NATO invites Albania and Croatia to join the alliance; NATO anti-missile shield to be added to the U.S. one; Putin says anti-missile shield project is against Russia;
BUCHAREST, Apr 3, 2008 – NATO does not reach consensus on Macedonia; seeks consolation for Ukraine and Georgia. Washington gained formal Nato support for the anti-ballistic missile scheme and also nailed down an agreement with the Czech government to build a missile-tracking radar on its soil.
NATO Summit in 2009 to provide a defence architecture able to secure a anti-missile shield to all alliance members.
As mainly Germany and France opposed MAPs for Ukraine and Georgia, NATO leaders sought ways to console the two countries of the former Soviet block. Greece opposed invitation for Macedonia.
Early this morning, the Macedonian delegation said it will leave the Summit if in case their country’s invitation to join NATO be postponed.
The Council meeting stretched beyond 12:30 and press conferences delayed.
April 3, 01:30 p.m. (Bucharest time): Sources said Ukraine and Georgia MAPs delayed; FYROM (Macedonia) does not receive invitation for joining NATO next year; member states approved the U.S. proposition for a NATO anti-missile shield. In the afternoon, the Macedonian delegation asked for a meeting with U.S. President George Bush.
01:35 p.m. (Bucharest time) – In a press conference Jaap de Hoop Scheffer’s announced that: NATO invited Croatia and Albania to join the alliance; NATO will issue invitation for Macedonia as soon as possible – after disputes regarding the country’s name are settled. NATO encourages Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro bid to join the alliance – future talks with Serbia are very possible. NATO praises steps forward made by Ukraine and Georgia and is backing the two countries bid – in December 2008, the foreign ministers of NATO member states will deliver assessment regarding those countries progress in meeting NATO standards, and will possibly grant MAPs to Ukraine and Georgia. The NATO Summit in 2009 will provide a defence architecture able to secure a anti-missile shield to all alliance’s members (in addition to the U.S. project).
NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer announced that Macedonia was not invited to join the Alliance, due to its name related controversy with Greece. Scheffer said that the two countries, Albania and Croatia will receive the action plan while Georgia and Ukraine will receive the membership action plan in the future.
Journalists representing Macedonia left the conference room after Scheffer made his official declaration. According to sources, France, Spain, Luxembourg and Greece voted against Macedonia while Portugal refrained to take a stand on the issue.
[Macedonian journalists left the press conference hall in a sign of disappointment.]
2:00 p.m. (Bucharest time) – Alliance’s Council press conference: Jaap de Hoop Scheffer welcomed Albania and Croatia into “the NATO family”. U.S. President Bush said …
2:15 p.m. (Bucharest time): German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy press conference. Mr. Sarkozy announced that France will soon re-enter the NATO integrate command structures.
Bucharest Summit Declaration
On Thursday, April 3, the Heads of State and Government participating in the meeting of the North Atlantic Council in Bucharest issued a 50 points Declaration to address the topics agreed upon during the summit.
The main NATO Council’s results mentioned by the Declaration included:
- The decision to invite Albania and Croatia to begin accession talks to join the Alliance.
- As many of today’s security challenges cannot be successfully met by NATO acting alone, the Alliance welcomed to Bucharest a number of partner nations; Mr. Ban Ki moon, the Secretary General of the United Nations; and prominent representatives of other international organisations. Meeting them [i.e. today’s security challenges] can best be achieved through a broad partnership with the wider international community, as part of a truly comprehensive approach, based on a shared sense of openness and cooperation as well as determination on all sides.
- “Euro Atlantic and wider international security is closely tied to Afghanistan’s future as a peaceful, democratic state, respectful of human rights and free from the threat of terrorism. For that reason, our UN mandated International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission, currently comprising 40 nations, is our top priority. Working with the Afghans, we have made significant progress, but we recognise that remaining challenges demand additional efforts,” the Declaration reads. The upcoming Paris Conference will review progress on and strengthen international efforts to further implement the Afghanistan Compact.
- KFOR will remain in Kosovo on the basis of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1244 to ensure a safe and secure environment, including freedom of movement, for all people in Kosovo unless the Security Council decides otherwise.
- The launching at the Summit of a new NATO TV channel on the internet which will include regular news updates and video reports, in particular from the various regions of Afghanistan.
- NATO is further to play its role in contributing to the implementation by nations of UNSCR 1373 and related UNSCRs in the fight against terrorism, and is lending its support to non proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction by playing its role in contributing to the implementation by nations of UNSCR 1540.
- The determination to improve the NATO-EU strategic partnership as agreed upon, to achieve closer cooperation and greater efficiency, and to avoid unnecessary duplication in a spirit of transparency, and respecting the autonomy of the two organisations.
