NATO has its longest-standing Asian relationship with Japan. A strategic dialogue is ongoing since the early nineties: it involves high level discussions held alternatively in Japan or at NATO Headquarters in Brussels.
Both sides benefit from a regular, informal exchange of views. The more structured contacts were initiated at the first NATO-Japan exchange in 1990, on the Belgian coast. Biannual meetings have taken place since then. NATO’s Secretary General visited Tokyo in April 2005 and again in December 2007. The then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also adressed the North Atlantic Council in January 2007.
Political dialogue is gradually being complemented by practical cooperation. Japan’s support for peace and security-orientated operations in Afghanistan are valued by the Allies. The Japanese government has also committed several million Yen (over 3,800,000 million US dollars) in support of basic human needs projects in various regions of Afghanistan. The selection of projects is facilitated by NATO, with the identification of projects through the Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs). Japan recently appointed some liaison officers to a number of PRTs to support this programme. The country donated three million euros to the NATO Trust Fund Ammunition Stockpile.
In the 1990s, Japan also played a welcome role in stabilizing the Balkans, where NATO has led several peace-support operations since the mid-1990s. Japan’s contribution as a major donor nation has played an important part in the successful recovery of the Balkans region, as well as its reintegration into the European mainstream.
Practical cooperation focuses on various areas of common interest, including civil emergency planning, terrorism, non-proliferation and crisis management as well as participation in military activities. Since 2007, as is the case with other partners across the globe, NATO and Japan have established an annual work programme or Individual Tailored Cooperation Package (TCP) of activities which provides the basis for practical cooperation.
Showing posts with label NATO. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NATO. Show all posts
NATO – Republic of Korea cooperation
NATO and the Republic of Korea initiated contacts in 2005. At that time, the then Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki Moon addressed the North Atlantic Council. Since then, relations evolved through regular high-level talks with the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
As is the case with other partners across the globe, NATO and the Republic of Korea have established an annual work programme or Individual Tailored Cooperation Package (TCP) of activities. This provides the basis for practical cooperation with a primary focus on areas related to peace support operations.
The Republic of Korea has also contributed to stabilization efforts in Afghanistan. The country led the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in the Parwan province, including medical and engineering support. The military forces were withdrawn but a presence has been maintained with the dispatch of several medical personnel.
As is the case with other partners across the globe, NATO and the Republic of Korea have established an annual work programme or Individual Tailored Cooperation Package (TCP) of activities. This provides the basis for practical cooperation with a primary focus on areas related to peace support operations.
The Republic of Korea has also contributed to stabilization efforts in Afghanistan. The country led the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in the Parwan province, including medical and engineering support. The military forces were withdrawn but a presence has been maintained with the dispatch of several medical personnel.
NATO-Pakistan relations
Since the Alliance’s relief-assistance operation in response to the devastating earthquake in Pakistan in 2005, NATO and Pakistan have significantly expanded political relations and practical cooperation. Political dialogue has been intensified, in particular with regard to the shared objective of bringing security and stability to Afghanistan.
In May 2007, during the first-ever visit by a NATO Secretary General to Pakistan, both sides agreed to hold regular high-level political exchanges, a further step towards broader cooperation.
How does cooperation work in practice?
While Afghanistan is a key focus of cooperation, NATO and Pakistan have developed regular exchanges at various levels, including visits by senior officials and opinion leaders, as well as participation by Pakistani military officials in NATO training programmes.
Cooperation on Afghanistan
Pakistan is a key neighbour of Afghanistan. Pakistan’s support for the efforts of NATO and the international community in Afghanistan remains crucial to the success of the Alliance’s mission there. At the same time instability, extremism and terrorism in Afghanistan pose a threat to Pakistan, as well as to the wider international community. As Pakistan’s Prime Minister put it during a visit to NATO on 30 January 2007, “Pakistan is committed to a strong, stable Afghanistan. The one country that will benefit the most, after Afghanistan itself, will be Pakistan.”
The growing NATO-Pakistan military-to-military cooperation in the context of Afghanistan is reflected in the work of the Tripartite Commission, a joint forum on military and security issues which brings together representatives from the NATO-led ISAF operation, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The Tripartite Commission meets regularly at various levels and is used to exchange views, as well as to discuss security matters of mutual concern. Its four main areas of cooperation are intelligence sharing, border security, countering improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and initiatives relating to information operations. A joint Afghan, ISAF and Pakistani intelligence centre that was opened in Kabul in January 2007 improved coordination within the Tripartite Commission.
