Message from ata president Dr. Karl A. Lamers Ladies and Gentlemen
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ATA COUNCIL MEETING Brussels, Belgium, 13-14 May, 2009.
Queen’s University, Ontario Canada 13-18 July, 2009. 55th ANNUAL ATA GENERAL ASSEMBLY Kiyv, Ukraine, 8-10 October, 2009.
A T A N E W S L E T T E R 1 8 W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 ATA Secretariat urges all National ATA Chapters to estab- lish a Skype account in order to facilitate communication and to ease the burden of long-distance call costs.
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and international and Latvia’s security, thus encouraging political involvement of young generation, inde- pendent research work,
THE ATLANTIC COUNCIL OF SERBIA 1) Atlantic Council of Serbia in cooperation with the Atlantic Committee of Norway organized Balkan Mosaic Symposium in Belgrade on November 24- 25, 2008. This gathering was a part of Balkan Mosaic project, the widest regional programme which was initiated by the partners from Denmark and Norway within ATA (The Atlantic Treaty Association). Balkan Mosaic is an important programme for regional development and cooperation of regional countries. It is consisted of three networks which contribute to better communication, overcoming of bilateral and regional problems and exchange of experiences and knowledge by mutual intercession and effort. NGO network (national ATA from each regional country), AAYPL network (Atlantic Association of Young Political Leaders), Researchers network
The goal of Balkan mosaic Symposium held in Belgrade was to consider further plans and development possibilities of this important programme. Regional participants were high representatives of ATA from their countries who contributed to improvement of regional development and cooperation policy by their plans for further development of Balkan Mosaic project in cooperation with the host, the Atlantic Council of Serbia and partners from Norway and Denmark.
Committee in cooperation with the Atlantic Council of Serbia for officers of School for National Defence in Belgrade on October 13-17, 2008.This programme was a continuance of successful cooperation of the Atlantic Council of Serbia and their colleagues from the Atlantic Committee of Italy, with the School for National Defence.
International Security Organizations Course was organized last year for the first time as a pilot project for the School for National Defence while it has been held for 7 years now in Italy and partner countries. It is intended for the participants who need to know more about international security organizations by interactive approach. Professor Fabrizio Luciolli, creator and director of this programme, showed good will and made an effort to prepare this course once again, for the needs of Military Academy in Belgrade in cooperation with the Atlantic Council of Serbia.
This year, officers of the School for National Defence have had great opportunity to exchange their experience and knowledge of some important issues about international security organizations with eminent foreign experts. This Course is very useful for further perspective and future professional development of Serbian officers.
order to promote Euro-Atlantic values in Serbia and our country’s interests abroad are very positive. Considering that we are a part of a big ATA family, cooperation and communication to other sisterly organizations impose as natural and precious connection especially in regional level. All Balkan countries, regardless of their level of integration in Euro-Atlantic institutions, still have numerous common issues and problems. In such conditions, ATA network is an advantage, natural and unavoidable connection of national ATA NGO organizations which, by their partnerships and support can realize numerous significant international activities in active promotion of Euro-Atlantic values and strengthening of communication and solving current issues and problems. The Atlantic Council of Serbia feels that common action can contribute to strengthening of bilateral and multilateral connections within ATA as well as general development and influence of our association in the world. To this end, we appeal all ATA organizations to improve cooperation. A T A N E W S L E T T E R 1 9 W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 9
I think this is an impressive record for an organisation which is said to have lost its meaning. All these operations and missions – based on a UN mandate - demonstrate that the Allies have the political will as well as the military means to act wherever and whenever needed. In contrast to what some sceptics say, however, NATO does not have the intention to become the world’s ‘global policeman’, but will only engage in operations and missions when decided jointly and based on interna- tional legal norms.
Clearly, NATO’s most demanding operation is the one it is carrying out today in Afghanistan. This operation is particularly difficult and challenging because of the opposition from extremist insurgent groups and because of Afghanistan’s enormous need for development, good governance, well-trained and equipped security forces, reconciliation and good relations with its neighbours. After all, Afghanistan is a deeply traumatised country that is only slowly recovering from 30 years of foreign occupation, civil war and the horrors of the Taliban regime.
But despite the obstacles we are facing there, NATO remains committed to progress in Afghanistan. This is indispensable not only for Afghans to be able to live in peace and freedom, but also for the stability of the entire region and the security of the Allies themselves. Afghanistan must no longer be the place from which terror- ist attacks are launched against NATO or other countries. It is vital that the battle against the Taliban is not translated into part of a wider war against the global ji- hadist movement. Containing the Jihadists in Afghanistan, may be the best NATO can achieve until political conditions allow for a more concrete and durable solution.
That is why NATO is also building closer cooperation with Afghanistan’s neighbours, particularly the Central Asian countries and Pakistan and perhaps one day with Iran. I personally share the views of those calling for a Dayton-style agree- ment involving all regional actors because a long-term solution is impossible without them. It remains to be seen how much a wider approach to Afghanistan is in line with US President Obama’s intent to review the US strategy on Afghanistan.