- NATO will continue to develop and contribute to policies to prevent and counter proliferation, with a view to preventing terrorist access to, and use of, WMD. NATO will also continue to support its programme of work to develop advanced capabilities to help defend against terrorist attacks, including through the continuing development of new technologies. “We welcome efforts towards revitalising the implementation of the Partnership Action Plan against Terrorism. We reiterate our commitment to Operation Active Endeavour, our maritime operation in the Mediterranean, which continues to make a significant contribution to the fight against terrorism,” the document reads.
- The Alliance reiterates its commitment to support the Government and people of Iraq and to assist with the development of Iraqi Security Forces.
- NATO members agreed that an invitation to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) will be extended as soon as a mutually acceptable solution to the name issue has been reached. We encourage the negotiations to be resumed without delay and expect them to be concluded as soon as possible.
- NATO welcomed Ukraine’s and Georgia’s Euro Atlantic aspirations for membership in NATO. “We agreed today that these countries will become members of NATO,” the Declaration also reads.
- NATO welcomed the progress since the Riga Summit in developing alliance’s cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia. [more specific: NATO welcomed Bosnia and Herzegovina's and Montenegro's decisions to develop an Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP), and reiterated willingness to deepen cooperation with Serbia, in particular through developing an IPAP, and the alliance will consider an Intensified Dialogue following a request by Serbia.]
- The Alliance reminded that the NATO-Russia partnership was conceived as a strategic element in fostering security in the Euro Atlantic area, based on core principles, values and commitments, including democracy, civil liberties and political pluralism. “Looking back at a history of more than a decade, we have developed a political dialogue as well as concrete projects in a broad range of international security issues where we have common goals and interests. While we are concerned by recent Russian statements and actions on key security issues of mutual concern, such as the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE), we stand ready to continue working with Russia as equal partners in areas of common concern, as envisaged by the Rome Declaration and the Founding Act. We should continue our common efforts in the fight against terrorism and in the area of non proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and their means of delivery. We urge Russia to engage actively in important cooperative offers that have been extended. We believe that United States Russia bilateral discussions on missile defence and CFE, among other issues, can make an important contribution in this field. We believe the potential of the NATO Russia Council is not fully realised and we remain ready to identify and pursue opportunities for joint actions at 27, while recalling the principle of independence of decision making and actions by NATO or Russia. We reaffirm to Russia that NATO’s Open Door policy and current, as well as any future, NATO Missile Defence efforts are intended to better address the security challenges we all face, and reiterate that, far from posing a threat to our relationship, they offer opportunities to deepen levels of cooperation and stability. We note Russia’s ratification of the Partnership for Peace Status of Forces Agreement, and hope that it will facilitate further practical cooperation. We appreciate Russia's readiness to support NATO's ISAF mission in Afghanistan by facilitating transit through Russian territory. We would welcome deepened NATO Russia cooperation in support of, and agreed by, the Government of Afghanistan, and look forward to building on the solid work already achieved in training Afghan and Central Asian counter narcotics officers,” the document reads.
- The Alliance particularly welcomed the significant contribution by Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore to NATO led efforts in Afghanistan; and also the valuable contributions by the Republic of Korea to efforts which support the NATO led mission in Afghanistan.
- The Alliance will continue to support, as appropriate, these efforts guided by regional priorities and based on transparency, complementarities and inclusiveness, in order to develop dialogue and cooperation among the Black Sea states and with the Alliance.
- The Alliance recognised the substantial contribution to the protection of Allies from long range ballistic missiles to be provided by the planned deployment of European-based United States missile defence assets. The means to link this capability with current NATO missile defence efforts are under exploration as a way to ensure that it would be an integral part of any future NATO wide missile defence architecture – therefore, the Council in Permanent Session received the task to develop options for a comprehensive missile defence architecture to extend coverage to all Allied territory and populations not otherwise covered by the United States system for review at the 2009 Summit. The Alliance also praised the work already underway to strengthen NATO Russia missile defence cooperation.
- NATO remained deeply concerned about the proliferation risks of the Iranian nuclear and ballistic missile programmes [calling on Iran to fully comply with UNSCRs 1696, 1737, 1747 and 1803]; Also the Alliance displayed deep concern by the proliferation activities of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea [calling on it to fully comply with UNSCR 1718].
- The Alliance reaffirmed commitment to the Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty Regime [as expressed in the Alliance’s position contained in paragraph 42 of the 2006 Riga Summit Declaration], and expressed deep concern that the Russian Federation has continued its unilateral “suspension” of its legal obligations under the CFE Treaty. “The current situation, where NATO CFE Allies implement the Treaty while Russia does not, cannot last indefinitely. We have offered a set of constructive and forward looking proposals for parallel actions on key issues, including steps by NATO Allies on ratification of the Adapted CFE Treaty and by the Russian Federation on outstanding commitments related to Georgia and the Republic of Moldova. We believe these proposals address all of Russia’s stated concerns. We encourage Russian authorities to work cooperatively with us and other concerned CFE States Parties to reach agreement on the basis of the parallel actions package so that together we can preserve the benefits of this landmark regime,” the Declaration stipulates.