NATO welcomes Pakistan’s constructive approach towards security and stability in the region. The issues of increasing drug cultivation in Afghanistan and dealing with refugees from that country have also been raised during political high-level talks.
How did relations with Pakistan evolve?
After Pakistan was struck by a devastating earthquake in October 2005, NATO launched an airlift of urgently-needed supplies and deployed engineers, medical units and specialist equipment to the country. A massive air-bridge was established, and assets of the NATO Response Force (NRF) were used in the effort.
Following the end of the mission in February 2006, political dialogue between NATO and Pakistan intensified. The relationship has gradually been augmented by practical cooperation, starting with the opening of NATO training courses to Pakistani officers.
In May 2007, during the first-ever visit by a NATO Secretary General to Pakistan, both sides agreed to hold regular high-level political exchanges, a further step towards broader cooperation.
How does cooperation work in practice?
While Afghanistan is a key focus of cooperation, NATO and Pakistan have developed regular exchanges at various levels, including visits by senior officials and opinion leaders, as well as participation by Pakistani military officials in NATO training programmes.
Cooperation on Afghanistan
Pakistan is a key neighbour of Afghanistan. Pakistan’s support for the efforts of NATO and the international community in Afghanistan remains crucial to the success of the Alliance’s mission there. At the same time instability, extremism and terrorism in Afghanistan pose a threat to Pakistan, as well as to the wider international community. As Pakistan’s Prime Minister put it during a visit to NATO on 30 January 2007, “Pakistan is committed to a strong, stable Afghanistan. The one country that will benefit the most, after Afghanistan itself, will be Pakistan.”
The growing NATO-Pakistan military-to-military cooperation in the context of Afghanistan is reflected in the work of the Tripartite Commission, a joint forum on military and security issues which brings together representatives from the NATO-led ISAF operation, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The Tripartite Commission meets regularly at various levels and is used to exchange views, as well as to discuss security matters of mutual concern. Its four main areas of cooperation are intelligence sharing, border security, countering improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and initiatives relating to information operations. A joint Afghan, ISAF and Pakistani intelligence centre that was opened in Kabul in January 2007 improved coordination within the Tripartite Commission.
NATO welcomes Pakistan’s constructive approach towards security and stability in the region. The issues of increasing drug cultivation in Afghanistan and dealing with refugees from that country have also been raised during political high-level talks.
How did relations with Pakistan evolve?
After Pakistan was struck by a devastating earthquake in October 2005, NATO launched an airlift of urgently-needed supplies and deployed engineers, medical units and specialist equipment to the country. A massive air-bridge was established, and assets of the NATO Response Force (NRF) were used in the effort.
Following the end of the mission in February 2006, political dialogue between NATO and Pakistan intensified. The relationship has gradually been augmented by practical cooperation, starting with the opening of NATO training courses to Pakistani officers.
NATO’s relations with Tajikistan
NATO’s relations with Tajikistan should be viewed through the Partnership for Peace framework which the country joined in 2002. NATO and Tajikistan actively cooperate in the fight and against terrorism and have developed practical cooperation in many other areas. The Individual Partnership Programme (IPP) lays out the programme of cooperation between NATO and Tajikistan.
Framework for cooperation
Dialogue takes place within the framework of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC). The NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia, Ambassador Robert F. Simmons, conducts high-level political dialogue with Tajik authorities through regular visits to the country. The NATO Liaison Officer in Central Asia also visits Dushanbe regularly and reviews cooperation with the government.
NATO and Tajikistan are developing practical cooperation in a number of areas through the country’s Individual Partnership Programme (IPP), which is jointly agreed for a two-year period. Key areas include security and peacekeeping cooperation, especially counter-terrorism cooperation and border security, crisis management and civil emergency planning.
Framework for cooperation
Dialogue takes place within the framework of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC). The NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia, Ambassador Robert F. Simmons, conducts high-level political dialogue with Tajik authorities through regular visits to the country. The NATO Liaison Officer in Central Asia also visits Dushanbe regularly and reviews cooperation with the government.
NATO and Tajikistan are developing practical cooperation in a number of areas through the country’s Individual Partnership Programme (IPP), which is jointly agreed for a two-year period. Key areas include security and peacekeeping cooperation, especially counter-terrorism cooperation and border security, crisis management and civil emergency planning.
