READOUT OF NORTH ATLANTIC COUNCIL MEETING - APRIL

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 05 USNATO 000130

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E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/10/2018
TAGS: NATO PREL AF
SUBJECT: READOUT OF NORTH ATLANTIC COUNCIL MEETING - APRIL
9, 2008

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Classified By: Charge Walter S. Reid for reasons 4.1 (b) and (d)


1. (C) Summary from the NAC Meeting:

-- Afghanistan: The NATO IS was tasked to lay out how ISAF,s
&internal plan8 agreed at Bucharest will be implemented.
Chairman of the Military Committee (CMC) General Henault
announced the opening of a Border Coordination Center in
Nangarhar. SHAPE anticipated a gradual increase in the
presence of enemy fighters and attacks over the 2008 fighting
season. The Canadian PermRep called for a discussion on
reconciliation issues in Afghanistan. The UK PermRep said
poppy eradication was off to a slower start this year
compared to last, though the GIRoA had targeted some formerly
&untouchable8 high-level targets this year. Lithuania
announced a 50,000-euro contribution to ISAF,s Post
Operations Humanitarian Relief Fund, and Denmark requested a
tally from NATO of new ISAF force offers at Bucharest, and
the resulting status of the Combined Joint Statement of
Requirements (CJSOR).

-- Balkans: Secretary General de Hoop Scheffer highlighted
the urgency of UNMIK-EU coordination following adoption of
Kosovo Constitution, and stated that he will discuss and
issue an Initiating Directive to allow national military
authorities to develop a revised Balkans Operational Plan.

-- Africa ) Support to the AU: SYG informed Council about
his meeting with AU Commissioner Jean Ping when they
discussed AU,s request for NATO,s assistance to the African
Standby Force.

-- Iraq: The SYG reminded PermReps of PM Maliki's visit to
NATO next week, in which he will give his assessment of the
NATO Training Mission-Iraq (NTM-I) and his perspective on the
future of Iraq's engagement with NATO. The CMC noted that
during the last two weeks, there has been a significant
increase in the number of attacks on Coalition Forces in
Baghdad in reaction to the GOI operations in Basra.

-- CMX '08: The Director of NATO's Crisis Exercising and
Management System briefed the NAC on the NATO Crisis
Management Exercise 2008 (CMX-08),NATO's annual
political-military exercise involving NATO Headquarters
(IS/IMS),ACO, ACT, and the 26 allied capitals. UNDPKO,
UNOCHA, UNHCR, OSCE, and EU have been invited as observers.

-- Update on HQ Management Issues: The A/SYG for Executive
Management (EM) briefed PermReps on a wide range of
management issues currently under discussion in the Civil
Budget Committee (CBC),including the fragile state of the
current building's infrastructure, the ongoing "selective
refit" aimed at improving public/visitor areas in the present
building, the need for expanded space following the
membership invitation issued to at least two new allies
during the Bucharest Summit, the ongoing effort to revitalize
the HQ information technology (IT) infrastructure, HQ reform
and issues related to transitioning to a new NATO HQ
building. Several nations weighed in on the budget
implications these issues might have.

-- Statements on Political Subjects: The Italian Deputy
PermRep provided a readout of recent discussions at the
United Nations on peacekeeping operations.

-- AOB: DCM Olson remarked on the adoption of travel
restrictions on Iranian officials due to Iran's continued
violation of prior UNSC resolutions regarding nuclear
proliferation.

END SUMMARY.


2. (C) Afghanistan: The SYG stated that now that Heads of

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State and Government had endorsed NATO,s internal,
classified &Comprehensive Strategic Political-Military
Plan,8 he had tasked A/SYG for Operations Martin Howard with
proposing a way ahead to implement the actions outlined in
the plan. Howard will report to PermReps &in short order.8
The SYG also looked forward to the April 16 NAC with UN SRSG
Kai Eide, which will be in ISAF format.


