Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08USNATO205
2008-06-11 17:16:00
CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN
Mission USNATO
Cable title:
NORTH ATLANTIC COUNCIL READOUT - JUNE 11, 2008
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C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 USNATO 000205
NOFORN
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/10/2018
TAGS: NATO PREL AF
SUBJECT: NORTH ATLANTIC COUNCIL READOUT - JUNE 11, 2008
Classified By: A/DCM W. S. Reid, III, for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 USNATO 000205
NOFORN
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/10/2018
TAGS: NATO PREL AF
SUBJECT: NORTH ATLANTIC COUNCIL READOUT - JUNE 11, 2008
Classified By: A/DCM W. S. Reid, III, for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)
1. (C/NF) Summary from the NAC Meeting:
-- Afghanistan: The Chairman of the Military Committee (CMC)
again urged more action on providing embedded trainers
(OMLTs). SHAPE reported a 45 percent increase in
theater-wide activity levels in May 2008, with the vast
majority occurring in the south and east. Ambassador Nuland
highlighted the First Lady's recent trip to Afghanistan.
Canada noted a government report, "Setting a Course to 2011,"
was submitted June 10 to Parliament.
-- Balkans: The SYG mentioned the uncertainty surrounding the
UNMIK reconfiguration and the upcoming entry into force of
the Kosovo Constitution on June 15. KFOR continues to
maintain an increased operations tempo and is taking a
pro-active approach in the run-up to this weekend.
Ambassador Nuland urged Allies to support UN SYG Ban when he
sends his UNMIK reconfiguration plan to the UN Security
Council.
-- Africa - Support to the AU: Two officers from JFC Lisbon
have been identified to work in the AU HQ in Addis Ababa.
SHAPE has sent to the National Military Representatives
(NMRs) an AU request for airlift support to transport a
Burundian battalion from Bujumbura to Somalia as part of the
Africa Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM).
-- Iraq: No discussion.
-- Statements on Political Subjects: Slovenia briefed Allies
on the topics discussed at the U.S.-EU Summit in Brdo.
Ambassador Nuland informed Allies of the UN Security
Council's recent discussions on Iran's nuclear program and
Iraq.
-- AOB: The Polish PermRep reported on Polish Foreign
Minister Radoslaw Sikorski's visit to Afghanistan last week,
where he met with President Karzai, the First Deputy
President, and the Foreign Minister
END SUMMARY.
--------------
Afghanistan
--------------
2. (C/NF) Secretary General de Hoop Scheffer informed the
Council he would see Pakistan FM Qureshi, Australian FM
Smith, Acting Canadian FM Emerson, and hopefully, UN SYG Ban
Ki-Moon on June 12 on the margins of the Paris Support
Conference.
3. (C/NF) Chairman of the Military Committee (CMC) Henault
again reminded Allies of the importance of fulfilling NATO's
Operational Mentor Liaison Team (OMLT) commitment to the
Afghan National Army (Comment: NATO's current OMLT shortfall
is 22, projected to decrease to only 19 by March 2009. End
comment.) Noting the key role of OMLTs, he stated that two
ANA kandaks are at Capability Milestone-1 (CM-1),(fully
capable to plan, execute, and sustain operations); 18 are at
CM-2 (need coalition support); 16 are at CM-3 (partially
capable); four are at CM-4 (formed but not capable),and nine
required kandaks are yet to be formed.
4. (C/NF) SHAPE DCOS for Plans and Policy BG Simon Porter
USNATO 00000205 002 OF 003
provided the operational brief, citing a forty-five percent
increase in theater-wide activity levels in May 2008. Over
1,000 of the month's 1,153 recorded incidents occurred in the
south and east. BG Porter cited a high ISAF operational
tempo, the conclusion of the poppy harvest, and continued
infiltration of Opposing Militant Forces (OMF) from Pakistan
as causes. He cited a doubling in activity levels in RC-E
among provinces not on the Pakistani border.
5. (C/NF) In southern Helmand, he noted the U.S. 24th Marine
Expeditionary Unit, Afghan Border Police, and elements of a
UK battlegroup are continuing operations in and around
Garmsir, and in stark contrast to 2006-2007, OMF in northern
Helmand no longer "stand up and fight" against ISAF
operations there. In RC-West, ISAF's operational focus has
been on Farah, where the ANA 207 Corps, Italian and Spanish
forces, and the 2nd Battalion/7th Marine Regiment (2/7) have
enabled the insertion of ANP into Bakwa district, as part of
the FDD program. In RC-E, the 2nd Battalion/506th Regiment
of the 101st Airborne Division ) currently ISAF's Theater
Task Force - has deployed to Paktika from Kandahar.
