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C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 08 USNATO 000268 
 
NOFORN 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/31/2018 
TAGS: NATO PREL AF
SUBJECT: NORTH ATLANTIC COUNCIL READOUT - JULY 30, 2008 
 
USNATO 00000268  001.3 OF 008 
 
 
Classified By: CDA Richard G. Olson, Jr., for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) 
 
¶1. (C/NF) Summary from the NAC Meeting: 
 
-- Afghanistan: Briefing on his recent visit to Afghanistan, 
NATO Secretary General de Hoop Scheffer expressed concerns 
with suggestions by Afghan President Karzai that upcoming 
elections may not be held due to security concerns in the 
south and east of the country.  The SYG stressed the need for 
timely free and fair elections in Afghanistan and urged all 
Allies to present this message to Afghan interlocutors; 
Allies expressed support for Afghan elections.  The Chairman 
of the Military Committee (CMC) gave a briefing on Freedom of 
Movement in Afghanistan, noting its importance in both the 
military and political realms.  The operations brief reported 
the highest level of Opposing Militant Forces (OMF) activity 
seen to date, but stressed that this was likely a by-product 
of ISAF/ANSF/CF operations tempo.  ISAF remains focused on 
the border areas in RC-East and Helmand Province in RC-South. 
 PermReps provided updates on various ministerial visits to 
Afghanistan, large monetary contributions for 
infrastructure/ANA training/voter registration, the movement 
of a U.S. infantry Battalion from RC-East to RC-South, and a 
Belgian decision for an F-16 deployment to Kandahar. 
 
-- Balkans: The SYG highlighted the July 25 UN Security 
Council meeting on Kosovo, mentioning that a majority of the 
Security Council members were in favor of the UN SYG's plan 
to reconfigure UNMIK.  He also informed the NAC that the EU 
officially launched day one of its 120-day transition period 
on Saturday, July 26, which implies that the EULEX mission 
should be fully deployed by the end of November.  Admiral 
Moreno informed PermReps that UNMIK was proceeding to 
reestablish customs infrastructure at Gates 1 and 31 in 
northern Kosovo with support from KFOR, adding that so far 
there had been no reaction from K-Serbs.  With the third 
revision of the Balkans operations plan still on the table, 
the UK, seconded by Italy, asked the CMC to inform Council of 
what he needed in terms of political guidance.  Turkey voiced 
its support, but stated that what is needed is "a certain 
clarity on what can be provided" in terms of guidance. 
 
-- Africa - Support to the AU: Allies did not seek to reach 
consensus to task NMA's to look into how NATO could address 
Somali piracy although the U.S. pushed for it.  They will 
keep the issue under review, while recognizing that the EU 
also is working on this issue.  The SYG noted NATO should be 
prepared to respond to future requests from international 
organizations, noting the potential role of two Standing NATO 
Maritime Groups, though for now there is no consensus on 
developing an anti-piracy mission for them.  While expressing 
some concerns about a recent equipment request from AMISOM, 
Allies agreed with the SYG that NATO should work with the 
organization to find "NATO relevant" areas where the Alliance 
could provide support. 
 
-- Iraq: No discussion. 
 
-- Response to Terrorism: The SYG offered his condolences to 
Turkey in response to the recent terrorist attacks in 
Istanbul.  The Turkish PermRep expressed his nation's 
gratitude for the solidarity and support shown by its NATO 
Allies. 
 
-- Accommodating New Requirements in the New NATO HQ: Most 
Allies voiced support for spending funds to design an 
additional short wing for the new NATO headquarters project 
in order to accommodate future expansion needs.  They noted 
that designing an additional short wing now was prudent 
long-term planning since it could save money and time in the 
long run without committing the Alliance at this point to any 
construction obligations.  Germany, France, and Spain were 
 
USNATO 00000268  002.3 OF 008 
 
 
the only members that voiced objections to this position, 
arguing that changing the original headquarters design would 
only incur unnecessary costs and time delays.  Since project 
lead Belgium, as host country, offered to postpone the 
decision timeline for a last time until late September, the 
NAC will review the issue at a TBD date again in September. 
 
