NORTH ATLANTIC COUNCIL READOUT - NOVEMBER 14, 2007

C O N F I D E N T I A L USNATO 000607 SIPDIS NOFORN SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/16/2017 TAGS: NATO PREL AF SUBJECT: NORTH ATLANTIC COUNCIL READOUT - NOVEMBER 14, 2007 REF: USNATO 592 Classified By: DCM Richard G. Olson for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C/NF) Summary from the NAC Meeting: -- Afghanistan: The SYG expressed his disappointment with the Amnesty International report on detainees in Afghanistan. Deputy Chairman of the Military Committee (D/CMC) Eikenberry reported on his visit to Afghanistan, noting among other things the operational importance of JFC Brunssum, ANA training, and last week's force generation conference which he characterized as "disappointing." After several PermReps expressed concern about the drafting of a military campaign plan before work was completed on the comprehensive strategic political-military document for Afghanistan tasked by Defense Ministers at the Noordwijk Ministerial. The SYG, Ambassador Nuland and several other PermReps noted that work on a military campaign plan can complement ongoing work on the strategic pol-mil document. -- Balkans: The SYG reminded the Council that Kosovo will hold elections on November 17 and that the next meeting of the Troika with the parties will take place on November 20 in Brussels. The D/CMC briefed the Council that KFOR remains ready to respond to any threats to the safe and secure environment during the election period and the conclusion of the Troika process. -- Darfur: No discussion. -- Iraq: The SYG said PermReps would hold an informal discussion next week on the proposals contained in Italy,s letter on reinforcing NATO training at NTM-I. -- Implementation Management in the NATO Security Investment Programme (NSIP): The Senior Resource Board (SRB) Chairman briefed that due to new control mechanisms and procurement procedures, expenditures have improved this year, reversing a five-year trend of low rates. D/CMC Eikenberry stated his continued concern over the slow implementation resulting in delay of needed capabilities. Several PermReps commended the report but commented that there is much work left to do. -- Statements on Political Subjects: Turkish PermRep Ildem informed the NAC about the visit of Israeli President Peres and Palestinian President Abbas to Turkey, and the visit of the Georgian Prime Minister. PermRep Nuland gave a look ahead toward the UNSC upcoming agenda. -- AOB: Ambassador Nuland gave the Council a readout of her findings from her recent interagency trip to Croatia, Albania and Macedonia. END SUMMARY. -------------- Afghanistan -------------- ¶2. (C/NF) The SYG mentioned the Amnesty International report on torture of detainees in Afghanistan, saying he is "disappointed" that A.I. chose to put ISAF on the front cover of the report because the issue is complicated and the IRoA has responsibility for the detainees once they are handed over by ISAF. NATO's position, as outlined in recent press guidance, remains valid. NATO should continue to engage with other organizations on this issue and SYG has asked SCR Everts to monitor developments in Kabul. ¶3. (C/NF) D/CMC Eikenberry reported on his October 31 through November 4 visit to Afghanistan. He noted the handover of Kandahar airfield to ISAF was proceeding well and that challenges remain, but it provided useful lessons for future similar operations. The D/CMC also said that JFC Brunssum has an important role as the operational command, and this role will only increase in the future. ¶4. (C/NF) In RC-South, the training and mentoring of the ANA is going well, particularly with the UK Task Force and the Danish Battle Group. This training is extending the reach of the IRoA into new areas. However, the slow development of the ANP, especially due to the shortage of embedded trainers (OMLTs),is jeopardizing the ANA,s development, because it requires the ANA to do policing functions. ¶5. (C/NF) The D/CMC characterized as "disappointing" the results of last week's SHAPE force generation conference. He also noted that President Karzai met this week with Kabul elders and committed to greater efforts against corrupt government officials in Kabul. ¶6. (C/NF) During the operational brief, International Military Staff Assistant Director for Operations MG LiGobbi noted that Pakistani President Musharraf is being challenged internally, but that events in Pakistan have not impacted ISAF operations in Afghanistan. ¶7. (C/NF) LiGobbi briefed on continued hi-tempo activities by Opposing Militant Forces (OMF),including last week's Baghlan bombing. Thus far there have been no results in the Afghan-led investigation into the November 6 bombing. He said as winter approaches, the number of OMF incidents may drop, and these incidents are likely to change in nature as OMF conduct more indirect/asymmetrical operations. ¶8. (C/NF) In Kabul, the suicide IED threat continues to hamper ISAF movements. In RC-West and North, Operation HAREKATE YOLO 2 is being led by ANA 209th Corps. In RC-West, ANA 207th Corps and the Qal-e-Now PRT are active in the Murghab area of Badghis. OMF is also active in Farah province, where they attack district centers for propaganda value. One center, Gulistan, has been retaken by the ANA. Planning is underway to retake Bakwa center in the next 10 days. In RC-South, ANA/OEF operations are ongoing in Musa Qala and are targeting OMF leadership. Intel indicates OMF may try to capture district centers in Kandahar. In RC-East, the ANA is leading an operation in Paktika, and ANA/ISAF are conducting an operation