2009

ACO SR leaders give input to new NATO Strategic Concept

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The twelve member Group of Experts (GoE), chaired by Dr Madeleine Albright, met yesterday with the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Admiral James Stavridis and Allied Command Operations senior leaders for a fact-finding discussion as part of the process to lay the groundwork for NATO's updated Strategic Concept.

The Concept is an official document that outlines NATO's enduring purpose and nature and its fundamental security tasks. It also sets out the key features of the changed security environment, specifies the elements of the Alliance's approach to security and provides guidelines for the further adaptation of its military forces. Last revised in 1999, the current version predates the attacks on the USA on 09/11, the mission in Afghanistan and the ascension of 9 new member states.

The Secretary General convened the broad-based GoE to facilitate the process after the Strasbourg-Kehl Summit in April where NATO leaders endorsed the "Declaration on Alliance Security”: which, inter alia, called for a new Strategic Concept.

The GoE work is in two phases. In the first, reflection phase, the GoE will hold seminars in four NATO countries each devoted to different topics of relevance to the new Strategic Concept. During the second, consultation phase, the GoE will travel to each NATO capital to present their thinking directly to governments with a view to receiving initial comment and feedback.

The Secretary General will then take the process forward and, on the basis of national reactions and political guidance, will prepare the first draft of the new Strategic Concept for negotiation during the late summer and autumn 2010 with approval sought at the next NATO Summit.

The GoE represents a broad spectrum of large and small NATO members and offers a balanced combination of insiders and outsiders, including from the private sector, think tanks and the academic community. Dr. Madeleine Albright, former US Secretary of State, chairs the group with Mr. Jeroen van der Veer, former CEO in Royal Dutch Shell, as vice-chair.

NATO E-3A AWACS provides airspace security for the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

NATO E-3A AWACS aircraft from the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force (NAEW&C Force) will provide airspace security and surveillance support for the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen beginning 10 December. This UN Conference is a historic meeting with more than 100 world leaders have confirming they will attend its final stages.

The use of E-3A aircraft for airspace surveillance and control has become an important part of national and international efforts to ensure the safety and security of political summits and other strategic world leadership events. This year the NATO AWACS also provided airspace security in April for the NATO Summit in Strasbourg, France, and again in July for the G-8 Summit held at L'Aquila in Italy.

The E-3A aircraft, a modified Boeing 707, is equipped with radar capable of detecting air traffic over large distances and at all altitudes. One E-3A operating at 30,000 feet generates an air picture of aircraft movements from high to low altitude within a radius of 400 km or 215 nautical miles.

The NAEW&C Force is composed of two Components: the NATO flagged E-3A Component at Geilenkirchen, Germany, which has a fleet of 17 aircraft and multinational crews from 14 NATO nations, and the E-3D Component at Waddington, whose seven aircraft and crews are British.

Admiral Stavridis speaks at the Security and Defence Agenda

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Admiral James Stavridis, speaking at an event hosted by the Security and Defence Agenda in Brussels, Belgium 7 Dec.

In a wide ranging address, Admiral Stavridis emphasised the enduring commitment to collective defence enshrined in NATO's founding charter saying "however the new strategic concept for NATO unfolds you will find article V at the heart of it”. He also spoke about the opportunities and challenges he sees in NATO's future as well as providing a roundup of current operations. In an on the record session, he answered questions from a audience of over 120 Brussels based military, political and media figures. Responding to questions, he insisted that NATO is "not in Afghanistan to occupy it” and that the aim is to focus on training the Afghan National Security forces in order to allow us to transfer responsibility for assuring security.

More information on the event is available at the Security and Defence Agenda.

Afghan National Army takes next step to reaching 134K troops by 2010

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Afghan National Army took another step closer to meeting its goal of a 134,000 soldiers by October 2010, with the graduation of almost 800 troops from an accelerated, combat-company training program Nov. 22, 2009.

Accelerated companies train more troops in order to achieve the target size of the ANA. The three companies were the first to graduate from the Consolidated Fielding Center under the new program.

"They're looking forward to getting on the ground and putting into practice the training we have put them through in the last five week," said U.K. Army Capt. Allister Swift a assistant mentor for the Soldiers going through the accelerated training.