-- Statements on Political Subjects: The French PermRep 
announced several recent actions in the EU, including the 
tightening of sanctions on Zimbabwe and EU support for Serbia 
in the wake of the formation of a government and the arrest 
of Radovan Karadzic. 
 
-- AOB: The SYG outlined his proposed format for the October 
Defense Ministerial in Budapest.  He urged Allies to consult 
their capitals and submit inputs so that planning could 
proceed. 
 
END SUMMARY. 
 
----------- 
Afghanistan 
----------- 
 
¶2. (C/NF) SYG BRIEFS RECENT TRIP TO AFGHANISTAN -- The SYG 
briefed the NAC on his and SACEUR's July 23-24 visit to 
Afghanistan.  He detailed his meetings with President Karzai, 
Speaker Qanooni, COMISAF and UNAMA SRSG Deputy Chris 
Alexander.  The SYG discussed the preoccupation of President 
Karzai with Pakistan and the current situation in the tribal 
areas.  He said Karzai was not in the mood to consider 
constructive engagement with Pakistan, but the SYG urged him 
to do so.  The SYG had argued that Afghanistan and Pakistan 
face a common threat and Pakistan must be part of any 
solution.  He agreed with Karzai on the need to raise 
international awareness and said NATO would seek to engage 
Pakistan via political and military channels.  Karzai linked 
Pakistan to the security situation in Afghanistan and the 
prospects for proceeding with elections per the current 
schedule.  The SYG said it was his impression that Karzai was 
testing the waters regarding a delay in the elections should 
his Pashtun vote not be ensured.  The SYG urged that all in 
the international community act to discourage a delay and 
stressed the need for free and fair elections; Allies 
generally supported this view.  On a related note, the SYG 
said that COMISAF and Deputy SRSG Alexander had said that 
elections would likely be difficult, but possible to carry 
out, on schedule.  In a subsequent meeting,  Speaker Qanooni 
suggested that a Loya Jirga may need to replace elections due 
to the poor security situation in the East and South.  The 
SYG said it should be discouraged and stressed that the NATO 
position should be that elections take place in a timely and 
transparent manner. 
 
¶3. (C/NF) CMC COMMENTS ON OPERATIONS UPDATE -- The CMC led 
off the operations briefing with a discussion of Freedom of 
Movement (FoM) as the most important issue to the populace 
and overall security.  He noted that this was a clear example 
of political-military-civil cooperation and a key military 
task for ISAF.  He said that the lack of sufficient ground 
forces limits FOM for civilians, ANSF and ISAF.  He noted 
increased targeting of road networks  Opposing Militant 
Forces (OMF).  In particular, he noted that the attempts by 
OMF to isolate cities by blocking the Ring Road had had an 
OMF-desired negative impact on the public perception of 
security.  He said that this propaganda effect brings the 
competence of the GoIRA into question. 
 
¶4. (C/NF) PAKISTAN -- Admiral Moreno briefed that the 
situation along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border remains tense 
due to tribal clashes and engagements with the Taliban. 
Clashes between pro- and anti-government groups are frequent, 
 
USNATO 00000268  003.3 OF 008 
 
 
where militias not showing allegiance to the Tehrik-e-Taliban 
Pakistan (TTP) have reportedly been eliminated by the TTP. 
Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud had allegedly 
prepared a hit list of around 300 high-profile Pakistani 
targets, and their "elimination" seems to have already begun. 
 Additionally, Admiral Moreno briefed the issues of Islamabad 
negotiating with militants in the Federally Administered 
Tribal Areas (FATA).  Moreno also said that the Pakistani 
Frontier Corps units deployed to the Tribal Areas were to be 
reorganized, with some outposts slated to discontinue their 
activity.  He said that the likely reasons for this move were 
numerous defections and troops' reluctance to effectively 
address the cross-border incursions. 
 