It is obvious that NATO cannot succeed in Afghanistan through military means alone, although it is equally true that a strong, well-resourced ISAF is essen- tial to achieving the ultimate objective: a self-sustaining Afghanistan able to uphold its own security. Over the past seven years, the Allies have done a lot to help train and equip the Afghan security forces so that they can progressively take over ISAF’s core stabilisation tasks according to the principle of Afghan ownership. Perhaps we could have done better and progressed faster, but we are trying hard to develop Af- ghan ownership wherever possible.
I belong to those who remain sceptical that achieving a Western-style de- mocracy in Afghanistan is realistic. But supporting the Afghans in developing good governance and functioning federal state structures is doable. In this respect the forthcoming presidential election in summer this year are critical. But if President Karzai is re-elected unopposed and carries on in similar vein to now, there is a dan- ger that the situation may become worse. A weak and divided central government in Kabul is bound to undermine the country’s regeneration.
In Afghanistan, but also in other areas of operations and missions, NATO relies on the involvement of other international organisations, such as the UN, the EU and the World Bank, to construct a truly comprehensive approach. Here we cer- tainly could have done better: NATO Allies must learn to work consistently with all these players in an integrated manner. After all, we are not a civilian reconstruction agency. A T A N E W S L E T T E R W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 2 0
...It is vital that the battle against the Taliban is not translated into part of a wider war against the global jihadist movement... ...NATO relies on the involvement of other interna- tional organisa- tions, such as the UN, the EU and the World Bank, to construct a truly comprehen- sive approach... ...NATO will al- ways take into account Russia’s legitimate secu- rity interests but will oppose any attempts to es- tablish spheres of influence in Europe... NATO’s 60 th Anniversary – Achievements and Future Challenges” by Dr. Stefanie Babst Continued...from pg 5 A T A N E W S L E T T E R W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 2 1 Therefore, an ever-closer partnership with other international organisations that have experience and skills in areas such as political institution-building, devel- opment, governance, the judiciary and the police is a pre-requisite for suc- cess in operations.
But let us not for- get that NATO’s opera- tions and missions have also changed the way we are working with our part- ner countries. In Afghani- stan
and elsewhere, NATO increasingly works with Partners and other troop-contributing countries ranging from Sweden all the way to New Zealand and Australia. These non-NATO countries bring valuable resources and skills to NATO-led operations and help distribute burdens across the wider international community. No other organisation than NATO could bring to- gether this wide range of military forces and make them all work together. In recognition of their many contributions, moreover, NATO is involving non-NATO countries in the planning and conduct of its op- erations.
The Comprehensive Approach applies not only to operations, but more broadly to many of NATO’s efforts to deal with 21 st century security challenges, such as fighting terrorism, improving en- ergy security, preventing weapons proliferation or safeguarding against cyber attacks. For these rea- sons, NATO is seeking to develop permanent, structured and cooperative relationships not only with partner countries from across the globe but also with important international organisations. The UN- NATO Declaration, signed in September 2008, can certainly help strengthen the dialogue and coop- eration between these two organisations in a number of key areas, including NATO assistance to UN operations and UN activities to prevent and counter terrorism. Let me now turn to the second major issue that will be discussed at the Summit at the Franco-German border: NATO’s strategic partner- ships.
There is clearly plenty of opportunity for real, concrete progress. I think real transatlantic coop- eration with Russia on missile defence is quite doable, without much change in mindset. Such coop- eration would make those who might threaten Europe with missiles think twice, militarily and politically. We could also step up our cooperation on operations, such as in Afghanistan – and even beyond. Pi- racy would be one good candidate for this. But – and here comes the but – this will not happen just because we would like it to. On all sides, there must be a willingness to compromise – to take con- crete steps to change the status quo.
I cannot see how the Allies can seriously consider such a new architecture, in which President Medvedev himself has said “territorial integrity” would be a primary element, as long as Russia is building bases inside Georgia against its declared will. This situation cannot be ignored, and it cannot be the foundation of a new European Security Architecture. NATO will always take into account Rus- sia’s legitimate security interests but will oppose any attempts to establish spheres of influence in Europe or prevent European countries from exercising their right to seek NATO membership, if they so wish. After all, we need to move beyond a 19th century “Great Game” idea of spheres of influ- ence.
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My point is this: We have the opportunity to build a new, more trusting and more practical relationship with Russia. But if it is to be sustainable, it must be a two- way street. We shall see how Moscow will react to these signals that, most likely, will be repeated in Strasbourg and Kehl. But while Alliance leaders will discuss their re- lations with Russia, they will also take some time to look at another strategic partner- ship, that between NATO and the EU. A clearer vision of the relationship between the EU and NATO and their relative roles in this relationship will be a priority in the years to come. Both organisations now find themselves operating in the same thea- tre, as well as in separate ones. In this respect Chancellor Merkel and President Sarkozy have rightly put Europe first, pointing to the need for unified decisions, con- crete capabilities and – crucially – the willingness to use them.
