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
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
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