Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08USNATO445
2008-12-01 18:07:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Mission USNATO
Cable title:  

USNATO SUPPORTS PROPOSED MILREP IN REYKJAVIK

Tags:  PREL NATO PGOV MOPS 
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VZCZCXYZ0000
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHNO #0445 3361807
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 011807Z DEC 08
FM USMISSION USNATO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 2507
INFO RUEHNY/AMEMBASSY OSLO PRIORITY 0682
RUEHRK/AMEMBASSY REYKJAVIK PRIORITY 0070
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUEHNO/USDELMC BRUSSELS BE PRIORITY
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY
RUEKJCS/JCS WASHDC PRIORITY
RHMFIUU/USNMR SHAPE BE PRIORITY
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC PRIORITY
UNCLAS USNATO 000445 

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL NATO PGOV MOPS
SUBJECT: USNATO SUPPORTS PROPOSED MILREP IN REYKJAVIK

REF: REYKJAVIK 000276

UNCLAS USNATO 000445

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL NATO PGOV MOPS
SUBJECT: USNATO SUPPORTS PROPOSED MILREP IN REYKJAVIK

REF: REYKJAVIK 000276


1. (SBU) USNATO seconds Embassy Reykjavik request for a
permanent U.S. military representative (reftel). Rising
interest in energy sources, transportation routes, fisheries,
and the melting of the polar cap have highlighted the
importance of the High North to regional security. In
addition, growing Russian assertiveness in the region has
contributed to Allied concerns over competition and possible
territorial issues. The U.S. decision to withdraw its
permanent military basing in Iceland, taken before Russia
decided to resume strategic bomber training runs over the
Atlantic, has left the Icelanders feeling vulnerable.
Although temporary NATO Air Surveillance missions over
Iceland have resumed, providing a permanent U.S. military
representative would be one step to provide reassurance,
allow them a more direct channel to the Pentagon, ensure U.S.
access to Iceland's facilities that support NATO's defense
arrangements, and influence Iceland's evolving defense
structures.
VOLKER