6. (C/NF) Ambassador Nuland highlighted the First Lady's
recent trip to Afghanistan as a demonstration of U.S.
commitment to "soft power," education, and to Afghanistan and
its women. Canadian PermRep McRae briefed that on June 10,
his government sent to Parliament its inaugural report to
Parliament on Canada's engagement in Afghanistan. The
report, "Setting a Course to 2011," fulfills a March 13
commitment to Parliament, and responds directly to a
recommendation outlined in the Independent Panel of Canada's
Future Role in Afghanistan (a.k.a. the "Manley Panel").
--------------
Balkans
--------------
7. (C/NF) The SYG briefly mentioned the uncertainty
surrounding the UNMIK reconfiguration and the upcoming entry
into force of the Kosovo Constitution on June 15. He
informed the Council that he hopes to speak to UN SYG Ban-Ki
Moon during tomorrow's Conference on Afghanistan in Paris to
seek more clarity. Lastly, the SYG mentioned that UN SYG is
close to informing the UN Security Council of UNMIK's
reconfiguration. BG Porter, providing the situational and
operational update, said that the impending entry into force
of the constitution could lead to increased tensions. He
informed the Council that KFOR continues to maintain an
increased operations tempo and is taking a pro-active
approach in the run-up to this weekend. Of note, he said
that KFOR has increased security around Gate 1 in the north
and around the Mitrovica Court House. He also provided a
short brief on the status of Kosovo's electricity supply
saying that recent shortages due to equipment failure could
also exacerbate tensions. Ambassador Nuland concurred with
the SYG regarding the impending report on UNMIK's
reconfiguration to the Security Council. She also called on
Allies and other members of the Security Council to fully
support the UN SYG when he forwards his UNMIK reconfiguration
plan to the UNSC. Spain fully supported U.S. remarks
highlighting the importance of the UN SYG's request to the EU
to work in Kosovo as part of the reconfiguration.
--------------
Africa - Support to the AU
--------------
USNATO 00000205 003 OF 003
8. (C/NF) The CMC informed the NAC that two officers have
been identified from JFC Lisbon to provide air movement and
personnel management support at the AU HQ in Addis Ababa, as
requested by the AU and approved by the NAC. One officer
will arrive on June 16, the other on July 7.
9. (C/NF) The CMC also reported that SHAPE has sent to the
National Military Representatives (NMRs) an AU request for
airlift support to transport a Burundian battalion from
Bujumbura to Somalia as part of the Africa Union Mission to
Somalia (AMISOM). He noted that this was the first time the
AU had made such a request for support for AMISOM to NATO.
--------------
Statements on Political Subjects
--------------
10. (C/NF) The Slovenian PermRep briefed Allies on the topics
discussed at the U.S.-EU Summit in Brdo, where President Bush
and EU leaders discussed the Middle East, Kosovo, Iran, Iraq,
and Afghanistan. Additionally, they discussed non-security
related issues such as climate change, free trade, and the
free movement of people.
11. (C/NF) Providing an update on upcoming events at the UN
Security Council, Ambassador Nuland previewed the July 13
meeting on Iran sanctions, and the June 13 mid-year review of
the Multi-National Force ) Iraq (MNF-I),and Secretary
Rice's planned attendance at the June 19 thematic debate on
women, peace and security at which the U.S. would seek a
resolution calling for an end to the use of sexual violence
against civilians as a weapon of war.
---
AOB
---
12. (C/NF) The Polish PermRep reported on Polish Foreign
Minister Radoslaw Sikorski's visit to Afghanistan last week
where he met with President Karzai, the First Vice President
Ahmad Zia Massoud, and Foreign Minister Spanta. In their
talks, the officials focused on Polish-Afghan cooperation in
Ghazni Province and discussed the training of Afghan
soldiers, diplomats, and experts in agriculture. During a
ceremony that attracted a large amount of media attention,
Sikorski unveiled a plaque commemorating the 1987 death of
Andy Skrzypkowiak, a cameraman working with Sikorski who was
a journalist the time, at the hands of fighters under
Gulbuddin Hekmatiyar. Sikorski called for Hetmatiyar to be
brought to justice, provoking a response from a Hekmatiyar
spokesman that Hekmatiyar forces would increase attacks
against Polish forces. Although Sikorski's remarks will
likely increase the danger to Polish troops, the PermRep said
that it was more important to expose war crimes and seek
justice against those with past blood on their hands.