- NATO also showed concerns regarding the persistence of regional conflicts in the South Caucasus and the Republic of Moldova. Alliance’s nations support the territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and the Republic of Moldova. We will continue to support efforts towards a peaceful settlement of these regional conflicts, taking into account these principles.
- The Alliance underlined the support to its Defence Ministers’ efforts as they oversee the management of the defence aspects of transformation to ensure NATO remains effective and efficient, especially by pursuing ongoing efforts in the following areas: the NATO Response Force by providing the necessary forces, and to improving the availability of operational and strategic reserve forces; improving strategic lift and intra-theatre airlift, especially mission-capable helicopters; the strengthening the information superiority through networked capabilities, including an integrated air command and control system; increased maritime situational awareness; and timely delivery of the Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) capability; enhancing the capability and interoperability of our special operations forces; pursuing the adaptation and reform of the Alliance’s structures and processes.
- NATO reaffirmed it remains committed to strengthening key Alliance information systems against cyber attacks.
- The Alliance has tasked the Council in Permanent Session to prepare a consolidated report on the progress achieved in the area of energy security for consideration at the 2009 Summit.
- As demands on the Alliance have grown in complexity in the last twenty years, as the security environment has changed a new Headquarters building is required.
The Bucharest Summit Declaration concludes by expressing “sincere appreciation for the gracious hospitality extended to us by the Government of Romania. The city of Bucharest has been the venue of NATO’s largest ever Summit meeting, highlighting the Alliance’s determination to work closely with the International Community as well as its own unique contribution to promoting security and stability in a fast changing strategic environment. […] We have strengthened our dialogue and cooperation with countries and organisations vital to our security. We will meet again next year in Strasbourg and Kehl to celebrate NATO’s 60th anniversary […].”
***
NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer announced on Thursday that allies have confirmed their long-term involvement in Afghanistan. He said NATO needed a stronger cooperation and coordination of its actions and that must be accomplished for the building of a secure and prosperous state.
Scheffer said NATO would support the United Nations in their Afghanistan missions.
A joint statement of NATO member states and of those taking part in the Afghan mission says they will offer the necessary training teams and equipments for the creation of an efficient Afghan army of 80,000 troops by 2010.
The statement was made as talks concluded on Afghanistan at the NATO summit in Bucharest these days, in a press conference held together with Afghan President Hamid Karzai and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon.
***
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin arrived in Bucharest on Thursday evening (Apr 3, 2008) and joined the official reception offered by Romania’s President to the participating head of states at the Hilton Hotel. U.S. President Bush, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, EC President Jose Manuel Barroso, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, President Putin and Romania’s President Basescu shared the same table. Later, Thursday night, Mr. Putin and Mr. Basescu agreed for a bilateral meeting on Friday at noon. Moreover, sources say that Mr. Putin invited Mr. Basescu to visit Moscow.
NATO and Putin hail positive mood at farewell summit
BUCHAREST, Apr 4 - NATO leaders and Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed the positive mood at a 90-minute summit on Friday intended to thaw chilly relations, but said they made no breakthroughs on their many disputes, REUTERS reported.
At his last meeting with NATO before he steps down, Putin again criticised [vehemently, other sources say] the 26-nation Western military pact's plans to expand eastwards after it promised former Soviet republics Ukraine and Georgia they would one day become members.
But the former Cold War foes chose to emphasise positive developments in ties rather than their disagreements to set the stage for improved cooperation when Putin's protègé, Dmitry Medvedev, becomes president next month.
"The talks were in a positive spirit," NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer told a news conference after the talks in Bucharest. But he added: "I cannot report that this morning we saw stunning breakthroughs."
A source in the Russian delegation said Putin had told NATO leaders including U.S. President George W. Bush, with whom he has a summit in Russia at the weekend, that he saw scope for better cooperation.
"He cited many ... sectors where Russia and NATO could cooperate," the source said, listing Afghanistan and counter-terrorism as possible areas.
But he added: "NATO's expansion is a problem for Russia."
The tone was very different from Putin's repeated tirades against the West in the past year or so, including accusations at a security conference in Munich last year that it was bent on starting a new arms race.
"There have been no substantive changes of the main issues -- but no fireworks either," said one alliance diplomat.
WEEKEND SUMMIT
Bush, who like Putin is in the twilight of his presidency, will meet the Russian leader at the weekend at his holiday home in the Black Sea resort of Sochi for talks he has described as a last chance for a "heart-to-heart".
Out to polish a legacy tarnished by the Iraq war, Bush wants to raise ideas for a "strategic framework" agreement between the United States and Russia during his stay with Putin.