3. (C) CMC General Henault briefed on the March 29
establishment of a Border Coordination Center (BCC) along the
Afghanistan-Pakistan border at Camp Torkham, Nangarhar
province, near the Khyber Pass. A second BCC is scheduled to
be established near Lwara, Paktika province, in late summer.
CMC Henault stated that ultimately there will be a total of
six RC-E BCCs, three on the Afghanistan side of the border
and three on the Pakistan side. Calling the BCCs a
&decisive step forward,8 and a tangible deliverable from
the Tripartite Commission, he briefed that the intent of the
BCCs is to establish, at the tactical level, a forum for the
daily liaison and coordination between RC East, the ANSF,
PAKMIL and the Pakistan Frontier Corps. BCCs will also work
closely with the Joint Intelligence Operations Center at ISAF
HQ, which is jointly manned by Afghan, Pakistani and ISAF
personnel.


4. (S) SHAPE Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations MG Wright
noted that the seasonal infiltration of hardcore fighters
from Pakistan into Afghanistan is underway, though SHAPE
intelligence assessments expect the movement to be more
gradual than in years past. SHAPE anticipates the 2008
fighting season for Opposing Militant Forces (OMF) to begin
slowly and gradually increase, with continued emphasis on
small-scale direct and indirect attacks, and the use of
large-scale operations exclusively against isolated, poorly
protected District Centers and isolated, weak Afghan National
Security Forces. In RC-S, it is assessed the OMF will
attempt to expand their influence in Pashtun areas with low
ISAF and ANSF presence, the Haqani network will continue to
pose a threat in RC-E and seek to threaten RC-Capital, while
the OMF will seek to exploit opportunities in Pashtun pockets
of RC-N and RC-W. On Pakistan, MG Wright noted that it is
too early to judge the effect of the new government,s
policies on ISAF and the PAKMIL, but current assessments
indicate the government is moving away from the use of
military force in the border regions, and that the Pakistani
Taliban has taken a hard bargaining position in response to
initial entreaties from the government for talks. MG Wright
briefed that the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit has reached
full operational capacity, and its first task will be to
establish a company-sized FOB at Camp Rhino on the
Kandahar-Helmand border by April 20.


5. (C) In the following discussion period, Canadian PermRep
McRae, citing a recent update from the NATO SCR circulated to
PermReps, stated he would like SCR Jochems to brief the NAC
on the status of Afghan-led reconciliation efforts, to
include National Front talks with the Taliban and the role of
the PTS program. The SYG said he would pass along the
message, as Jochems would brief the NAC via DVC in the coming
weeks.


6. (C) UK PermRep Eldon gave a quick eradication update,
citing that 6,000 hectares of poppy had been eradicated thus
far, but that based on where we are in the growing season,
which started later this year, eradication numbers are
comparably worse thus far than they were in 2007. He noted
reports of significant Governor-led eradication in Nangarhar
and Kandahar provinces, but the UNODC has been unable to
verify figures thus far. He did state that for the first
time, ex-Helmand police chief Haji Abdul Rahman,s extensive
fields were eradicated, costing him approximately 20% of his
crop, and speculated that some of the recent attacks on the
Poppy Eradication Force have resulted from the Afghan

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government finally breaking this &bubble of impunity8
around some key figures.


7. (C) Lithuanian PermRep Linkevicius announced a 50,000-euro
contribution to ISAF,s Post Operations Humanitarian Relief
Fund.


8. (C) Danish PermRep Poulsen-Hansen asked that the NATO
International Military Staff and International Staff provide
a consolidated summary of all ISAF force contributions made
at Bucharest. The SYG admitted that tallying new
contributions, versus old contributions simply confirmed at
Bucharest, and which contributions applied to the CJSOR and
which did not had been difficult, and CMC Henault stated that
NATO military authorities were working on a consolidated list
that would show new contributions, as well as the status of
ISAF,s CJSOR post-Bucharest.