Ambassador Nuland added that Hekmatiar has a lot of more
recent blood on his hands as well.
NULAND
NOFORN
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/10/2018
TAGS: NATO PREL AF
SUBJECT: NORTH ATLANTIC COUNCIL READOUT - JUNE 11, 2008
Classified By: A/DCM W. S. Reid, III, for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)
1. (C/NF) Summary from the NAC Meeting:
-- Afghanistan: The Chairman of the Military Committee (CMC)
again urged more action on providing embedded trainers
(OMLTs). SHAPE reported a 45 percent increase in
theater-wide activity levels in May 2008, with the vast
majority occurring in the south and east. Ambassador Nuland
highlighted the First Lady's recent trip to Afghanistan.
Canada noted a government report, "Setting a Course to 2011,"
was submitted June 10 to Parliament.
-- Balkans: The SYG mentioned the uncertainty surrounding the
UNMIK reconfiguration and the upcoming entry into force of
the Kosovo Constitution on June 15. KFOR continues to
maintain an increased operations tempo and is taking a
pro-active approach in the run-up to this weekend.
Ambassador Nuland urged Allies to support UN SYG Ban when he
sends his UNMIK reconfiguration plan to the UN Security
Council.
-- Africa - Support to the AU: Two officers from JFC Lisbon
have been identified to work in the AU HQ in Addis Ababa.
SHAPE has sent to the National Military Representatives
(NMRs) an AU request for airlift support to transport a
Burundian battalion from Bujumbura to Somalia as part of the
Africa Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM).
-- Iraq: No discussion.
-- Statements on Political Subjects: Slovenia briefed Allies
on the topics discussed at the U.S.-EU Summit in Brdo.
Ambassador Nuland informed Allies of the UN Security
Council's recent discussions on Iran's nuclear program and
Iraq.
-- AOB: The Polish PermRep reported on Polish Foreign
Minister Radoslaw Sikorski's visit to Afghanistan last week,
where he met with President Karzai, the First Deputy
President, and the Foreign Minister
END SUMMARY.
--------------
Afghanistan
--------------
2. (C/NF) Secretary General de Hoop Scheffer informed the
Council he would see Pakistan FM Qureshi, Australian FM
Smith, Acting Canadian FM Emerson, and hopefully, UN SYG Ban
Ki-Moon on June 12 on the margins of the Paris Support
Conference.
3. (C/NF) Chairman of the Military Committee (CMC) Henault
again reminded Allies of the importance of fulfilling NATO's
Operational Mentor Liaison Team (OMLT) commitment to the
Afghan National Army (Comment: NATO's current OMLT shortfall
is 22, projected to decrease to only 19 by March 2009. End
comment.) Noting the key role of OMLTs, he stated that two
ANA kandaks are at Capability Milestone-1 (CM-1),(fully
capable to plan, execute, and sustain operations); 18 are at
CM-2 (need coalition support); 16 are at CM-3 (partially
capable); four are at CM-4 (formed but not capable),and nine
required kandaks are yet to be formed.
4. (C/NF) SHAPE DCOS for Plans and Policy BG Simon Porter
USNATO 00000205 002 OF 003
provided the operational brief, citing a forty-five percent
increase in theater-wide activity levels in May 2008. Over
1,000 of the month's 1,153 recorded incidents occurred in the
south and east. BG Porter cited a high ISAF operational
tempo, the conclusion of the poppy harvest, and continued
infiltration of Opposing Militant Forces (OMF) from Pakistan
as causes. He cited a doubling in activity levels in RC-E
among provinces not on the Pakistani border.
5. (C/NF) In southern Helmand, he noted the U.S. 24th Marine
Expeditionary Unit, Afghan Border Police, and elements of a
UK battlegroup are continuing operations in and around
Garmsir, and in stark contrast to 2006-2007, OMF in northern
Helmand no longer "stand up and fight" against ISAF
operations there. In RC-West, ISAF's operational focus has
been on Farah, where the ANA 207 Corps, Italian and Spanish
forces, and the 2nd Battalion/7th Marine Regiment (2/7) have
enabled the insertion of ANP into Bakwa district, as part of
the FDD program. In RC-E, the 2nd Battalion/506th Regiment
of the 101st Airborne Division ) currently ISAF's Theater
Task Force - has deployed to Paktika from Kandahar.