These troops, along with others to follow, are then added to the Afghan army kandaks. Each kandak is normally made up of three companies, but with these additional soldiers, a fourth company is being added. With the addition of one more company, kandaks will be able to rotate soldiers for training, downtime and leave.

Accelerated companies are a part of the continued sustainability of Afghanistan's future. ANA instructors train the new soldiers along with coalition partners, who provide additional training and mentoring.

The three graduating companies are the first of 44 others who will go through the accelerated training.

Once the training is complete, the Afghan troops will deploy throughout Afghanistan.

NATO’s new training mission for Afghanistan is activated in Kabul

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Less than nine months after NATO's Heads of State and Government announced the establishment of the NATO Training Mission for Afghanistan (NTM-A), at the Alliance's Summit meeting in Strasbourg-Kehl, the NATO Flag was raised today at Camp Eggers in Kabul marking the start of NATO's mission to enhance training and mentoring of the Afghan National Security Forces.

This new Alliance mission will merge with the US-led Combined Security Transition Command (CSTC-A) to foster new and existing relationships and build on the already expanding task of training and mentoring the Afghan National Security Forces in preparation for the future security and sustainment of Afghanistan. In particular NTM-A will build on its training capacity with the Afghan National Army, while adding much needed emphasis on training the Afghan National Police. Building capability, capacity and quality of ANSF forces will enable the Government of Afghanistan to take the lead in bringing security and stability to Afghanistan.

"Our mission is about teaming with Afghans to build a bright, dynamic future for this sovereign nation. As the NTM-A/CSTC-A mission has evolved, so has the mindset governing our outlook and perspective,” said Lt. Gen. William B. Caldwell, IV, the new commander of NTM-A and CSTC-A. "This new mindset, a mindset that challenges us to focus on the people of Afghanistan, requires us to be agile, adaptive, culturally respectful, and innovative. With this mission, and this new mindset, the path to success for NTM-A/CSTC-A lies with 3 T's; teaming, transparency, and transition.”

Lt. Gen. William B. Caldwell, IV, the new commander of NTM-A, intends to continue focusing coalition forces efforts on Afghanistan's sustainability as a free and open society.

Afghan Minister of Defense H.E. Minister Wardak, Afghan Minister of the Interior H.E. Minister Atmar, International Security Assistance Force, Commanding General Gen. Stanley McChrystal, and more than 400 soldiers, civilians and partner nation representatives attended the activation and change-of-command ceremony.

The former commander of CSTC-A, Maj. Gen. Richard P. Formica, applauded previous successes while looking to the future with a sense of optimism and pride with the establishment of NTM-A.

NTM-A will enhance capacity building by providing more opportunities for all NATO nations to become involved in ANSF development. The increased involvement by NATO member nations will help train more Afghan soldiers and police officers, which in turn will allow the Afghan Government to take on more responsibility for their own security.

"It has been my honor and privilege to serve here in Afghanistan, said Formica. Those of us who serve here recognize the strategic importance of this mission and we welcome the opportunity to contribute to brining stability and security to the people of Afghanistan.”

Preceding the activation of NTM-A, an official change-of-command ceremony was held at Camp Eggers where Lt. Gen. Caldwell assumed authority from Maj. Gen. Formica.

SACEUR’s first visit to HQ AC Ramstein

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Ramstein - Admiral James Stavridis, USA Navy, visited Allied Air Component Command Headquarters Ramstein first time since he took over as Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) in June this year.

Admiral Stavridis visits Slovenia for the first time as SACEUR

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Admiral James Stavridis, the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), visited Slovenia 12 – 13 November where he met Dr. Ljubica Jelušič, Minister of Defence, and Major General Alojz Šteiner, Chief of Defence of the Slovenian Armed Forces.

Admiral Stavridis continues a series of visits to NATO capitals which started soon after he became the SACEUR in June. On November 12 and 13, he visited the Republic of Slovenia.

Following Stavridis' arrival at Brnik Airport where he was met by Brigadier General Branimir Furlan, Deputy Chief of Defence, he toured the Old City Centre of Ljubljana before visiting the Ministry of Defence for an office call with the Minister of Defence, Dr. Ljubica Jelušič.