9. (C) Balkans: The SYG noted that Kosovo,s draft
constitution, adopted by the constitutional commission in
Pristina, was certified by International Civilian
Representative Peter Feith on April 2 as in compliance with
the Comprehensive Proposal for the Kosovo status settlement.
Kosovo authorities signed the document which was now being
considered by the Kosovo Assembly for its ratification with
an entry into force scheduled for June 15. In this regard,
the SYG stressed the urgency for ensuring adequate
preparations for the upcoming transition between UNMIK and
the EULEX Missions, a theme he underscored to U.N. SYG Ban-Ki
Moon during their bilateral in Bucharest. The SYG also noted
for the Council that ICTY,s not guilty verdict of the former
Kosovo Prime Minister Haradinaj could have a potential impact
on politics in Kosovo, particularly upon the return of the
latter to Pristina. The SYG noted that the next meeting of
the International Steering Group will take place in Vienna on
April 17 and that DA/SYG for Operations, James Pardew, will
represent NATO at this meeting. Lastly, the SYG informed the
Council that he will issue the NAC Initiating Directive which
will provide NATO,s national military authorities with the
necessary guidance to develop the 3rd revision of the Balkans
Joint Operations Plan to be endorsed by the Military
Committee and approved by the NAC no later than 90 days after
the issuance of this directive. The SYG intends to first
have an informal discussion on this directive with PermReps
next week prior to seeking their approval.


10. (C) General Li Gobbi from IMS provided a situational
update in Kosovo, informing that recent visits to Kosovo by
Serbian politicians such as SRS leader, Tomislav Nikolic,
have drawn large crowds in the Serbian enclaves, but so far
have not incited violence. Likewise, the announcement of the
Haradinaj verdict led to celebrations from Kosovo Albanians
in the western region. KFOR continues to have an increased
operational tempo and that the German ORF Battalion, having
just completed operational rehearsals in Kosovo, will stay in
Kosovo until the end of May, past the Serbian elections on
May 11. On April 4, COMKFOR added the Courthouse in northern
Mitrovica to the KFOR list of Properties Designated with
Special Status (PrDSS) and, as a result, will enable COMKFOR
to ensure that adequate protection is provided including
designating an exclusion zone around the courthouse in the
event of further violence. In response to a Polish question,
Li Gobbi said that UNMIK continues to secure the courthouse,
but KFOR maintains a visible presence.


11. (C/NF) Slovenia informed the Council of the results from
the March 28-29 meeting of EU Foreign Ministers, which was
notable for the attendance of Serbian Foreign Minister
Jeremic and Kosovo Prime Minister Thaci. Belgium,
highlighting the SYG,s concern regarding synchronization of
the international actors on Kosovo, requested to know if it
was possible for all three organizations -- UN, EU, and NATO
-- to start having an intensified dialogue regarding the

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transition and, if so, how could that be accomplished. The
UK, while supportive of the idea, cautioned that Allies need
to think carefully beforehand in order to achieve what we
want from the coordination. While Spain noted general
support for the Belgian idea, and toward receiving the NAC
Initiating Directive, the Spanish PermRep noted the
importance of monitoring the debate in New York over UNMIK,s
future. He then inquired as to KFOR,s role regarding a
recent revision of planning for a KFOR fragmentary
operational order (FRAGO) on deterring &civil
disobedience,8 stating that the NAC needs to be kept
informed of any change to KFOR,s mandate. General Li Gobbi
responded by saying that KFOR has a role in support of this
mission in accordance with its mandate and promised to keep
NATO,s military authorities properly informed. The SYG
concluded by responding to the Belgian proposal noting the
difficulties of getting the three bodies together to discuss
Kosovo, but that he hoped General DeKermabon would be able to
brief the PSC next week on how the EULEX mission will
transition into Kosovo. The SYG also highlighted that the
emphasis on transition and any reconfiguration of UNMIK needs
to be discussed in New York, and that currently there is no
agreement on the Security Council regarding what course to
follow.


12. (C) Africa ) Support to the AU: SYG informed Council
about his meeting Monday with AU Commissioner Jean Ping.
Ping stressed the desire by the AU to deepen relations with
NATO, and he reiterated the AU,s request for NATO,s
assistance to the African Standby Force.


13. (C) Iraq: The SYG reminded PermReps of PM Maliki's visit
to NATO next week, saying that the PM would give his
assessment of the NATO Training Mission-Iraq (NTM-I),as well
as his perspective on the future of Iraq's engagement with
NATO.


14. (C) The CMC noted that during the last two weeks, there
has been a significant increase in the number of attacks on
Coalition Forces in Baghdad, especially in the Sadr City and
New Baghdad neighborhoods, a reaction to the GOI operations
in Basra. Fifty-four of the attacks targeted facilities
used, or frequented by NTM-I personnel. One NATO soldier - a
Hungarian - was slightly injured during the attacks and
returned to work the same day. These attacks have not had
any impact on NTM-I training.


