Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07USNATO60
2007-02-01 15:39:00
CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN
Mission USNATO
Cable title:
NORTH ATLANTIC COUNCIL READOUT JANUARY 31, 2007
how-toVZCZCXRO5050 OO RUEHDBU RUEHFL RUEHLA RUEHMRE RUEHROV RUEHSR DE RUEHNO #0060/01 0321539 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 011539Z FEB 07 ZDK FM USMISSION USNATO TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 0428 RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE INFO RUEHZG/NATO EU COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUCNOSC/ORGANIZATION FOR SECURITY COOPERATION IN EUROPE PRIORITY RUEHAK/AMEMBASSY ANKARA PRIORITY 0327 RUEHGB/AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD PRIORITY 0231 RUEHBW/AMEMBASSY BELGRADE PRIORITY 1326 RUEHRL/AMEMBASSY BERLIN PRIORITY 0497 RUEHCH/AMEMBASSY CHISINAU PRIORITY 0113 RUEHIL/AMEMBASSY ISLAMABAD PRIORITY 0262 RUEHBUL/AMEMBASSY KABUL PRIORITY 0523 RUEHKH/AMEMBASSY KHARTOUM PRIORITY 0116 RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON PRIORITY 0145 RUEHMD/AMEMBASSY MADRID PRIORITY 0578 RUEHNJ/AMEMBASSY NDJAMENA PRIORITY 0011 RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS PRIORITY 0243 RUEHRO/AMEMBASSY ROME PRIORITY 0490 RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 0340
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 USNATO 000060
SIPDIS
NOFORN
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/31/2017
TAGS: NATO PREL AF
SUBJECT: NORTH ATLANTIC COUNCIL READOUT JANUARY 31, 2007
Classified By: DCM Richard G. Olson, for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 USNATO 000060
SIPDIS
NOFORN
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/31/2017
TAGS: NATO PREL AF
SUBJECT: NORTH ATLANTIC COUNCIL READOUT JANUARY 31, 2007
Classified By: DCM Richard G. Olson, for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)
1. (C) SUMMARY:
-- Afghanistan: Secretary General (SYG) provided a readout of
JCMB meeting in Berlin. The International Military Staff
(IMS) Operations Director highlighted the need for more
troops, the poor progress on staffing of ISAF X composite HQ,
and the concern that misunderstandings about &ROE
Escalations8 is causing an increase in civilian casualties.
-- Kosovo: The Chairman of the Military Committee (CMC)
informed the NAC that KFOR is conducting increased presence
operations at least through February 9, as UN Special Envoy
Ahtisaari prepares to present his proposal to Belgrade and
Pristina. Ahtisaari will brief PermReps on February 16.
-- Darfur: Secretary General (SYG) noted African Union (AU)
summit outcomes, and stated that NATO stands by to assist AU
on Somalia.
-- Iraq: SHAPE provided initial assessment on gendarmerie
training, with the Italian report expected by the end of
February. SHAPE appeals to nations for an internal security
platoon for Ar-Rustimayah.
-- Moldova: Moldovan Foreign Minister Stratan and Defense
Minster Plesca address Moldova,s Individual Partnership
Action Plan (covered septel).
-- Terrorist Threat Intelligence Unit, (TTIU): The Director
of the NATO Office of Security briefed the NAC on the TTIU,s
2006 activities, and highlighted 2007 goals and objectives.
END SUMMARY.
Afghanistan
--------------
2. (C) SYG de Hoop Scheffer welcomed the discussion of a
comprehensive approach to Afghanistan during the January 26
Foreign Ministers meetings at NATO, but reminded that fully
adopting such an approach meant working at all levels, not
just endorsing a concept among ministers. The SYG conveyed a
readout on the January 30 Joint Coordination and Monitoring
Board (JCMB) Political Directors meeting in Berlin that he
had received from German Political Director Michael Schaefer
prior to the NAC: the group endorsed the JCMB as a successful
central coordinating body; agreed to strengthen further the
JCMB where necessary; acknowledged the need to increase
Afghan governing capacity and efforts to train Afghan
National Security Forces; discussed human rights and the
Afghan constitution; and called for political and security
support for Afghanistan from its neighbors.
3. (C) The SYG termed the January 30 NAC with Pakistan PM
Aziz (septel) an important opportunity to engage with a
nation crucial to NATO,s success, and informed the Council
that based on the NATO Legal Adviser,s discussions in
Islamabad last week, Pakistan welcomes a more formal
NATO-ISAF presence in Islamabad. He previewed that a
Pakistani chop on a draft transit agreement with NATO was
expected shortly, and urged Allies to respond quickly once
the draft agreement was received.