¶5. (C/NF) ISAF SECURITY SITUATION -- Admiral Moreno noted 
that OMF activity was at the highest levels ever seen, 
particularly in RC-South and RC-West.  He stressed, however, 
that was likely a by-product of the high ISAF/ANSF/CF 
operations tempo.  In RC-Capital, threat reporting indicates 
that OMF are intending to conduct further attacks on high 
profile targets.  In RC-North, activity is mainly in the 
Kunduz-Baghlan corridor and in Badakhshan Province, with 
incidents primarily criminal in nature, predominantly 
relating to narcotics and weapons smuggling.  In RC-West, OMF 
activity increased significantly in the past week, focused 
primarily in Farah Province.  The rise of activity can be 
attributed to ISAF Operations, and OMF attacks mainly against 
ANSF along main supply roads.  In RC-South, a significant 
increase in activity occurred likely as a result of ISAF/ANSF 
operations in Helmand and Kandahar Provinces.  OMF activity 
continues to be defensive and harassing in nature, with a 
continued focus on IEDs.  Helmand experienced a high level of 
OMF kinetic activity, with OMF conducting ambushes against 
static ISAF/ANSF locations and harassing attacks, combined 
with IEDs.  Kandahar and Zabul provinces experienced a 
moderate level of OMF kinetic activity.  An increase in 
asymmetric attacks including Vehicle Borne and Suicide IEDs 
can be expected, as OMF attempt to demonstrate that they 
remain a threat.  In RC-East, OMF continue conducting 
indirect fire Attacks against operating bases along the 
Pakistani border.  OMF are expected to continue to conduct 
strikes against fixed locations and to attempt to limit 
ANSF/ISAF FoM by placing IEDs along main roads.  The use of 
intimidation letters, threats of assassination, and strikes 
on District Centers will also remain high in an attempt to 
undermine the Afghan government. 
 
¶6. (C/NF) ISAF OPERATIONS -- Admiral Moreno said that ISAF 
operations were focused in RC-South and RC-East, where ISAF 
continues to conduct counter IED and direct fire attacks in 
an effort to ensure FoM for convoys in Kandahar and Helmand 
Provinces.  In RC-Central, there were a number of IED 
discoveries in Musahi District as a result of increasing 
local collaboration.  In RC-North, a checkpoint along the 
Ring Road in Samangan Province and the permanent presence by 
ISAF/ANSF improved security, limited smuggling, and hindered 
OMF FoM.  In RC-West, Operation SHAMSHIR continues to improve 
FoM on routes into Bala Morghab District, however, it is 
unlikely that the bridge will open prior to September 15.  In 
RC-South there continues to be a high level of activity in 
central Kandahar and northern Helmand, with IED strikes, 
finds, and direct fire attacks.  Notably, the July 13 suicide 
IED attack in the Deh Rawod bazaar killed 15 civilians and 
wounded 30, including the Assistant District Chief of Police. 
 In RC-East, ISAF indirect fire caused two incidents of 
civilian casualties, which were quickly investigated and 
reported to the Afghan Government and the local media, 
preventing negative exploitation.  Also, on July 26, the ANSF 
successfully defended the Spera District Centre in Khowst 
Province from OMF attacks.  ISAF provided support with UAVs 
and attack helicopters, and a significant number of OMF were 
reported killed. 
 
USNATO 00000268  004.3 OF 008 
 
 
 
¶7. (C/NF) DISCUSSION -- The SYG noted that NATO's role in 
ISAF should be both military and political, using the example 
of a recent visit to set up an ISAF military liaison team in 
Islamabad.  Additionally, he noted that UAE support efforts 
were certified and only participation and financial 
agreements needed signing to formally recognize the UAE as a 
non-NATO troop contributor to ISAF. 
 