The following day, Stavridis and Šteiner visited the Joint Forces Command Headquarters in Vrhinika to view a display of military equipment and be briefed on the Slovenian Armed Forces.

Since 29 March 2004, when it formally joined NATO, Slovenia has become an invaluable member of the Alliance participating in NATO working bodies, deploying personnel to various NATO Headquarters, and contributing troops to ISAF, Iraq, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and KFOR missions. In this short time the Slovenian Armed Forces have become a modern, professional and well respected military and in February 2010 Slovenia will have concluded the process of integration in the Alliance.

Before departing Adm. Stavridis indicated his pleasure with the productive talks and impressions from this visit and expressed his gratitude to the people of Slovenia for their enthusiasm and warm welcome.

SACEUR and SACT reflect on the fall of the Berlin Wall

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Admiral James Stavridis, the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, and General Stephane Abrial, the Supreme Commander Allied Command Transformation, co-authored an OpEd reflecting on the fall of the Berlin Wall.

The twentieth anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall gives us an opportunity to reflect on the tremendous impact this historical event and its implications had on Germany, the NATO Alliance, and the world.

Fundamentally, this is a celebration of the power of peoples' desire for freedom and the power of rebirth—rebirth of a nation made whole again; rebirth of a strong trans-Atlantic partnership ready to face an uncertain future and new challenges in Europe and beyond; and rebirth of a modern Europe collectively endeavouring to preserve peace, stability, and rule of law.

As the concrete slabs crumbled, the human spirit soared buoyed by the triumph of freedom over tyranny in the face of seemingly insurmountable adversity. The collapse of the Berlin Wall physically represented the fall of Communism and Soviet domination of Eastern Europe, and was one of the defining moments of the twentieth century—clearly a cause for celebration.

For Germany, a staunch ally and strong advocate of the Alliance, the collapse of the Berlin Wall cauterized the wounds of the past and catalyzed reunification to a nation whole and free again after more than four decades of division. Germany is now thriving and making significant contributions to alliance operations and plays an enormously constructive role around the globe.

Even as the dust settled where the ideological and physically divisive wall once stood, many questioned the future relevance of NATO without a formidable and well-defined threat. Critics felt NATO would, and perhaps should, wither on the vine and quietly retire to history because NATO had fulfilled its purpose.

However, those critics greatly underestimated the durability and flexibility of the then-forty year old Alliance. Perhaps, they also misread the strength behind the fundamental premise on which the trans-Atlantic Alliance is founded--the common desire to safeguard freedom and promote stability and well-being through democratic institutions and collective security based on shared values.

These fundamental principles and the Alliance's commitment to its Article V obligations have not changed in the last sixty years, and the trans-Atlantic Alliance remains vibrant, relevant, and ready to meet twenty-first Century challenges and threats.

Freedom Award for NATO Troops

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Admiral James Stavridis, Supreme Allied Commander Europe, accepted a Freedom Award on behalf of NATO troops during a gala banquet of the Atlantic Council in Berlin November 8, the day before the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall.

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Atlantic Council presented Freedom Awards in honour of past and present heroes who defended and advanced the cause of freedom. The recipients are US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (on behalf of the American people), President Vaclav Havel (in absentia - on behalf of the Czech and Slovak peoples), Admiral James Stavridis (on behalf of NATO troops), President Lech Walesa (on behalf of the Polish people), Vice Chancellor Guido Westerwelle (on behalf of the German people) and Mayor Klaus Wowereit (on behalf of the people of Berlin).

Admiral Stavridis pays first visit to Italy as SACEUR

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), Admiral James Stavridis, visited Italy from 28 – 30 October during a round of visits he is carrying out to each NATO Country since he took over the position as SACEUR in June.

General Vicenzo Camporini and his wife welcomed Adm. and Mrs. Stavridis in the afternoon of 28 October at Ciampino International Airport.

After the conclusion of the Honour Guard Welcome Ceremony, Adm. Stavridis and SACEURs delegation were driven to Palazzo Caprara, Italian Defence General Staff Headquarters where they discussed common military interests and defence policy.

On 29 October Adm. Stavridis addressed a lecture at the NATO Public Affairs Conference held at NATO Defence College in Rome. Then he proceeded to visit the Army Transport and Material School, the Italian aircraft carrier Cavour, and the 4th Air Group at Grosseto Air Base where there was a demonstration by EuroFighter Typhoon aircrafts.