4. (C) CMC Henault updated on the status of ISAF X composite
headquarters manning, which still suffers shortfalls. The HQ
is currently at a 68% staffing level, which will pose
difficulty if not resolved by the end of February. He
reiterated that SHAPE has called for nations to step up their
games and resolve the &unhealthy8 situation. In addition
to low staffing levels, only 39% of the expected 206
participants in February battle staff training in Stavanger
have registered.
USNATO 00000060 002 OF 003
5. (C) IMS Operations Director MG Fenton informed the NAC
that SHAPE had submitted its revised Combined Joint Statement
of Requirements to NATO HQ and touched on the key
adjustments. Past shortfalls remain, including the need for
two strategic reserve battalions and one operational reserve
battalion, an enabled battalion to serve as a theater task
force, and PRTs and maneuver forces for Nimroz and Dai Kundi
provinces. SACEUR will now also ask to upgrade the QRF
companies in RC-S and RC-W to full battalions, and seek two
additional battalions to focus on border and LOC issues in
RC-S and RC-E.
6. (C) Fenton also briefed the Council that ISAF was deep
into planning a follow-on operation to Oqab (Eagle),which
would occur in the March-May timeframe and aim to preempt and
dislocate any insurgent spring offensive attempts. The
operation would involve close liaison with the Pakistani
military. Fenton noted that ISAF is trying to transfer
security responsibilities in the Panjwayi area of RC-S to
ANSF so that high-end ISAF forces can be freed for other more
demanding missions, but insufficient numbers of ANSF hamper
the effort. He stated that by March, 700 auxiliary police
should be on duty in Kandahar province. Finally, he briefed
that COMISAF is concerned by the growing number of &ROE
escalations,8 noting that civilian casualties impact the
mood of the Afghan people. Following requests for
clarification by the U.S., Latvia, and Norway, Fenton
indicated that the Afghan people often do not understand the
ROE escalation process (e.g. warning shouts, warning shots,
then engagement) which ISAF soldiers use, and expressed hope
that if ISAF gets the word out better, incidents where ISAF
forces fire on civilians in self-defense can be reduced.
Fenton noted that the ROE are classified and will not be
released.
7. (C) Germany offered to bring Political Director Shaefer to
brief the NAC on the JCMB, which Ambassador Nuland welcomed.
The Ambassador also asked the IMS for updates on operations
in the Sangin Valley and Kajaki Dam areas, security in
Kandahar city, and any possible measures ISAF could take to
protect Afghan parliamentarians. She asked for a status
report prior to the Seville ministerial on NATO,s progress
to help equip the ANA. Finally, she informed colleagues that
she and the UK ambassador were working together to set up a
briefing on Afghan counter-narcotics priorities for the NAC.
Kosovo
--------------
8. (SBU) The SYG briefly mentioned the January 26 Contact
Group meeting and stated the need for continued unity within
the international community on Kosovo status. He said that
UN Special Envoy Ahtisaari is preparing to travel to the
region on February 2 to present his proposal to Belgrade and
Pristina and will come to the NAC on February 16 to address
PermReps. The CMC briefed that KFOR is conducting increased
presence operations through at least February 9 to deter any
violence during this period.
Darfur
--------------
9. (SBU) The SYG noted the AU Summit, and reported that the
rotating chairmanship had been awarded to Ghana instead of
Sudan. It remains to be seen what impact this might have on
President Bashir,s policies towards Darfur. The SYG said
there is still a &difference of opinion8 between the UN and
Sudan over the role of the UN in Darfur, noting the UN
Secretary General did not get a formal authorization from
SIPDIS
Bashir for a &hybrid8 force in Darfur. The Sudanese,
however, have agreed to the &light8 and &heavy8
assistance packages. The SYG reported that Somalia was
discussed at the summit, but African leaders had so far only
committed 4,000 soldiers for that mission. The SYG committed
to monitoring preparations to deploy the force and will keep
PermReps informed of any AU requests made to NATO for
USNATO 00000060 003 OF 003
assistance.