NATO remains fully committed to a strong and trustful relationship with the European Union as it develops its own common foreign and security policy, military planning structures and capabilities. A strong ESDP can only benefit NATO and fos- ter a more equitable transatlantic security partnership. NATO seeks a strong NATO- EU partnership not only on the ground, in regions where NATO and the EU both have deployed assets, such as in Kosovo or Afghanistan, but also with regard to their strategic dialogue at political headquarters level in Brussels. In developing the NATO-EU relationship, it will be important to avoid unnecessary duplication and to involve, to the widest extent possible, members of both organisations in all opera- tions, be they EU- or NATO-led, so as to make the best use of common resources and capabilities.
Yet in reality there is a lot of scope for improvement. For example, in Af- ghanistan ISAF has struggled to agree on a necessary MoU with the EU-led police mission. This is indicative of a wider problem, part of which it is rooted in the dead- lock over Cyprus and Turkey’s frustration with the EU. Harmonizing defence plan- ning and equipment programmes, the core principles of the Comprehensive Ap- proach as well as future strategic considerations such as NATO’s new Strategic Concept and the European Security Strategy could be a practical way forward to en- hance cooperation between NATO and the EU. I am confident that the NATO Sum- mit in early April will provide the necessary political impulse for an even closer NATO-EU relationship. This, again, is very much in line with what the new US Ad- ministration seeks. ...Viable Euro- Atlantic security architecture re- lies on the inclu- sion of Russia... ...Next twelve months will see a lively and con- structive discus- sion among Allies about NATO’s new Strategic Concept....
Let me finally say a few words about France’s return to a full capacity at NATO’s military table. President Sarkozy’s announcement to this effect came as a pleasant and welcome surprise for the Allies. As a result, NATO will benefit even more from French capabilities and troops in current opera- tions and missions. Moreover, France has just gone through the exercise of drawing up its White Pa- per on defence and national security. She has now acquired a new, consistent and comprehensive strategic doctrine. On this basis the French analysis will, incontestably, add value to the discussions in the NATO Council.
Furthermore, the French presidency of the European Union in the second semester of 2008 in itself did much to relaunch and raise the profile of the ESDP. This applies first and foremost to opera- tions: think of Georgia, the commencement of the EULEX mission in Kosovo, and the beginning of Op- eration Atlanta off the Somalian coast, which took over from a naval force deployed by NATO. We all hope that France will show a similar degree of political enthusiasm for NATO’s future transformation and ability to respond to the new challenges we face.
By way of concluding, I would like to stress that the current transatlantic climate offers plenty of opportunities to make the Alliance fitter for the coming decades. President Obama has already acted on several issues of great importance to Europeans, such as announcing the closure of Guantanamo and focusing on climate change. More importantly even, he has promised to listen to and engage with America’s partners. We should not doubt that his intentions are sincere. But Europe should also lis- ten: When the United States asks for a serious partner, it does not just seek advice. It seeks, and merits, someone ready to share the heavy lifting. This is true in terms of operations and missions, but also when it comes to thinking creatively and courageously about how the Alliance can meet new threats and challenges. I am confident that the next twelve months will see a lively and constructive discussion among Allies about NATO’s new Strategic Concept. This political discussion is much needed - and will demonstrate that NATO at 60 is still very much alive and kicking. JAGELLO 2000 International Competition ALIANTE 2009 has begun
The world has entered the year of 2009 that, together with other things, brings the ninth Aliante, the unique international competition. It is focused on improvement of knowledge about the North Atlantic Treaty, NATO, security issues and international relations. Moreover, its winners can expect a superb trip that you just can't get at a travel agency. Besides thatr all participants extend their knowledge in the competition areas, which is also a real prize. Contestants also meet people with similar interests from other countries and gain contacts that can be useful in further studies or even during a professional career.
Students from 12 countries can participate in Aliante 2009 - the Czech Republic, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, the United Kingdom, the United States and Ukraine. The winners can expect a wonderful trip to the Czech Republic, where they visit Air Force Base Caslav with Gripen aircraft, elite CBRN unit or NATO Days in Ostrava - the unique security and air show - the biggest event of its kind in Central Europe.
Of course, to get there will not be easy. Students have to succeed in challenging national and international competition, prove their knowledge, and ability to cooperate under difficult conditions. As in previous years, there will be two knowledge-based rounds. The best from them proceed to the international final where their physical and mental strength will be tested. This year, the final will be held in Lithuania, near the city of Kaunas at the Division General Stasys Raštikis NCO School and Lithuanian Great Hetman Jonušas Radvila Training Regiment in cooperation with the Lithuanian Atlantic Treaty Association. If you would like to get more information about Aliante 2009, don’t hesitate and visit: www.project-aliante.org
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