NATO's Role in Afghanistan
NATO’s main role in Afghanistan is to assist the Afghan Government in extending its authority and influence across the country, paving the way for reconstruction and effective governance. It does this predominately through its UN-mandated International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).
Since NATO took command of ISAF in 2003, the Alliance has gradually expanded the reach of its mission, originally limited to Kabul, to cover Afghanistan’s whole territory. The number of ISAF troops has grown accordingly from the initial 5,000 to around 50.000 troops coming from 42 countries, including all 28 NATO members.
ISAF missions
ISAF is a key component of the international community’s engagement in Afghanistan, assisting the Afghan authorities in providing security and stability and creating the conditions for reconstruction and development. ISAF, through its Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTS), is helping the Afghan Authorities strengthen the institutions required to fully establish good governance and to promote human rights. PRTs’ principal mission consists of building capacity, supporting the growth of governance structures and promoting an environment which governance can improve.
ISAF’s main role is to assist the Afghan government in the establishment of a secure and stable environment. ISAF forces are conducting security and stability operations throughout the country together with the Afghan National Security Forces and are directly involved in the development of the Afghan National Army through mentoring, training and equipping. ISAF conducts security and stability operations across Afghanistan.
Main Roles of Peace-Keeping Efforts in Afghanistan
The two main roles were to support the Afghan National Army and to support the Afghan National Police.
Firstly, the ISAF is helping the Afghan National Army (ANA) to operating capability in support of the United States which is sponsoring the overall ANA training and equipping programme.Under the NATO Equipment Donation Programme, Allied Command Operations (ACO), with its headquarters in Mons Belgium, coordinates equipment donations on behalf of ISAF contributing nations. A funding programme has also been established to cover the transportation and installation costs of the equipment donations, the purchase of equipment, the purchase of services for engineering & construction projects and trainings.
Secondly, the ISAF also provides support to the Afghan National Police (ANP) within means of ISAF’s key supporting tasks. ISAF works with United States as well as the European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan (EUPOL) which was launched in June 2007
Limitations in the Peace-Keeping Efforts
However, there may be limited success despite efforts to keep peace in Afghanistan. On 10th February 2008, the NATO commander says that more troops are needed in the Afghanistan due to disrupting critics saying that the alliance is losing Afghanistan. The commander asked for more troops from member nations to aid in the programme.
All 26 member nations have sent contingents, but the total force remains short of aircraft, intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities and about 7,000 troops.
There is minor small progress on the governance and economic development due to the shortages in resources that were donated.
Solutions to Problems
The NATO commander commented that the NATO governments and private groups working in Afghanistan do not have a coordinated reporting system. Thus, he hopes that the alliance can change by appointing a civilian coordinator for its Afghan mission. The troop shortage, and other problems will be discussed when NATO's top leaders meet at a summit in Romania in April, 2008.
Since NATO took command of ISAF in 2003, the Alliance has gradually expanded the reach of its mission, originally limited to Kabul, to cover Afghanistan’s whole territory. The number of ISAF troops has grown accordingly from the initial 5,000 to around 50.000 troops coming from 42 countries, including all 28 NATO members.
ISAF missions
ISAF is a key component of the international community’s engagement in Afghanistan, assisting the Afghan authorities in providing security and stability and creating the conditions for reconstruction and development. ISAF, through its Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTS), is helping the Afghan Authorities strengthen the institutions required to fully establish good governance and to promote human rights. PRTs’ principal mission consists of building capacity, supporting the growth of governance structures and promoting an environment which governance can improve.
ISAF’s main role is to assist the Afghan government in the establishment of a secure and stable environment. ISAF forces are conducting security and stability operations throughout the country together with the Afghan National Security Forces and are directly involved in the development of the Afghan National Army through mentoring, training and equipping. ISAF conducts security and stability operations across Afghanistan.
Main Roles of Peace-Keeping Efforts in Afghanistan
The two main roles were to support the Afghan National Army and to support the Afghan National Police.
Firstly, the ISAF is helping the Afghan National Army (ANA) to operating capability in support of the United States which is sponsoring the overall ANA training and equipping programme.Under the NATO Equipment Donation Programme, Allied Command Operations (ACO), with its headquarters in Mons Belgium, coordinates equipment donations on behalf of ISAF contributing nations. A funding programme has also been established to cover the transportation and installation costs of the equipment donations, the purchase of equipment, the purchase of services for engineering & construction projects and trainings.
