USNATO OPINION MAKER TOUR TO NATO HQ AND

UNCLAS USNATO 000264 POST FOR PAO, DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/PPD, R E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KPAO NATO OEXC OIIP PREL SUBJECT: USNATO OPINION MAKER TOUR TO NATO HQ AND WASHINGTON D.C. - CALL FOR NOMINATIONS ¶1. (U) This is an action cable. See paragraph 6 below. ¶2. (U) SUMMARY: USNATO announces its eighth multi-country opinion-maker tour for FY-09. The tour will begin in Brussels and follow-on to Washington DC to focus on the Obama Administration and its top security and foreign policy objectives. The tour dates are July 23-30 2009. USNATO PAA invites posts to submit nominations for this opinion-maker tour by Monday, June 29, 2009. USNATO will cover fifty percent of the agreed costs for this tour. END SUMMARY. ¶3. (U) USNATO in conjunction with the Washington Foreign Press Center will organize a tour program concentrating on the top security and foreign policy priorities of the new Obama Administration. Much has changed in Washington over the past six months. The new Administration has reinvigorated the U.S.,s relationship with Allies and partners and is engaged in helping build an Alliance that contributes to global security. This tour will consist of briefings with key Administration officials on topics that are crucial for NATO such as: Afghanistan and Pakistan, the U.S. and NATO,s relationship with Russia, the future of Missile Defense, 21st Century challenges such as cyber-attacks, energy threats, and piracy. Participants will meet with policy-makers from the State Department, USAID, the Pentagon, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Security Council. ¶4. (U) Posts are asked to nominate high-level journalists from key national publications (senior editors or columnists, Pol/Mil writers, producers of national broadcast media.) We will also consider nominations of think tank publishers who write and/or blog on security and defense policy. All nominees must be proficient English speakers. Posts must nominate opinion makers who are available to travel for the seven-day program. Participants must bring all equipment necessary to perform their duties as a journalist, including laptop computers and cameras. Participants must be able to carry their own luggage and equipment without assistance. Please note, a separate cameraman will not be considered. USNATO requests that participants arrive in Brussels NLT the evening of Thursday, July 23 to participate in the NATO HQ program on July 24. July 27, 28, and 29 will be programming days in Washington. Participants will depart Washington July 30 and may return directly to capitals from there. ¶5. (U) Although posts may nominate more than one journalist, we may not be able to accommodate all candidates. Please clearly indicate your preferred candidate in your response. It is extremely important to make clear to all candidates that have been nominated, that they must await confirmation. The maximum number we will be able to accept is ten total participants. Once the USNATO Program Coordinator sets the itinerary, posts are responsible for obtaining visas for Belgium and the U.S. (as applicable) and coordinating all travel arrangements for their participant/s. Journalists will be required to sign a waiver of liability by the U.S. Government. USNATO cannot arrange separate itineraries for journalists who agree to participate in this program, and program details may change up to the program date. Correspondents must agree to follow the entire USNATO tour and will be required to stay with the group at all times. We ask posts to advise journalists accordingly. ¶6. (U) Action request: Should posts wish to nominate participants in response to this message, please include the following information for each participant in your proposal: -- Full name -- Date and place of birth -- Country of citizenship -- Passport number -- Scanned copy of passport's photo page -- Prior USG-sponsored travel -- Prior NATO travel/participation in NATO visitor program -- English comprehension/speaking level -- Concise justification for nomination to include a candidate's market reach and any embassy strategic objective. -- Biographical statement Responses for the tour should be received by Friday, June 26, 2009 to USNATOTOURS (at) state.gov. ¶7. (U) At the conclusion of each tour, USNATO requires that posts submit a brief report describing any measurable impact the NATO Tour had on participants (e.g. resulting media coverage),any submitted post highlight, or other feedback offered during the participants debriefing meetings. In accordance with OIG requirements, posts must submit full financial accounting within one month of the end of the tour. ¶8. (U) If you have any questions, or need further information please send an e-mail to Leah Pease, PeaseL(at)state.gov and USNATOTOURS(at)state.gov. We look forward to receiving your nominations and working with you. DAALDER