¶8. (C/NF) Canadian PermRep McRae emphasized the importance of 
ground troops to the reconstruction effort.  He also relayed 
that Canadian Foreign Minister Emerson visited Kabul and 
visited Karzai and COMISAF.  FM Emerson stressed that 
elections must proceed on schedule and in a transparent 
manner, a notion with which Karzai agreed.  He noted 
COMISAF's view that there would be no satisfactory solution 
in ISAF, until the Pakistan border disputes are resolved.  FM 
Emerson was told important developments in the reconciliation 
movement were forthcoming, but offered no specific 
information. 
 
¶9. (C/NF) The Netherlands representative noted the emphasis 
on FoM and stated that the FoM of troops (both ISAF and ANSF) 
as well as the population greatly affects the Afghan public's 
perception of security.  The Spanish Representative announced 
the July 25 Government of Spain and Afghanistan agreement to 
sponsor the ANA in Baghdis Province, with a 40 million euro 
allowance from the Spanish MoD for infrastructure, equipment 
and training. 
 
¶10. (C/NF) Thanking the SYG for his condolences on the loss 
of another UK soldier in Afghanistan, the UK PermRep noted 
that the current UK-deployed lead battalion had now suffered 
10 killed in action.  He also highlighted the essential need 
for "strong and energetic" governors, such as the new 
governor in Helmand Province, who is pushing FoM and good 
governance as his main issues.  Additionally, Governor Mangal 
is getting into the information campaign, presented a counter 
narcotic plan to President Karzai (with 10 million USD 
backing) and signed up ANA and ANP leaders in the province to 
support the plan.  He also noted the shift in Helmand from 
asymmetrical attacks to larger, conventional attacks.  He 
also noted the apparent squabbling between the criminal and 
ideological factions of the OMF, as well as the recent arrest 
of the "shadow governor" of Helmand in Quetta, and three 
other OMF mullah leaders killed in the last two weeks.  He 
noted the situation is difficult, but progress is being made. 
 He also noted the Afghan Weekly report discussion on ANA end 
strength and the requirement for OMLTs.  Lastly, he promised 
to circulate materials for future discussion on Pakistan, 
particularly looking into the politics of why the Frontier 
Corps are changing and whether we should have a NATO liaison 
in Islamabad. 
 
¶11. (C/NF) The German representative discussed the recent 
visit to Afghanistan by Foreign Minister Steinmeier, where he 
traveled to other provinces to prove the German government 
supports reconstruction throughout Afghanistan.  In Herat, a 
German water purification system will ensure 80 percent of 
the inhabitants to have access to clean water.  In Kabul, the 
FM held political talks about the Paris conference and 
Afghan-Pakistan relations.  He also introduced a 6 million 
euro program for voter registration.  Finally, he stated that 
Afghanistan needs to work on good governance to fight against 
corruption; the heavy cost in Afghanistan of Pakistani 
actions in the border regions; and the lack of border 
security. 
 
¶12. (C/NF) U.S. Charge Olson announced the arrival of the 2-2 
Infantry battalion in Kandahar, which will be fully 
operational by August 1.  This unit was moved from RC-East to 
RC-South and will fill the "border security" CJSOR shortfall. 
 
USNATO 00000268  005.6 OF 008 
 
 
 The Canadian PermRep heartily thanked the U.S. for this move. 
 
¶13. (C/NF) The Belgian representative announced the July 25 
Council of Ministers Agreement in Principle to deploy four 
F-16s and 100 personnel to Kandahar for 6 months, renewable 
with parliamentary approval.  The Danish representative noted 
that the OMF are striking where the ANA is not, which leads 
to a feeling of instability, and is a critical issue for 
ISAF.  The Hungarian PermRep echoed support for Afghan 
elections and that the differences with Pakistan should not 
be an excuse for delays.  He requested a future brief on a 
comprehensive assessment of OMF leadership and capabilities, 
since he feels the "picture is contradictory" with more 
coordinated attacks by the OMF lately.  The CMC promised the 
brief after the break, and tasked SHAPE to provide an answer 
to the UK question on ANA size. 
 