Iraq
--------------
10. (SBU) CMC Henault noted that on Jan 30, NATO HQ received
SHAPE,s preliminary assessment on gendarmerie training. A
full report from the Italian-led scoping mission is expected
at the end of February. SHAPE will provide a more detailed
assessment after receiving the Italian report. He also drew
PermReps, attention to the need to provide an internal
security platoon for Ar-Rustimayah. This requirement was not
filled at the November 2006 force generation conference, and
subsequently was outsourced through May 31, 2007. SHAPE is
requesting offers to provide an internal security platoon be
provided by February 28.
Terrorist Threat Intelligence Unit
--------------
11. (SBU) In 2006, the TTIU provided support to ten
committees and issued 44 reports, increasing cooperation with
NATO Allies and partners. In 2007, the TTIU will focus on
emerging CT threats in areas of interest to NATO members and
solicit a more give-and-take relationship with MED Dialogue
and ICI countries. Ambassador Nuland encouraged the NATO
Office of Security to be aggressive in pushing down
classification levels where appropriate so that partners can
access relevant information.
NULAND
SIPDIS
NOFORN
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/31/2017
TAGS: NATO PREL AF
SUBJECT: NORTH ATLANTIC COUNCIL READOUT JANUARY 31, 2007
Classified By: DCM Richard G. Olson, for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)
1. (C) SUMMARY:
-- Afghanistan: Secretary General (SYG) provided a readout of
JCMB meeting in Berlin. The International Military Staff
(IMS) Operations Director highlighted the need for more
troops, the poor progress on staffing of ISAF X composite HQ,
and the concern that misunderstandings about &ROE
Escalations8 is causing an increase in civilian casualties.
-- Kosovo: The Chairman of the Military Committee (CMC)
informed the NAC that KFOR is conducting increased presence
operations at least through February 9, as UN Special Envoy
Ahtisaari prepares to present his proposal to Belgrade and
Pristina. Ahtisaari will brief PermReps on February 16.
-- Darfur: Secretary General (SYG) noted African Union (AU)
summit outcomes, and stated that NATO stands by to assist AU
on Somalia.
-- Iraq: SHAPE provided initial assessment on gendarmerie
training, with the Italian report expected by the end of
February. SHAPE appeals to nations for an internal security
platoon for Ar-Rustimayah.
-- Moldova: Moldovan Foreign Minister Stratan and Defense
Minster Plesca address Moldova,s Individual Partnership
Action Plan (covered septel).
-- Terrorist Threat Intelligence Unit, (TTIU): The Director
of the NATO Office of Security briefed the NAC on the TTIU,s
2006 activities, and highlighted 2007 goals and objectives.
END SUMMARY.
Afghanistan
--------------
2. (C) SYG de Hoop Scheffer welcomed the discussion of a
comprehensive approach to Afghanistan during the January 26
Foreign Ministers meetings at NATO, but reminded that fully
adopting such an approach meant working at all levels, not
just endorsing a concept among ministers. The SYG conveyed a
readout on the January 30 Joint Coordination and Monitoring
Board (JCMB) Political Directors meeting in Berlin that he
had received from German Political Director Michael Schaefer
prior to the NAC: the group endorsed the JCMB as a successful
central coordinating body; agreed to strengthen further the
JCMB where necessary; acknowledged the need to increase
Afghan governing capacity and efforts to train Afghan
National Security Forces; discussed human rights and the
Afghan constitution; and called for political and security
support for Afghanistan from its neighbors.
3. (C) The SYG termed the January 30 NAC with Pakistan PM
Aziz (septel) an important opportunity to engage with a
nation crucial to NATO,s success, and informed the Council
that based on the NATO Legal Adviser,s discussions in
Islamabad last week, Pakistan welcomes a more formal
NATO-ISAF presence in Islamabad. He previewed that a
Pakistani chop on a draft transit agreement with NATO was
expected shortly, and urged Allies to respond quickly once
the draft agreement was received.
4. (C) CMC Henault updated on the status of ISAF X composite
headquarters manning, which still suffers shortfalls. The HQ
is currently at a 68% staffing level, which will pose
difficulty if not resolved by the end of February. He
reiterated that SHAPE has called for nations to step up their
games and resolve the &unhealthy8 situation. In addition
to low staffing levels, only 39% of the expected 206
participants in February battle staff training in Stavanger
have registered.
