“Transnational terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, piracy, climate change and energy security, cyber attacks, to name just a few – the threats to our collective security in our globalized world – that do not stop at national borders and cannot be successfully addressed by any nation alone. NATO's role is essential – it has proven its worth in confronting and defeating these and other threats and challenges.” said General John Craddock, Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, during a speech to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly on the 18th of November.
Here are some other quotes from the speech:
“NATO demonstrates its relevance in today's security environment each and every day – on the ground and in the skies above Afghanistan, on the sea throughout the Mediterranean and off the coast of Somalia, on the ground in Kosovo and in the skies over the Baltic States”.
“The Afghan National Security Force (ANA) participates in more than 90% of all ISAF operations and has led the planning and execution of 70% of the more than 200 planned operations this year. 90% of the Afghan public see the ANA as an honest and fair institution and believe it has helped improve security”.
“Security in Pakistan and Afghanistan is undoubtedly linked. We must engage with Pakistan, at all levels, to find solutions, cooperative, innovative solutions, to this far-reaching problem”.
“Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the international community must strive toward a collective, comprehensive effort in Afghanistan. No organization can achieve success on its own, cooperation, not just co-existence, amongst the many donors is essential to enduring progress. Together, we must earnestly support the efforts of Ambassador Kai Eide, the Special Representative of the U.N. Secretary General for Afghanistan, in his charge to bring coherency to the international effort. The international community is moving forward under his leadership, but to realize his mandate, he must have our steadfast support – all of it, all of the time”.
“I further encourage you to support the proposed NAEWF deployment. These airborne warning and control aircraft play a critical role in securing the airspace and managing the constantly increasing air traffic we see in Afghanistan. It will save lives, minimize risks to civilians, and aid our military aircraft in performing their mission”.