¶14. (C/NF) The SYG wrapped up this portion of the NAC by 
relaying his impressions after talking to NGOs in 
Afghanistan.  He was struck by how little they knew about 
NATO, but also at how everyday Afghans and their nascent 
civil society hold NATO responsible for everything that 
happens in Afghanistan. 
 
------- 
Balkans 
------- 
 
¶15. (C/NF) The SYG highlighted the July 25 UN Security 
Council meeting on Kosovo where SRSG for Kosovo, Zannier, 
Serbian Foreign Minister Jeremic, and the new Kosovo Foreign 
Minister, Hyseni, addressed the Council.  The SYG also 
mentioned that a majority of the Security Council members 
were in favor of the UN SYG's plan to reconfigure UNMIK.  The 
SYG also informed the NAC that the EU officially launched day 
one of its 120-day transition period on Saturday, July 26, 
starting a clock which theoretically should lead to the full 
deployment of the EULEX mission by the end of November.  He 
used this last point to emphasize that NATO and KFOR would 
continue to follow developments to ensure there is no 
policing gap.  Picking up on the remark, the CMC noted the 
importance of getting clear political guidance to NATO's 
military authorities and stressed repeatedly during follow-on 
interventions that the clock was ticking.  Admiral Moreno 
provided the Balkans situational and operational update, 
saying that the tense situation on the ground due to the 
presence of parallel institutions and minor interethnic 
incidents is having a cumulative effect and could heighten 
tensions.  He informed PermReps that UNMIK is proceeding to 
reestablish customs infrastructure at Gates 1 and 31 in 
northern Kosovo with support from KFOR and noted that so far 
there has been no reaction from K-Serbs.  The UK, with 
support from Italy, agreed with the CMC on the need for 
providing political guidance.  Noting that revision 3 of the 
Balkans operations plan is still on the table, the UK asked 
the CMC to inform Council of what he needed in terms of 
guidance.  In response, the CMC said he would be in touch and 
work with the SYG, but noted again that the clock was 
ticking.  Turkey came in to also note its support, but stated 
that what is needed is "certain clarity" on what can be 
provided in terms of political guidance.  The SYG concluded 
by saying that he intends to work this issue with the 
military authorities through the CMC and promised that he 
would revisit this issue with the Council "sooner rather than 
later." 
 
-------------------------- 
Africa - Support to the AU 
-------------------------- 
 
¶16. (C/NF) PIRACY -- The SYG referenced the informal 
discussion on Somali piracy at the July 1 PermRep Lunch, 
 
USNATO 00000268  006.3 OF 008 
 
 
saying the matter "warrants urgent attention" from the 
international community.  He pointed out that since July 1 
World Food Program (WFP) ships, which support over two 
million Somalis, have gone unescorted in Somalia's dangerous 
coastal waters.  The SYG noted that NATO was in close touch 
with the EU on this and that the EU was considering an ESDP 
mission.  He said that it would likely "take some time" 
before the EU reaches a decision and thus NATO should stand 
ready.  The SYG did not suggest tasking NMA's to develop 
options at this time.  Charge Olson noted we would have 
supported such a tasking (below). 
 
¶17. (C/NF) The SYG said that the NATO Shipping Center at 
Northwood cooperates with the International Maritime 
Organization to improve maritime situational awareness in the 
region, but at no time had NATO requested that Allied ships 
operating in the area escort WFP ships.  He noted there is a 
lot going on in the region "in the EU framework" and also 
mentioned CTF-150, currently under Canadian Command.  He then 
observed that NATO's Standing Maritime Group (SNMG) will be 
transiting the region in the fall, having the potential to 
embarass NATO if there is no anti-piracy policy in place. 
 
¶18. (C/NF) The SYG repeatedly stressed that the EU is in the 
lead, but cautioned that the WFP's needs cannot be ignored. 
To emphasize this last point, he noted the two relevant UN 
Security Council Resolutions.  He proposed keeping the issue 
under review, adding that the NAC should come back to it "if 
and when necessary." 
 