in Laghman province. Other operations continue in the Tora Bora area, Paktia, and Khost. The Afghan Special Narcotics Force recently had a successful operation in Nangarhar in which it seized drugs and destroyed labs. U.S. ISAF forces supported this operation by providing lift into the area. ¶9. (C/NF) The SYG noted there has been discussion of a military campaign plan being worked by COMISAF and JFC Brunssum. He emphasized that such a plan is not official unless approved by the NAC. After several PermReps expressed concern about the drafting of a military campaign plan before work was completed on the comprehensive strategic political-military document for Afghanistan tasked by Defense Ministers at the Noordwijk Ministerial, the SYG noted that the military can and should draft its own military planning documents, but on a separate track from the larger strategic pol-mil plan now being worked. ¶10. (C/NF) Ambassador Nuland thanked LiGobbi for the operations briefing, commenting that it was a model for future briefs. She added that the U.S. will provide more information at a later time about the Nurestan ambush of U.S. forces (D/CMC Eikenberry added that foreign fighters had been a concern in Nurestan for many years). Regarding incidents in Farah, she asked if they are linked to the fact that neighboring Nimroz province has no permanent security presence. LiGobbi affirmed that is the case, as this absence allows OMF and criminal activity to flourish; he also noted the ring road runs through the area and the Iran border is nearby. Ambassador Nuland asked about the effects and status of the Musa Qala operations, and LiGobbi responded that it is an ANA/OEF operation. The operation is "coordinated" with ISAF, which is not directly involved. Regarding the campaign plan raised by the SYG, Ambassador Nuland noted the NAC should not discourage military planning in military channels, saying such a military plan would reinforce the strategic pol-mil document that will be presented at Bucharest. ¶11. (C/NF) UK PermRep Eldon agreed with Ambassador Nuland regarding the campaign plans, commenting that the planning has two elements: the pol-mil strategic planning and subordinate military planning. He concurred that the NAC should encourage military planning but should not discuss it publicly. He asked for input from COMISAF in the coming months about his general intent and direction. Eldon noted that operations like the Nangarhar counternarcotics operation, conducted with ISAF lift support, could be helpful to demonstrate to allied capitals how ISAF can use the OPLAN to support the IRoA on counternarcotics activities. LiGobbi undertook to provide more information, and Ambassador Nuland noted that it had been U.S. ISAF helicopter lift support provided to the Afghan forces. ¶12. (C/NF) Canada PermRep McRae complimented LiGobbi,s brief, noting that it helpfully linked ISAF efforts to OMF activities, and also appreciated the update on how events in Pakistan impact ISAF in Afghanistan. McRae underlined the urgency of D/CMC Eikenberry,s assessment of the ANP and the OMLT shortage. Regarding the EUPOL mission, McRae was concerned that EUPOL may not be operational for six to twelve months, in large part due to procurement problems having to do with EU regulations. He requested further information, which the SYG undertook to get from EU High Representative Solana. McRae supported Ambassador Nuland's point on the campaign plans, adding that NATO should begin to develop a public track as well as a confidential internal track. ¶13. (C/NF) Dutch PermRep Schaper asked LiGobbi about his slide presentation, which illustrated a higher number of "incidents" in 2007 than previous years, and asked whether it demonstrated a worsening situation in Afghanistan. LiGobbi responded that "incidents" include many different types of events from bombs to combat to IEDs, hence it is difficult to compare year-over-year numbers. ¶14. (C/NF) Bulgaria PermRep Ivanov asked for clarification on the situation in Kabul and for clarification on the supplying/equipping of the ANA. LiGobbi noted that the IED threat in Kabul hampers movement and undertook to provide an answer later regarding ANA supplies while noting the ongoing several million dollar shortfall in funds to transport donated equipment to Afghanistan for the ANA. ¶15. (C/NF) Hungary PermRep Martinusz supported Ambassador Nuland's point on the strategic pol-mil document. He said that the term "campaign plan" has a specific military meaning and should be used in its proper context. He also asked for a military assessment of a recent UNAMA report saying that suicide bombers are in part motivated by the conduct of ISAF troops, and LiGobbi undertook to provide an answer later. Martinusz added that the Hungarian Embassy in Kabul has reported on some meetings among EU Heads of Mission in Kabul, but not NATO HOMs. He urged that NATO HOMs hold their own meetings. ¶16. (C/NF) Spain PermRep Benavides supported Ambassador Nuland's point on the strategic pol-mil document and noted that consideration of the December Ministerial communique will begin next week, and provide a chance to give guidance to the document. The document should include inputs from all sources, including the military, UN, EU and other organizations, if it is to be a useful for Bucharest. -------------- Balkans -------------- ¶17. (C/NF) The SYG reminded the Council of the upcoming municipal elections for Kosovo on November 17 and pointed out that to date there have been no serious security incidents, although UNMIK has denounced the threats and intimidation of those K-Serbs who