Secondly, the ISAF also provides support to the Afghan National Police (ANP) within means of ISAF’s key supporting tasks. ISAF works with United States as well as the European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan (EUPOL) which was launched in June 2007
Limitations in the Peace-Keeping Efforts
However, there may be limited success despite efforts to keep peace in Afghanistan. On 10th February 2008, the NATO commander says that more troops are needed in the Afghanistan due to disrupting critics saying that the alliance is losing Afghanistan. The commander asked for more troops from member nations to aid in the programme.
All 26 member nations have sent contingents, but the total force remains short of aircraft, intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities and about 7,000 troops.
There is minor small progress on the governance and economic development due to the shortages in resources that were donated.
Solutions to Problems
The NATO commander commented that the NATO governments and private groups working in Afghanistan do not have a coordinated reporting system. Thus, he hopes that the alliance can change by appointing a civilian coordinator for its Afghan mission. The troop shortage, and other problems will be discussed when NATO's top leaders meet at a summit in Romania in April, 2008.
Peace-keeping Efforts in Iraq
There have been attempts by the international community to improve and repair the infrastructure of Iraq in the aftermath of the 2003 invasion, when much was destroyed. The NATO Training Mission-Iraq (NTM-I) was set up in 2004 at the request of the Iraqi Government. NTM-I focuses on training and mentoring through the NATO Training and Equipment Co-ordination Group. Their main aim is to help Iraq develop a democratic and safe country. To enforce this initiative, NATO works with the Iraqi government on a structured cooperation framework to develop a long-term relationship with Iraq.
How the Efforts are being carried out:
NATO is helping the Iraqi government build the capability to ensure, by its own means, the security needs of the Iraqi people.
The NATO Training Implementation Mission was established on 30 July 2004. NATO extended training assistance to bridge the gap between routine police work and military operations. Training is also expanded to include navy and force leadership training, border security and small arms accountability. NATO members contribute to training efforts in Iraq through financial contributions or donations of equipment.
Expanding NATO's assistance
On 9 December 2004, NATO Foreign Ministers authorized the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) to start the next stage of the mission.This paved way for the deployment of 300 additional staff, including trainers and support staff, and a significant increase in the existing training and mentoring given to mid- and senior-level personnel from the Iraqi security forces.Thus, it changed the mission’s name from NATO Training Implementation Mission to NATO Training Mission-Iraq. In April 2008, NATO leaders extended the Mission through 2009 and approved proposals for a structured cooperation framework to develop the Alliance’s long-term relationship with Iraq
There have been attempts by the international community to improve and repair the infrastructure of Iraq in the aftermath of the 2003 invasion, when much was destroyed. The NATO Training Mission-Iraq (NTM-I) was set up in 2004 at the request of the Iraqi Government. NTM-I focuses on training and mentoring through the NATO Training and Equipment Co-ordination Group. Their main aim is to help Iraq develop a democratic and safe country. To enforce this initiative, NATO works with the Iraqi government on a structured cooperation framework to develop a long-term relationship with Iraq.
How the Efforts are being carried out:
NATO is helping the Iraqi government build the capability to ensure, by its own means, the security needs of the Iraqi people.
The NATO Training Implementation Mission was established on 30 July 2004. NATO extended training assistance to bridge the gap between routine police work and military operations. Training is also expanded to include navy and force leadership training, border security and small arms accountability. NATO members contribute to training efforts in Iraq through financial contributions or donations of equipment.
Expanding NATO's assistance
On 9 December 2004, NATO Foreign Ministers authorized the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) to start the next stage of the mission.This paved way for the deployment of 300 additional staff, including trainers and support staff, and a significant increase in the existing training and mentoring given to mid- and senior-level personnel from the Iraqi security forces.Thus, it changed the mission’s name from NATO Training Implementation Mission to NATO Training Mission-Iraq. In April 2008, NATO leaders extended the Mission through 2009 and approved proposals for a structured cooperation framework to develop the Alliance’s long-term relationship with Iraq
NATO
What is NATO?
The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) is an alliance of 28 countries from North America and Europe committed to fulfilling the goals of the North Atlantic Treaty which was signed on 4 April 1949.
What does NATO do?