¶19. (C/NF) The CMC confirmed that the SNMG II will sail 
through the region on an exercise from October ) December 
2008, but also noted that the SNMG I is expected to conduct a 
longer exercise from March ) September 2009 which will sail 
through the area on its way to Australia.  The Italian 
PermRep agreed that the EU is in the lead, but pointed out 
that 21 of 26 NATO Allies are also members of the WFP, which 
makes the matter "our business" as well.  He supported the 
SYG's proposal to keep the matter under review and do 
whatever is necessary.  Charge Olson noted that the USG would 
have supported a tasking to NMA's to develop options on 
piracy, and cautioned that the piracy issue could sneak up on 
NATO if the Alliance is not prepared, noting the timing of 
the upcoming SNMG exercises.  Charge Olson also expressed 
hope that informal contacts with other organizations would be 
maintained. 
 
¶20. (C/NF) The SYG closed the exchange on piracy, confirming 
that the NAC would keep the matter under review.  He also 
added the point that bilateral engagement is also an option 
to ensure safe passage of WFP ships, noting that the legal 
challenges and rules of engagement for a NATO maritime 
operation "are not all that easy" and could take time. 
 
¶21. (C/NF) AMISOM REQUEST -- The SYG referenced the recent 
SACEUR letter requesting political guidance on the AU's 
request for a variety of equipment to help the AU Mission in 
Somalia (AMISOM) deploy its headquarters from Nairobi to 
Mogadishu.  The SYG reminded everyone of the current support 
NATO is providing AMISOM (strategic airlift and two subject 
matter experts), and pointed out that this most recent 
request from AMISOM illustrates the AU's positive perception 
of NATO.  However, the SYG expressed reticence over aspects 
of the equipment request which he described as either 
questionable or perhaps better purchased by others.  He 
expressed concern in particular over sensitive military 
equipment (such as the requested IED jammers) which would 
require substantial end use monitoring and oversight, adding 
that such jammers also are needed in Afghanistan. 
Nevertheless, the SYG noted the request comes at a time when 
NATO is developing closer ties with the AU, and that in the 
positive spirit of this closer cooperation, NATO should do 
 
USNATO 00000268  007.3 OF 008 
 
 
more than just say no.  He suggested that the SMLO in Addis 
could explore more "NATO relevant" and "quick win" areas in 
which to support AMISOM.  The CMC agreed with the SYG's 
assessment and line of action. 
 
¶22. (C/NF) The Netherlands, Italy, UK, Portugal, Germany and 
the U.S. concurred with the SYG's suggestion.  The 
representatives pointed towards keeping the door open to the 
AU's request, the need to avoid duplication and potential 
funding modalities for future support to AMISOM, with the UK 
indicating that the SLMO could play an important role in 
developing other areas of NATO support to AMISOM. 
 
¶23. (C/NF) The SYG suggested the AMISOM note verbale may have 
gone to other organizations as well.  He said he will let AU 
Commission Chairperson Jean Ping know about the discussions 
at the NAC regarding the AMISOM request. 
 
--------------------- 
Response to Terrorism 
--------------------- 
 
¶24. (C/NF) The SYG expressed his condolences for the recent 
terrorist attack in Istanbul.  In response, the Turkish 
PermRep thanked the SYG for his public statement of support 
and solidarity on behalf of the Alliance and said that it was 
well received in Ankara. 
 
--------------------------------------------- ---- 
Accommodating New Requirements in the New NATO HQ 
--------------------------------------------- ---- 
 
¶25. (C/NF) The SYG announced that the Deputy Permanent 
Representative Headquarters Board recommended retaining 
Building "Z" (a remote building on the current NATO HQ site) 
in order to accommodate NATO's resident agencies, thus saving 
the Alliance several million euros.  He noted that the board 
could not reach consensus on planning for, but not 
constructing, an additional short wing to the new 
headquarters building, and warned that this could create 
space constraints should more nations be invited into the 
Alliance in the future. 
 