The Kremlin said Putin had come to the Romanian capital determined to focus on the positive and play down disputes with the West ranging from Kosovo to U.S. missile shield plans.
It was the first time NATO leaders have hosted a Russian president since 2002 and could help them gauge how much power Putin plans to retain after Medvedev takes over as president next month. Putin is expected to become prime minister.
NATO and Russia signed a land transit pact allowing the alliance to use Russian land to deliver non-lethal supplies to its troops in Afghanistan.
However the agreement will not cover movements of troops or air transit arrangements as initially sought by NATO.
Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko sought earlier on Friday to reassure Russia his country's ambitions were not directed against its former Soviet master.
"Our state has the full right to choose our own way of development, protect our security and our interests. Our interests are not destined (to be) against any other country," Yushchenko told an earlier session.
De Hoop Scheffer said a statement pledging to welcome Ukraine into NATO was an unambiguous commitment that did not leave "a shimmer of a doubt" although Kiev would still have to meet the membership criteria.
Yushchenko said he was sure a review in December would grant Ukraine a Membership Action Plan (MAP) -- a formal gateway to eventual membership. That was denied his country in Bucharest after Germany, France and others resisted.
Initial Kremlin reaction was caustic but not explosive. The Russian Foreign Ministry published a letter on Thursday in which Putin assured rebels in breakaway Georgian regions he would not abandon them if Tbilisi cuddled up to the West.
Putin – Basescu meeting
Bucharest, Apr 4, 2004 – Following the NATO-Russia Council Friday morning, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin met Romanian President Traian Basescu at the Parliament Palace in Bucharest.
There were discussed topics related to Kosovo, Transdniester, and security in Europe. Sources say that Mr. Putin frankly voiced his appreciation to Mr. Basescu – as to a man who acts according to his words.
During a press statement Mr. Basescu thanked the Russian president for the excellent bilateral relationship. Mr. Putin said that after Traian Basescu’s visit in Moscow, back in 2005, the trade exchanges between the two countries increased to $5 billion. Mr. Putin also underlined that this October the Russia and Romanian will celebrate 130 years of diplomatic relations.
Mr. Putin praised Mr. Basescu for the appropriate management of the summit and for the “constructive” meeting framework.
Mr. Putin invited Mr. Basescu to visit Moscow this year. There is no secret here, in Bucharest, that the energy supplies represent the main issue to be tackled during such a visit.
Local analysts say that a more friendly but yet pragmatic Russian-Romanian co-operation might emerge in the near future – as taking into account the mixed results of the NATO
Summit in Bucharest and a possible settlement between Russia and U.S. – whose policy in the region Mr. Basescu strongly backed since he took office.
While in Bucharest, the adviser to the Russian Government on foreign policy issues, Sergey Markov, and the former Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov opined that eventually Russia would sell natural gas to Romania at a better price, under certain circumstances. Mr. Markov even speculated that Romania is buying Russian gas at the highest price in Europe because the country’s politicians prefer Washington instead of Moscow.
Putin: “Let’s be friends, gentlemen”…
Moscow will view the deployment of NATO's military forces close to the Russian border as a direct threat to Russia's security, President Vladimir Putin told a press conference today (Apr 4, 2008) following the meeting of the NATO-Russia Council. He pointed out that Moscow could not be satisfied with the statement that the anti-missile defence system, which NATO intended to site near the Russian border, would not be used against Russia.
The Russian leader also noted that there were serious tensions in Russia - NATO relations, including the organization's continuing expansion, the creation of military infrastructure on the territory of the alliance's new members, the crisis of the Treaty on Conventional Forces in Europe, and the conflict in Kosovo.
A return to the cold war is impossible, as none of global players, including Europe, the US, or Russia, are interested in it, Russian President Vladimir Putin told the press. All differences can be discussed and settled jointly, the leader said.
Other countries blame Russia for its toughness, but it cannot be compliant when its national interests are at stake, Putin noted. He added that it was not fair to blame Russia for suspending its membership in the Treaty on Conventional Forces in Europe, as Russia had been the only country that fulfilled its obligations under the pact for many years. Meanwhile, Putin noted that it appeared to him that he had managed to reach an understanding with other summit participants today.
President Putin said Russia is self-sufficient and does not need additional defence from any partners. But, “Without Russia, nothing is to be achieved [in the world],” Mr. Putin prompted the audience, also underlining that Russia is still upgrading its military forces.
However, Putin stated that Russia was planning to strengthen cooperation with NATO, as all global players needed to act jointly to meet common challenges. “Let’s be friends, gentlemen,” Mr. Putin rhetorically called during his speech.
Mr. Putin – who described the talks as constructive – agreed to allow NATO to cross Russian soil to deliver supplies including food and military equipment to its forces in Afghanistan.
Romania Report & sources
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