The fundamental role of NATO is to safeguard the freedom and security of its member countries by political and military means. NATO has helped end bloody conflicts in Bosnia, Kosovo and Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
Today, NATO-led forces are helping to bring stability to Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq and Darfur. Dialogue and co-operation with non-NATO countries are helping to overcome the divisions of the Cold War era and to extend security and stability well beyond NATO borders.
The Alliance is taking on new operations: bringing stability to Afghanistan, assisting Iraq, protecting against terrorism in the Mediterranean and helping the African union to bring peace to the Darfur region of Sudan. NATO is also broadening cooperation with other international organisations such as the European Union.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) is an alliance of 28 countries from North America and Europe committed to fulfilling the goals of the North Atlantic Treaty which was signed on 4 April 1949.
What does NATO do?
The fundamental role of NATO is to safeguard the freedom and security of its member countries by political and military means. NATO has helped end bloody conflicts in Bosnia, Kosovo and Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
Today, NATO-led forces are helping to bring stability to Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq and Darfur. Dialogue and co-operation with non-NATO countries are helping to overcome the divisions of the Cold War era and to extend security and stability well beyond NATO borders.
The Alliance is taking on new operations: bringing stability to Afghanistan, assisting Iraq, protecting against terrorism in the Mediterranean and helping the African union to bring peace to the Darfur region of Sudan. NATO is also broadening cooperation with other international organisations such as the European Union.
Peace-keeping Efforts in Afghanistan
NATO's role in Afghanistan
NATO’s main role in Afghanistan is to assist the Afghan Government in extending its authority and influence across the country, paving the way for reconstruction and effective governance. It does this predominately through its UN-mandated International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).
Since NATO took command of ISAF in 2003, the Alliance has gradually expanded the reach of its mission, originally limited to Kabul, to cover Afghanistan’s whole territory. The number of ISAF troops has grown accordingly from the initial 5,000 to around 50.000 troops coming from 42 countries, including all 28 NATO members.
ISAF missions
ISAF is a key component of the international community’s engagement in Afghanistan, assisting the Afghan authorities in providing security and stability and creating the conditions for reconstruction and development. ISAF, through its Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTS), is helping the Afghan Authorities strengthen the institutions required to fully establish good governance and to promote human rights. PRTs’ principal mission consists of building capacity, supporting the growth of governance structures and promoting an environment which governance can improve.
ISAF’s main role is to assist the Afghan government in the establishment of a secure and stable environment. ISAF forces are conducting security and stability operations throughout the country together with the Afghan National Security Forces and are directly involved in the development of the Afghan National Army through mentoring, training and equipping. ISAF conducts security and stability operations across Afghanistan.
Main Roles of Peace-Keeping Efforts in Afghanistan
The two main roles were to support the Afghan National Army and to support the Afghan National Police.
Firstly, the ISAF is helping the Afghan National Army (ANA) to operating capability in support of the United States which is sponsoring the overall ANA training and equipping programme.Under the NATO Equipment Donation Programme, Allied Command Operations (ACO), with its headquarters in Mons Belgium, coordinates equipment donations on behalf of ISAF contributing nations. A funding programme has also been established to cover the transportation and installation costs of the equipment donations, the purchase of equipment, the purchase of services for engineering & construction projects and trainings.
Secondly, the ISAF also provides support to the Afghan National Police (ANP) within means of ISAF’s key supporting tasks. ISAF works with United States as well as the European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan (EUPOL) which was launched in June 2007
Limitations in the Peace-Keeping Efforts
However, there may be limited success despite efforts to keep peace in Afghanistan. On 10th February 2008, the NATO commander says that more troops are needed in the Afghanistan due to disrupting critics saying that the alliance is losing Afghanistan. The commander asked for more troops from member nations to aid in the programme.
All 26 member nations have sent contingents, but the total force remains short of aircraft, intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities and about 7,000 troops.
There is minor small progress on the governance and economic development due to the shortages in resources that were donated.
Solutions to Problems
The NATO commander commented that the NATO governments and private groups working in Afghanistan do not have a coordinated reporting system. Thus, he hopes that the alliance can change by appointing a civilian coordinator for its Afghan mission. The troop shortage, and other problems will be discussed when NATO's top leaders meet at a summit in Romania in April, 2008.
Peace-keeping Efforts in Iraq
What is NATO?
The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) is an alliance of 28 countries from North America and Europe committed to fulfilling the goals of the North Atlantic Treaty which was signed on 4 April 1949.
What does NATO do?