During the visit, SACEUR's delegation had also the opportunity to visit various historical sites, churches and museums in Rome enjoying the beauty of this unique city.

Before departing Adm. Stavridis expressed his gratitude to the people of Italy and his hosts for the overwhelming enthusiasm and openness of everyone who contributed to the success of this visit.

Informal Defence Ministerial meeting in Bratislava, Slovakia

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Informal NATO Defence Ministerial meetings commenced early this morning at the Incheba Expo Center in Bratislava, Slovak Republic. The Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Admiral James G. Stavridis, participated working sessions focused on Afghanistan, missile defense and military transformation.

Secretary General, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, reported that the Defense Ministers generally shared the view that the international community has to invest in strengthening Afghan capacity to fight their own fight. The ministers also generally shared the view on the need to invest in transition and planning towards progressively handing over lead security responsibility to the Afghan Army and Afghan Police. On missile defence, the Ministers welcomed the fact the new US approach puts European missile defence more in a NATO context. The discussions on military transition centered on the need to get more capability for the money NATO spends on defence.

Allied Commanders meet at JFC HQ Naples

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), his Joint Force commanders, their political advisors and other NATO flag rank officers met at Joint Force Command Headquarters (JFC HQ) Naples, 19 – 21 October, for the Allied Command Europe Commander's Conference, organized by Admiral James Stavridis.

A key point in the conference was to collect ideas and discuss priorities in preparation for making military recommendations to the North Atlantic Council in the development of the Strategic Concept for NATO. The Joint Force Commander Headquarters Naples, Admiral Mark Fitzgerald, Commander Joint Force Command Brunssum, General Egon Ramms and Commander Joint Force Command Lisbon Commander, Lieutenant General Philippe Stoltz, among others, offered their insight on their focus, activities and future challenges.

The implementation of NATO's new strategic concept is entering a more intensive phase. The program comprised a series of presentations and discussions centred on such themes as improving NATO's capabilities, core tasks of ACO, means and resources and engagements with partners. The commanders discussed NATO's current and future operations.

Among the speakers were Mr Nik Gowing, the well known British broadcast journalist and His Excellency, Ambassador Schuwer, Director of the Private Office of the Secretary General of NATO.

Allied Command Operations Hosts Afghan National Security Force Coordination Meeting

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

SHAPE, Belgium — Allied Command Operations recently concluded a two-day coordination meeting for the Afghan National Security Force (ANSF) at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe.

"The aim of the meeting was to update and synchronise efforts to support the development of the ANSF in support of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), Afghanistan,” said Colonel. Kevin Marcus, director of ACO's strategic direction team focused on operations in Afghanistan. "Discussions covered the general categories of force generation, mentoring, training, equipment support and longer term sustainment.”

The meeting, hosted by ACO, involved NATO representatives from the International Staff and the International Military Staff in Brussels, Allied Command Transformation in Norfolk, Virginia, Joint Forces Command Brunssum in The Netherlands, the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), and future NATO Training Mission, Afghanistan, as well as partner organizations.

"The meeting was significant in that for the first time it brought together all critical stakeholders to identify requirements, shortfalls and the way forward,” said General Sir John McColl, Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe and chair of the coordinating meeting. "This moves forward the dialogue on requirements and brings a common understanding of the challenges to all stakeholders – at the same time, in the same place – for meaningful discussions.”

Those critical stakeholders included representatives from the United States (U.S. European Command, the Office of the Secretary of Defence, Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan and the Joint Maneuver Readiness Center) which is the G8 lead partner for the Afghan National Army; the European Union which is the G8 lead partner for the Afghan National Police; and the European Union Gendarmerie Force (EGF) comprising six nations (Portugal, Italy, France The Netherlands, Romania and Spain) and two observer partner nations (Poland and Turkey).

The way-forward for the ANSF is further informed under the United Nations-mandated, G8 Joint Coordination Monitoring Board which currently sets personnel ceilings at 134,000 for the Afghan National Army and 96,800 for the Afghan National Police – personnel levels requiring significant NATO and partner contributions to train, mentor and equip to assure Afghan National Security Forces are capable of providing a safe and secure environment for the Afghan people, now and in the future.