are willing to participate and vote. The SYG further mentioned that the next meeting of the Troika with the parties will take place on November 20 in Brussels. The D/CMC briefed the Council that KFOR remains ready to respond to any threats to the safe and secure environment during the election period and the conclusion of the Troika process. He noted that KFOR has increased its patrolling and operational tempo along the border areas of Kosovo with Serbia and Macedonia and that Germany will deploy its operational reserve unit on November 16 for one month in order to conduct an in-theatre rehearsal. He also announced that the Czech Republic will increase by one maneuver company its contingent currently serving in Multi-National Task Force-Centre and that the U.S. had also deployed four Apache attack helicopters and a Bradley mechanized platoon to reinforce its contingent in Multi-National Task Force-East through mid-December. Finally, he said that SHAPE's autumn 2007 operational update for the Balkans joint area of operations will be forwarded to NATO's international military staff this week. Both Spain and Bulgaria requested more information regarding media and other reports of increased of Serbian forces on Kosovo,s border and on Albanian paramilitary units operating in Kosovo. D/CMC responded by saying he would need to get more detailed information and would respond to their questions. -------------- Iraq -------------- ¶18. (C/NF) The SYG said that Italy has issued a paper on reinforcing NATO training at NTM-I. PermReps will discuss the Italian ideas in another forum next week. (See reftel.) -------------- Implementation Management in the NSIP -------------- ¶19. (C/NF) The Senior Resources Board (SRB) Chairman briefed the Council on the current status of NSIP expenditures. He stated that due to new control mechanisms and procurement procedures, expenditures have improved this year, reversing a five-year trend of low rates. ¶20. (C/NF) D/CMC Eikenberry indicated that he was still concerned over the slow rate of implementation resulting in the delay of needed capabilities. The Military Committee (MC) is working on ways to improve the program and process. PermReps from Denmark, Canada, Poland, France, UK, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Bulgaria and Estonia all commended the report, but commented that there is much work left to do. Additionally they indicated prioritization of capabilities for operations was still a concern, but has improved. They gave strong support for continued refinement of the process and requested regular feedback. -------------- Statements on Political Subjects -------------- ¶21. (C/NF) Turkish PermRep Ildem reported that Israeli President Peres and Palestinian President Abbas addressed the Turkish Parliament and met with a variety of Turkish leaders including President Gul, PM Erdogan, FM Babecan, and Parliament Speaker Toptan during their visit this week. PermRep Ildem said that a number of regional issues had been discussed and he hoped the Ankara forum could be an opportunity to help move along the peace process. He also noted that Turkey was pushing to help develop Israeli and Palestinian economic cooperation in both the West Bank and Gaza, which is one of Quartet Envoy Blair's seven key issues ahead of the proposed Summit at Annapolis. ¶22. (C/NF) PermRep Ildem also noted that the Georgian Prime Minister was due in Ankara today and that all issues would be on the table, including the current political situation in Georgia and the situations in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. ¶23. (C/NF) Ambassador Nuland previewed the upcoming agenda of the UNSC. She said it would be important that High Representative Lajcak receive strong support during his November 15 briefing to the UNSC, as he had when he briefed the NAC last week. During the November 20 UNSCR open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict it would be important to strongly condemn the tactics of the OMF in Afghanistan of deliberately targeting civilians and using them as human shields, she said. --- AOB --- ¶24. (C/NF) Ambassador Nuland told the Council that she had just returned from leading a U.S. interagency delegation to Croatia, Macedonia, and Albania to inspect firsthand the progress being made in each NATO aspirant. She noted that she would be distributing to PermReps a copy of the homework she had given to each capital outlining areas in which they needed to make further improvements. Ambassador Nuland said she had told the Croatians they were on track for an invitation, but had to be sure momentum did not slow and had to work to improve public support for NATO. In Albania, she said they had done very well with internal reforms undertaken thus far, but had more to do, especially in the field of judicial reform. In addition, transparency, corruption, and trafficking were all issues that had to be further addressed. While it was not excepted that Albania would pass electoral reform by the Bucharest Summit, it was important that the political parties at least begin the process of drafting legislation. Finally, on Macedonia, Ambassador Nuland said she had been very clear with Skopje that it had not done nearly enough in the last six months. The May 29 Agreement needed to be implemented immediately, and reforms needed to be instituted in a way they have not been yet. In addition, she admonished Macedonia for not taking the opportunity to fully engage in the UN talks on the name issue with Greece. The Ambassador concluded by noting that she believed that the Macedonians had received the message. NULAND