The fundamental role of NATO is to safeguard the freedom and security of its member countries by political and military means. NATO has helped end bloody conflicts in Bosnia, Kosovo and Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Today, NATO-led forces are helping to bring stability to Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq and Darfur. Dialogue and co-operation with non-NATO countries are helping to overcome the divisions of the Cold War era and to extend security and stability well beyond NATO borders. The Alliance is taking on new operations: bringing stability to Afghanistan, assisting Iraq, protecting against terrorism in the Mediterranean and helping the African union to bring peace to the Darfur region of Sudan. NATO is also broadening cooperation with other international organisations such as the European Union.
Peace-keeping Efforts in Iraq
There have been attempts by the international community to improve and repair the infrastructure of Iraq in the aftermath of the 2003 invasion, when much was destroyed. The NATO Training Mission-Iraq (NTM-I) was set up in 2004 at the request of the Iraqi Government. NTM-I focuses on training and mentoring through the NATO Training and Equipment Co-ordination Group. Their main aim is to help Iraq develop a democratic and safe country. To enforce this initiative, NATO works with the Iraqi government on a structured cooperation framework to develop a long-term relationship with Iraq.
How the Efforts are being carried out:
NATO is helping the Iraqi government build the capability to ensure, by its own means, the security needs of the Iraqi people.
The NATO Training Implementation Mission was established on 30 July 2004. NATO extended training assistance to bridge the gap between routine police work and military operations. Training is also expanded to include navy and force leadership training, border security and small arms accountability. NATO members contribute to training efforts in Iraq through financial contributions or donations of equipment.
Expanding NATO's assistance
On 9 December 2004, NATO Foreign Ministers authorized the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) to start the next stage of the mission.This paved way for the deployment of 300 additional staff, including trainers and support staff, and a significant increase in the existing training and mentoring given to mid- and senior-level personnel from the Iraqi security forces.
Thus, it changed the mission’s name from NATO Training Implementation Mission to NATO Training Mission-Iraq. In April 2008, NATO leaders extended the Mission through 2009 and approved proposals for a structured cooperation framework to develop the Alliance’s long-term relationship with Iraq.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) is an alliance of 28 countries from North America and Europe committed to fulfilling the goals of the North Atlantic Treaty which was signed on 4 April 1949.
What does NATO do?
The fundamental role of NATO is to safeguard the freedom and security of its member countries by political and military means. NATO has helped end bloody conflicts in Bosnia, Kosovo and Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Today, NATO-led forces are helping to bring stability to Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq and Darfur. Dialogue and co-operation with non-NATO countries are helping to overcome the divisions of the Cold War era and to extend security and stability well beyond NATO borders. The Alliance is taking on new operations: bringing stability to Afghanistan, assisting Iraq, protecting against terrorism in the Mediterranean and helping the African union to bring peace to the Darfur region of Sudan. NATO is also broadening cooperation with other international organisations such as the European Union.
Peace-keeping Efforts in Iraq
There have been attempts by the international community to improve and repair the infrastructure of Iraq in the aftermath of the 2003 invasion, when much was destroyed. The NATO Training Mission-Iraq (NTM-I) was set up in 2004 at the request of the Iraqi Government. NTM-I focuses on training and mentoring through the NATO Training and Equipment Co-ordination Group. Their main aim is to help Iraq develop a democratic and safe country. To enforce this initiative, NATO works with the Iraqi government on a structured cooperation framework to develop a long-term relationship with Iraq.
How the Efforts are being carried out:
NATO is helping the Iraqi government build the capability to ensure, by its own means, the security needs of the Iraqi people.
The NATO Training Implementation Mission was established on 30 July 2004. NATO extended training assistance to bridge the gap between routine police work and military operations. Training is also expanded to include navy and force leadership training, border security and small arms accountability. NATO members contribute to training efforts in Iraq through financial contributions or donations of equipment.
Expanding NATO's assistance
On 9 December 2004, NATO Foreign Ministers authorized the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) to start the next stage of the mission.This paved way for the deployment of 300 additional staff, including trainers and support staff, and a significant increase in the existing training and mentoring given to mid- and senior-level personnel from the Iraqi security forces.
Thus, it changed the mission’s name from NATO Training Implementation Mission to NATO Training Mission-Iraq. In April 2008, NATO leaders extended the Mission through 2009 and approved proposals for a structured cooperation framework to develop the Alliance’s long-term relationship with Iraq.
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