15. (C) CMX '08: Mr. Ilay Ferrier, Head, Crisis Exercising
and Management System to briefed NAC on the NATO Crisis
Management Exercise 2008 (CMX-08) to be held 16-22 April.
CMX is an annual political-military exercise involving NATO
Headquarters (IS/IMS),ACO, ACT, and the 26 allied capitals.
NATO partners Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Croatia, Finland,
Georgia, Ireland, Israel, Morocco, Sweden, Switzerland,
Macedonia, and Ukraine are invited to participate. UNDPKO,
UNOCHA, UNHCR, OSCE, and EU are invited as observers. The
purpose of the exercise is to practice NATO,s Crisis
Management procedures and to test NATO,s ability to respond
to a developing crisis.


16. (SBU) The CMX-08 area of operations includes a fictitious
island in the Indian Ocean. Key catalysts for possible NATO
assistance / intervention include the breakdown of internal
security, tensions with neighboring states, humanitarian and
IDP problems, and an emerging CBR and terror threat to the
international presence.


17. (SBU) As part of the exercise scenario, there will be a
fictitious UN invitation to NATO to conduct non-Article 5
Crisis Response Operation under a UN mandate aimed at
enhancing stability and regional security.


18. (C) France, commenting on the scenario, underlined that

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NATO could not deploy without an additional UNSCR and
questioned the extensive list of partners planned for
involvement in the exercise, including the incorporation on
non-EAPC partners. (Note: the two new partners are from the
Mediterranean Dialogue: Israel and Morocco. We presume
France is alluding to a reluctance to include Israel in this
exercise planning, even though France already agreed to all
the partners, inclusion in earlier planning conferences. End
Note.) The Netherlands suggested NATO,s mandate could be
based on a more flexible foundation and asked whether the
scenario addressed an invitation by the fictitious host
country, which an exercise coordinator later confirmed the
scenario would have the host country provide.


19. (C) Update on HQ Management Issues: The A/SYG for
Executive Management (EM),Doug Dempster, briefed PermReps on
a wide range of management issues currently under discussion
in the Civil Budget Committee (CBC). His purpose was to make
PermReps aware of these issues early. The CBC will discuss
the same issues next week at an away day. The NAC will take
them up again next month, in an informal setting, as it
considers the 2009 - 2013 Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP).
Topics covered include the fragile state of the current
building's infrastructure (evidenced by large portions of
roof that blew off the Norwegian Delegation's space in
March),the ongoing "selective refit" aimed at improving
public/visitor areas in the present building, the need for
expanded space following the membership invitation issued to
at least two new allies during the Bucharest Summit, the
ongoing effort to revitalize the HQ information technology
(IT) infrastructure, HQ reform (including human resource
management improvements) and issues related to transitioning
to a new NATO HQ building. For the 2009 - 2013 MTFP, A/SYG
Dempster identified "push" (immediate impact) and "pull"
(future impact of issues already on the horizon) factors that
may influence the MTFP. While he did not state so
explicitly, A/SYG Dempster's implication was that the budgets
will have to be reconsidered. Several nations, including
France and Germany, called for strict interpretation of
NATO's zero real growth policy. Other nations, including the
United States, Canada and The Netherlands, accepted the
concept of zero real growth, but emphasized the need for
flexibility to respond to issues as they arise.


20. (C) Statements on Political Subjects: The Italian Deputy
PermRep provided a readout of recent discussions at the
United Nations on peacekeeping operations. He noted the
delivery of reports on the success of sanctions against North
Korea and on the progress made by UNAMIG, which will be
discussed on Monday with an eye towards renewing its mandate.
It was also emphasized that UNAFIL has also recently been an
important topic of discussion at the UN.


21. (C) AOB: DCM Olson remarked on the adoption of travel
restrictions on Iranian officials due to Iran's continued
violation of prior UNSC resolutions regarding nuclear
proliferation. He urged Allies to remain vigilant to the de
facto travel ban on selected individuals.


REID