USNATO 00000060 002 OF 003
5. (C) IMS Operations Director MG Fenton informed the NAC
that SHAPE had submitted its revised Combined Joint Statement
of Requirements to NATO HQ and touched on the key
adjustments. Past shortfalls remain, including the need for
two strategic reserve battalions and one operational reserve
battalion, an enabled battalion to serve as a theater task
force, and PRTs and maneuver forces for Nimroz and Dai Kundi
provinces. SACEUR will now also ask to upgrade the QRF
companies in RC-S and RC-W to full battalions, and seek two
additional battalions to focus on border and LOC issues in
RC-S and RC-E.
6. (C) Fenton also briefed the Council that ISAF was deep
into planning a follow-on operation to Oqab (Eagle),which
would occur in the March-May timeframe and aim to preempt and
dislocate any insurgent spring offensive attempts. The
operation would involve close liaison with the Pakistani
military. Fenton noted that ISAF is trying to transfer
security responsibilities in the Panjwayi area of RC-S to
ANSF so that high-end ISAF forces can be freed for other more
demanding missions, but insufficient numbers of ANSF hamper
the effort. He stated that by March, 700 auxiliary police
should be on duty in Kandahar province. Finally, he briefed
that COMISAF is concerned by the growing number of &ROE
escalations,8 noting that civilian casualties impact the
mood of the Afghan people. Following requests for
clarification by the U.S., Latvia, and Norway, Fenton
indicated that the Afghan people often do not understand the
ROE escalation process (e.g. warning shouts, warning shots,
then engagement) which ISAF soldiers use, and expressed hope
that if ISAF gets the word out better, incidents where ISAF
forces fire on civilians in self-defense can be reduced.
Fenton noted that the ROE are classified and will not be
released.
7. (C) Germany offered to bring Political Director Shaefer to
brief the NAC on the JCMB, which Ambassador Nuland welcomed.
The Ambassador also asked the IMS for updates on operations
in the Sangin Valley and Kajaki Dam areas, security in
Kandahar city, and any possible measures ISAF could take to
protect Afghan parliamentarians. She asked for a status
report prior to the Seville ministerial on NATO,s progress
to help equip the ANA. Finally, she informed colleagues that
she and the UK ambassador were working together to set up a
briefing on Afghan counter-narcotics priorities for the NAC.
Kosovo
--------------
8. (SBU) The SYG briefly mentioned the January 26 Contact
Group meeting and stated the need for continued unity within
the international community on Kosovo status. He said that
UN Special Envoy Ahtisaari is preparing to travel to the
region on February 2 to present his proposal to Belgrade and
Pristina and will come to the NAC on February 16 to address
PermReps. The CMC briefed that KFOR is conducting increased
presence operations through at least February 9 to deter any
violence during this period.
Darfur
--------------
9. (SBU) The SYG noted the AU Summit, and reported that the
rotating chairmanship had been awarded to Ghana instead of
Sudan. It remains to be seen what impact this might have on
President Bashir,s policies towards Darfur. The SYG said
there is still a &difference of opinion8 between the UN and
Sudan over the role of the UN in Darfur, noting the UN
Secretary General did not get a formal authorization from
SIPDIS
Bashir for a &hybrid8 force in Darfur. The Sudanese,
however, have agreed to the &light8 and &heavy8
assistance packages. The SYG reported that Somalia was
discussed at the summit, but African leaders had so far only
committed 4,000 soldiers for that mission. The SYG committed
to monitoring preparations to deploy the force and will keep
PermReps informed of any AU requests made to NATO for
USNATO 00000060 003 OF 003
assistance.
Iraq
--------------
10. (SBU) CMC Henault noted that on Jan 30, NATO HQ received
SHAPE,s preliminary assessment on gendarmerie training. A
full report from the Italian-led scoping mission is expected
at the end of February. SHAPE will provide a more detailed
assessment after receiving the Italian report. He also drew
PermReps, attention to the need to provide an internal
security platoon for Ar-Rustimayah. This requirement was not
filled at the November 2006 force generation conference, and
subsequently was outsourced through May 31, 2007. SHAPE is
requesting offers to provide an internal security platoon be
provided by February 28.
Terrorist Threat Intelligence Unit
--------------
11. (SBU) In 2006, the TTIU provided support to ten
committees and issued 44 reports, increasing cooperation with
NATO Allies and partners. In 2007, the TTIU will focus on
emerging CT threats in areas of interest to NATO members and
solicit a more give-and-take relationship with MED Dialogue
and ICI countries. Ambassador Nuland encouraged the NATO
Office of Security to be aggressive in pushing down
classification levels where appropriate so that partners can
access relevant information.
NULAND