¶26. (C/NF) The Canadian PermRep urged the Alliance to 
consider design of an additional short and long wing in the 
headquarters project since both will most likely be required 
for future expansion.  He noted that by spending the money to 
design the new wings now, NATO could lock in lower prices 
without having to commit itself to construction.  He warned 
Allies that delaying a decision on the design of the wings 
would only lead to much higher costs in the future. 
 
¶27. (C/NF) The German PermRep dissented from the Canadian 
position, arguing that any changes to the headquarters plan 
now would only add unnecessary costs and time to the project. 
 He said that the decision to retain Building "Z" will fully 
meet NATO's current requirements and that it would be unwise 
to design expansion space now when the extent of NATO's 
future enlargement is unknown.  He warned of the possibility 
of spending money to design and build additional space that 
would remain empty, thus incurring even more costs.  He 
suggested that the decision to design extra wings could 
always be made at a future date when the need was more 
apparent. 
 
¶28. (C/NF) The Belgian PermRep voiced his concern that the 
current headquarters design would not accommodate the 
Alliance's future needs and urged member nations to reach a 
decision on whether to design an additional short and/or long 
wing before the end of September.  He said that the end of 
September was a "red line" and any changes made after that 
date would add on extra costs and time to the headquarters 
 
USNATO 00000268  008.3 OF 008 
 
 
project. 
 
¶29. (C/NF) The UK PermRep disagreed with the German position 
on all points and said that the planning argument for an 
additional short wing was convincing.  He noted that contrary 
to the German argument, NATO could make design alterations 
now without incurring any significant additional costs or 
time delays.  He warned that if NATO pushed off a decision to 
the future as the Germans suggested, it would drastically 
increase the costs of the headquarters project and create 
more delays.  He also emphasized that the issue at hand was 
simply designing extra space for the future, not committing 
the Alliance to construction.  He urged the Alliance to take 
a long-term strategic view and recommended that the 
headquarters board re-examine the issue over the summer. 
 
¶30. (C/NF) The Dutch, Polish, Norwegian, Slovenian, Italian, 
Bulgarian, Lithuanian, Latvian, Estonian, and Hungarian 
PermReps all supported the Canadian and UK positions to 
decision an additional short wing for the new headquarters, 
while the French and Spanish PermReps sided with the German 
position to avoid making any changes to the current design. 
The Greek PermRep announced that his government remained 
undecided. 
 
¶31. (C/NF) Charge Olson expressed the United States' support 
for designing a short wing, emphasizing that the issue was 
about proper long-term planning and cost savings and not 
about committing the Alliance to construction or future 
enlargement.  The SYG closed by saying that the Alliance 
needed to revisit the issue and work on achieving a consensus 
before the September deadline noted by Belgium. 
 
-------------------------------- 
Statements on Political Subjects 
-------------------------------- 
 
¶32. (C/NF) The French PermRep reported on recent actions in 
the EU, including President Sarkozy's statement of solidarity 
in response to the Istanbul terrorist attacks and Foreign 
Minister Kouchner's speech to the Council of Ministers on the 
objectives of France's EU Presidency.  She also said that the 
EU welcomed the creation of a new Serb government and the 
recent arrest of Radovan Karadzic.  She reported that the EU 
had reinforced sanctions on Zimbabwe in light of 
election-related violence (Note: the first time in recent 
memory that France has chosen to raise an Africa issue in the 
NAC). 
 
--- 
AOB 
--- 
 
¶33. (C/NF) The SYG urged Allies to provide inputs for the 
upcoming October Defense Ministerial in Budapest.  He 
recommended that NATO include the usual sessions on 
operations and transformation as well as a session with its 
Russian counterpart.  He also supported a session on ISAF but 
questioned the need for a NATO-Ukraine Council, given the 
already planned Nov. 11-12 NATO-Ukraine high level meeting, 
or a meeting on KFOR.  He urged Allies to consult their 
capitals and reach consensus on a ministerial format in time 
for the August 13 NAC meeting. 
OLSON