UKRAINIAN SHIP JOINS NATO’s OPERATION ACTIVE ENDEAVOUR

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Naples, Italy - 20 October 2009. For the fifth time a Ukrainian ship, the frigate URS Ternopil will contribute, from 21 October to 25 November 2009, to Operation Active Endeavour (OAE), the NATO maritime contribution to the fight against terrorism.

URS Ternopil was the first Ukrainian ship to join in OAE in 2007, at which time the ship professionally executed all to her operational requirements. Following that first deployment, two other Ukrainian ships, URS Lutsk and the URS Hetman Sagaidachniy, and the URS Ternopil for her second detachment, raised the NATO flag and were engaged with NATO at sea, countering the common threat of maritime terrorism.

OAE is part of NATO's multi-faceted response to the terrorist threat. Its mission is to conduct maritime operations to demonstrate NATO's resolve to help deter, defend, disrupt and protect against terrorism. The contribution, collaboration or co-operation with partners and Mediterranean Dialogue countries substantially improves the overall effectiveness of OAE.

OAE was launched in 2001 following the terrorist attacks against the United States. It has since evolved into a comprehensive counter-terrorism operation that is based on the collection and analysis of information of the maritime traffic and on the surveillance conducted by NATO naval and air units. Surveillance by military assets is – at irregular intervals – concentrated into specific areas of the Mediterranean with ‘surge' operations, during which a larger scale sweep is conducted to establish presence and monitor maritime activity, with the option of conducting at-sea inspections.

More than 100,000 merchant vessels have been contacted during Operation Active Endeavour in nearly eight years, and a total of 159 have been inspected at sea. OAE's achievements through targeted maritime operations are highly impressive and constitute a significant deterrent to terrorist activity in the Mediterranean Sea. Analysis has shown that the Operation has and continues to make a difference in deterring terrorism and related activities in the Mediterranean. It also has collateral benefits in detecting and reporting illicit activities on the high seas to assist appropriate law enforcement agencies.

First Visit as SACEUR in Berlin

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

During his visit to Berlin Admiral James Stavridis met the German Minister of Defence, Dr. Franz Josef Jung, and the Chief of the German Armed Forces, General Wolfgang Schneiderhan.

The ongoing NATO mission in Afghanistan was central to discussions during Stavridis' first official country visit to Germany where he pointed out the need for a comprehensive approach in the Afghan mission.

"It is a special challenge for all NATO members to build and help Afghanistan sustain a continuous, secure environment. This includes the ongoing training, mentoring and installation of the Afghan National Army, Police and Security Forces,” Adm. Stavridis said. He also praised the work of German troops in Afghanistan and their significant contribution to NATO operations.

During the visit, Stavridis took the opportunity to visit various historic sites including the Reichstag. Before departing Admiral Stavridis thanked the people of Berlin and his hosts for their open and kind reception saying, "It is especially pleasing to visit this great city during this time – the 20-year anniversary of the ‘Fall of the Wall.'”

Three days in Afghanistan

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In three days in Afghanistan, Admiral James Stavridis visited leaders and troops in Kabul and Helmand Province focusing on the British and US Marine Corps Forces. He is pictured at Forward Operating Base Shawquat, where British troops are working across the southern Helmand valley and are reaching out to the surrounding communities in the heart of the Pashtun south.

The SACEUR also flew to the U.S. Marine enclave, the headquarters of Task Force Leatherneck, where the commander, Brigadier General Larry Nicholson talked about the need for more Afghan troops in the fight alongside coalition forces.

SACEUR speaks at RUSI

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Supreme Allied Commander Europe engaged European academics and defence experts in a discussion to consider NATO's current and future military roles and responsibilities at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) in London 2 October.

Admiral James spoke to the assembly about a variety of topics to include the new Strategic Concept for the Alliance and his perceptions about the alliance since taking command in July.

Among other topics he told the congregations that Afghanistan is challenging for the alliance but it is well within its capability to succeed.

"In Afghanistan we need to get the right balance between military and non military activities. Put the population first,” he said.