6. (C/NF) Ambassador Nuland highlighted the First Lady's
recent trip to Afghanistan as a demonstration of U.S.
commitment to "soft power," education, and to Afghanistan and
its women. Canadian PermRep McRae briefed that on June 10,
his government sent to Parliament its inaugural report to
Parliament on Canada's engagement in Afghanistan. The
report, "Setting a Course to 2011," fulfills a March 13
commitment to Parliament, and responds directly to a
recommendation outlined in the Independent Panel of Canada's
Future Role in Afghanistan (a.k.a. the "Manley Panel").
--------------
Balkans
--------------
7. (C/NF) The SYG briefly mentioned the uncertainty
surrounding the UNMIK reconfiguration and the upcoming entry
into force of the Kosovo Constitution on June 15. He
informed the Council that he hopes to speak to UN SYG Ban-Ki
Moon during tomorrow's Conference on Afghanistan in Paris to
seek more clarity. Lastly, the SYG mentioned that UN SYG is
close to informing the UN Security Council of UNMIK's
reconfiguration. BG Porter, providing the situational and
operational update, said that the impending entry into force
of the constitution could lead to increased tensions. He
informed the Council that KFOR continues to maintain an
increased operations tempo and is taking a pro-active
approach in the run-up to this weekend. Of note, he said
that KFOR has increased security around Gate 1 in the north
and around the Mitrovica Court House. He also provided a
short brief on the status of Kosovo's electricity supply
saying that recent shortages due to equipment failure could
also exacerbate tensions. Ambassador Nuland concurred with
the SYG regarding the impending report on UNMIK's
reconfiguration to the Security Council. She also called on
Allies and other members of the Security Council to fully
support the UN SYG when he forwards his UNMIK reconfiguration
plan to the UNSC. Spain fully supported U.S. remarks
highlighting the importance of the UN SYG's request to the EU
to work in Kosovo as part of the reconfiguration.
--------------
Africa - Support to the AU
--------------
USNATO 00000205 003 OF 003
8. (C/NF) The CMC informed the NAC that two officers have
been identified from JFC Lisbon to provide air movement and
personnel management support at the AU HQ in Addis Ababa, as
requested by the AU and approved by the NAC. One officer
will arrive on June 16, the other on July 7.
9. (C/NF) The CMC also reported that SHAPE has sent to the
National Military Representatives (NMRs) an AU request for
airlift support to transport a Burundian battalion from
Bujumbura to Somalia as part of the Africa Union Mission to
Somalia (AMISOM). He noted that this was the first time the
AU had made such a request for support for AMISOM to NATO.
--------------
Statements on Political Subjects
--------------
10. (C/NF) The Slovenian PermRep briefed Allies on the topics
discussed at the U.S.-EU Summit in Brdo, where President Bush
and EU leaders discussed the Middle East, Kosovo, Iran, Iraq,
and Afghanistan. Additionally, they discussed non-security
related issues such as climate change, free trade, and the
free movement of people.
11. (C/NF) Providing an update on upcoming events at the UN
Security Council, Ambassador Nuland previewed the July 13
meeting on Iran sanctions, and the June 13 mid-year review of
the Multi-National Force ) Iraq (MNF-I),and Secretary
Rice's planned attendance at the June 19 thematic debate on
women, peace and security at which the U.S. would seek a
resolution calling for an end to the use of sexual violence
against civilians as a weapon of war.
---
AOB
---
12. (C/NF) The Polish PermRep reported on Polish Foreign
Minister Radoslaw Sikorski's visit to Afghanistan last week
where he met with President Karzai, the First Vice President
Ahmad Zia Massoud, and Foreign Minister Spanta. In their
talks, the officials focused on Polish-Afghan cooperation in
Ghazni Province and discussed the training of Afghan
soldiers, diplomats, and experts in agriculture. During a
ceremony that attracted a large amount of media attention,
Sikorski unveiled a plaque commemorating the 1987 death of
Andy Skrzypkowiak, a cameraman working with Sikorski who was
a journalist the time, at the hands of fighters under
Gulbuddin Hekmatiyar. Sikorski called for Hetmatiyar to be
brought to justice, provoking a response from a Hekmatiyar
spokesman that Hekmatiyar forces would increase attacks
against Polish forces. Although Sikorski's remarks will
likely increase the danger to Polish troops, the PermRep said
that it was more important to expose war crimes and seek
justice against those with past blood on their hands.
Ambassador Nuland added that Hekmatiar has a lot of more
recent blood on his hands as well.
NULAND