our capabilities while getting “more bang for the Euro.” Europeans, in fact, are leading two-thirds of these projects. European Allies are also making important contributions to NATO’s fledgling missile defence system – and we expect to see further contributions in the future. At the same time, European nations are also making progress in the EU framework with complementary pooling-and-sharing initiatives.
I am confident that we can continue to build on that progress in the coming years – so that Europe will be better able to meet its security responsibilities; and so that we can achieve greater cooperation between NATO and the European Union in developing capabilities, in engaging North Africa and the Middle East, and in tackling cyber threats and other new and emerging challenges.
One very urgent challenge is the crisis on our south-eastern border. The Alliance remains deeply concerned by the situation in Syria...
[W]e are currently deploying Patriot missiles to...Turkey...This decision demonstrates our solidarity as an Alliance. But it also shows the ability of European Allies to deliver real security. And I want to use this opportunity to thank the German Government for the determination it has shown on this issue.
It is increasingly clear that President Assad’s days are numbered. Within our transatlantic community, I think we must begin to consider how we might help a post-Assad Syria make the transition...
NATO has considerable experience, including with disarming militias, securing military sites, and assisting security sector reform...We must be ready to make that expertise available if it is requested by the Syrians, in concert with the United Nations and regional organizations like the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
NATO had the foresight, beginning in the mid-90s, to establish partnerships with several of the nations of North Africa, the Middle East and the Gulf region through our Mediterranean Dialogue and Istanbul Cooperation Initiative. These partnerships provided the basis for four of our Middle Eastern partners to contribute military forces to our Libya operations.
They could serve as the framework for NATO to help countries seeking to reshape their societies following the Arab Awakening.
But let me add that, although I’m proud to be called NATO-centric, I realise that NATO doesn’t have all the answers. In the case of Mali, for example, it makes sense for the European Union, led by France and working with African nations and regional organisations, to take the lead in managing the crisis. But as we have seen in recent days, the ongoing efforts...have received tangible assistance from Europe’s North American partners in the form of intelligence, airlift and other logistical support...
...
==============================
Stop NATO e-mail list home page with archives and search engine:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/
Stop NATO website and articles:
http://rickrozoff.wordpress.co
To subscribe for individual e-mails or the daily digest, unsubscribe, and otherwise change subscription status:
stopnato-subscribe@yahoogroups
==============================
Wed Jan 23, 2013 5:57 pm (PST) . Posted by:
"Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff
http://english.ruvr.ru/2013_01
Voice of Russia
January 23, 2013
Residents of Turkish province say no to NATO’s Patriots
Part of the NATO Patriot anti-missile complexes, which were requested by Ankara from the Alliance, has already arrived in Turkey. They are planned to be deployed near the border with Syria, ostensibly to protect Turkey against possible missile attacks from the Syrian side.
Anti-missile complexes will be also located in the southeastern province of Kahramanmarash. Contrary to the authorities’ assertions that Patriots will only carry out defensive tasks, locals have serious concerns about their safety.
“We strongly object to the deployment of the NATO military facilities in the territory of Turkey since this exacerbates our relations with our neighbors, which were at an excellent level only 10 years ago. We went through that in 1991, when the missiles were deployed in Incirlik. Then, too, it was asserted that they were destined exclusively for defensive purposes. However, this did not prevent full-scale and unreasonable bombings of Iraq”, Esat Shengul, head of the regional branch of the main opposition Republican People's Party said to the Voice of Russia.
In his opinion, the deployment of Patriots is part of the American Greater Middle East project, aimed at providing free access to energy resources.
Head of the local branch of the Nationalist Movement Party Mustafa Bastirmaji agrees with Shengul. “The West is trying to cause a clash between the peoples of the region. Moreover, it tries to unleash a Sunni-Shiite war in the region. Elements of such a confrontation are already evident in Syria. Later Iran’s turn will come. And it is scary to imagine what will happen then. We do not want it”, the politician stated in an interview with the Voice of Russia.
Turkish activists rally against NATO’s Patriot deployment
Turks have rallied against the NATO deployment of Patriot missiles on the country’s soil, media report.
Some 150 leftists and right-wing activists lit smoke bombs and burned an American flag outside the port area as dozens of camouflaged German military vehicles carrying Patriot batteries were offloaded in Iskenderun.
Another rally in downtown Iskenderun later gathered thousands of anti-NATO protesters, who chanted "Yankee go home!" and "Murderer America, get out of the Middle East!"
Some protesters said the root of evil was the “collaborationist government,” and not Syria. Riot police arrested several demonstrators.
Voice of Russia, RBC
Voice of Russia
January 23, 2013
Residents of Turkish province say no to NATO’s Patriots
Part of the NATO Patriot anti-missile complexes, which were requested by Ankara from the Alliance, has already arrived in Turkey. They are planned to be deployed near the border with Syria, ostensibly to protect Turkey against possible missile attacks from the Syrian side.
Anti-missile complexes will be also located in the southeastern province of Kahramanmarash. Contrary to the authorities’ assertions that Patriots will only carry out defensive tasks, locals have serious concerns about their safety.
“We strongly object to the deployment of the NATO military facilities in the territory of Turkey since this exacerbates our relations with our neighbors, which were at an excellent level only 10 years ago. We went through that in 1991, when the missiles were deployed in Incirlik. Then, too, it was asserted that they were destined exclusively for defensive purposes. However, this did not prevent full-scale and unreasonable bombings of Iraq”, Esat Shengul, head of the regional branch of the main opposition Republican People's Party said to the Voice of Russia.
In his opinion, the deployment of Patriots is part of the American Greater Middle East project, aimed at providing free access to energy resources.
Head of the local branch of the Nationalist Movement Party Mustafa Bastirmaji agrees with Shengul. “The West is trying to cause a clash between the peoples of the region. Moreover, it tries to unleash a Sunni-Shiite war in the region. Elements of such a confrontation are already evident in Syria. Later Iran’s turn will come. And it is scary to imagine what will happen then. We do not want it”, the politician stated in an interview with the Voice of Russia.
Turkish activists rally against NATO’s Patriot deployment
Turks have rallied against the NATO deployment of Patriot missiles on the country’s soil, media report.
Some 150 leftists and right-wing activists lit smoke bombs and burned an American flag outside the port area as dozens of camouflaged German military vehicles carrying Patriot batteries were offloaded in Iskenderun.
Another rally in downtown Iskenderun later gathered thousands of anti-NATO protesters, who chanted "Yankee go home!" and "Murderer America, get out of the Middle East!"
Some protesters said the root of evil was the “collaborationist government,” and not Syria. Riot police arrested several demonstrators.
Voice of Russia, RBC