SACEUR visits the Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), Admiral James Stavridis, met with the Chief of Hellenic National Defence General Staff (HNDGS), General Ioannis Giagkos, Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff, Vice Admiral George Karamalikis, Chief of the Hellenic Army General Staff, Lieutenant General Fragkoulis Frakgos, the Chief of the Hellenic Air Force General Staff, Lieutenant General Vasilios Klokozas and the U.S. Ambassador to Greece, Mr. Daniel Speckhard from 26 – 28 September in Athens, Greece.

General and Mrs. Ioannis Giagkos welcomed Adm. And Mrs. Stavridis in the afternoon of 26 September at Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport.

After concluding his meeting with the U.S. Ambassador to Greece, Mr. Daniel Speckhard, Adm. Stavridis followed a full honours ceremony at the Hellenic MOD on Monday 28 September. Adm. Stavridis met with General Ioannis Giagkos, Chief of Hellenic National Defence General Staff, at the Hellenic Nation Defence General Staff Building.

Following the visit with the HNDGS, Adm. Stavridis and SACEURs delegation met with the HND General Staff. During this meeting they discussed common military interests and defence policy regarding the membership of Greece in the Alliance.

During his stay in Greece, SACEUR visited various archaeological sites and museums of Athens.

Admiral Stavridis in Croatia to observe exercise Jackal Stone

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Admiral James Stavridis expressed gratitude for a warm welcoming to Croatia while visiting the country on Sept. 23, the first visit by a Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) since becoming a full NATO member in April. Adm. Stavridis said in an open letter to the people of Croatia that he was impressed by the beauty of the Diocletian Palace in Split, as well as the people of Dubrovnik.

"It is evident to me that the people of Croatia are really proud of their long and vibrant history,” Adm. Stavridis commented. "The enthusiasm, graciousness and openness of everyone I met greatly warmed my heart.” He added that he is looking forward to returning soon.

Adm. Stavridis, who is dual-hatted as both SACEUR and the Commander for the U.S. European Command (EUCOM), was in Croatia to observe the Jackal Stone joint exercise. The exercise was co-organized between the Special Operation Battalion of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces and Special Operation Command, Europe (SOCEUR), which is a component command to EUCOM.

The main objective of the three-day exercise, which included personnel from 10 nations including 6 NATO members, was to enhance capabilities and interoperability among participating special operations forces. "It was also a pleasure to see in person how soldiers of different nations can develop working relationships and mutual respect that will further strengthen our cooperation,” he said of the exercise.

During his visit, Adm. Stavridis also met with the Croatian Vice Chief of Defence Rear Admiral Zdenko Simicic and US Ambassador to Croatia James B. Foley. He also visited the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force at Kamenik Air Base near Zadar. The visit was co-hosted by SOCEUR Commander, US Major General Frank Kisner and Croatian Brigadier General Drazen Scuri, the Deputy Commander of the Croatian Air Force and Air Defence.

Croatia is one of NATO's newest member countries. It has contributed to the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR), both directly and indirectly. It has also been contributing to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan since 2003.

NATO Secretary General Rasmussen is convinced that success in Afghanistan is achievable

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

NATO Secretary General Rasmussen attended an expanded delegation meeting in President Obama's Oval Office on 29 September. After the meeting they addressed the press together, emphasizing the tremendously important challenge in Afghanistan as well as NATO-Russian relations.

During the press conference Secretary General Rasmussen spoke about the operation in Afghanistan and stressed the importance of team effort for success.

Here are some quotes from the press conference:

"The President and I have had a very constructive meeting. I have thanked the President for his strong support. I look very much forward to cooperating with the President and his administration on reforming, transforming, and modernizing NATO. We are going to elaborate a new strategic concept, which I hope can serve as leverage for renewal of NATO."

"Of course, our main focus today has been our cooperation in Afghanistan. I say "our" focus deliberately because our operation in Afghanistan is not America's responsibility or burden alone. It is and it will remain a team effort. I agree with President Obama in his approach: strategy first, then resources. The first thing is not numbers. It is to find and fine-tune the right approach to implement the strategy already laid down, and all NATO allies are right now looking at McChrystal's review."

"I'm convinced that success in Afghanistan is achievable and will be achieved. And don't make any mistake -- the normal discussion on the right approach should not be misinterpreted as lack of resolve. This Alliance will stand united and we will stay in Afghanistan as long as it takes to finish our job."