P 180905Z JUN 09
FM USMISSION USNATO
TO ALL NATO POST COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 3099
INFO SECDEF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY

UNCLAS USNATO 000264 
 
 
POST FOR PAO, DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/PPD, R 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KPAO NATO OEXC OIIP PREL
SUBJECT: USNATO OPINION MAKER TOUR TO NATO HQ AND 
WASHINGTON D.C. - CALL FOR NOMINATIONS 
 
¶1. (U) This is an action cable.  See paragraph 6 below. 
 
¶2. (U) SUMMARY:  USNATO announces its eighth multi-country 
opinion-maker tour for FY-09.  The tour will begin in 
Brussels and follow-on to Washington DC to focus on the Obama 
Administration and its top security and foreign policy 
objectives.  The tour dates are July 23-30 2009.  USNATO PAA 
invites posts to submit nominations for this opinion-maker 
tour by Monday, June 29, 2009.  USNATO will cover fifty 
percent of the agreed costs for this tour.   END SUMMARY. 
 
¶3. (U) USNATO in conjunction with the Washington Foreign 
Press Center will organize a tour program concentrating on 
the top security and foreign policy priorities of the new 
Obama Administration.  Much has changed in Washington over 
the past six months.  The new Administration has 
reinvigorated the U.S.,s relationship with Allies and 
partners and is engaged in helping build an Alliance that 
contributes to global security.  This tour will consist of 
briefings with key Administration officials on topics that 
are crucial for NATO such as: Afghanistan and Pakistan, the 
U.S. and NATO,s relationship with Russia, the future of 
Missile Defense, 21st Century challenges such as 
cyber-attacks, energy threats, and piracy.  Participants will 
meet with policy-makers from the State Department, USAID, the 
Pentagon, the Department of Homeland Security, and the 
National Security Council. 
 
¶4. (U) Posts are asked to nominate high-level journalists 
from key national publications (senior editors or columnists, 
Pol/Mil writers, producers of national broadcast media.)  We 
will also consider nominations of think tank publishers who 
write and/or blog on security and defense policy.  All 
nominees must be proficient English speakers.  Posts must 
nominate opinion makers who are available to travel for the 
seven-day program.  Participants must bring all equipment 
necessary to perform their duties as a journalist, including 
laptop computers and cameras.  Participants must be able to 
carry their own luggage and equipment without assistance. 
Please note, a separate cameraman will not be considered. 
USNATO requests that participants arrive in Brussels NLT the 
evening of Thursday, July 23 to participate in the NATO HQ 
program on July 24.  July 27, 28, and 29 will be programming 
days in Washington.  Participants will depart Washington July 
30 and may return directly to capitals from there. 
 
¶5. (U) Although posts may nominate more than one journalist, 
we may not be able to accommodate all candidates.  Please 
clearly indicate your preferred candidate in your response. 
It is extremely important to make clear to all candidates 
that have been nominated, that they must await confirmation. 
The maximum number we will be able to accept is ten total 
participants.  Once the USNATO Program Coordinator sets the 
itinerary, posts are responsible for obtaining visas for 
Belgium and the U.S. (as applicable) and coordinating all 
travel arrangements for their participant/s.  Journalists 
will be required to sign a waiver of liability by the U.S. 
Government.  USNATO cannot arrange separate itineraries for 
journalists who agree to participate in this program, and 
program details may change up to the program date. 
Correspondents must agree to follow the entire USNATO tour 
and will be required to stay with the group at all times. We 
ask posts to advise journalists accordingly. 
 
¶6. (U) Action request:  Should posts wish to nominate 
participants in response to this message, please include the 
following information for each participant in your proposal: 
-- Full name 
-- Date and place of birth 
-- Country of citizenship 
-- Passport number 
-- Scanned copy of passport's photo page 
-- Prior USG-sponsored travel 
-- Prior NATO travel/participation in NATO visitor program 
-- English comprehension/speaking level 
-- Concise justification for nomination to include a 
candidate's market reach and any embassy strategic objective. 
-- Biographical statement 
Responses for the tour should be received by Friday, June 26, 
2009 to USNATOTOURS (at) state.gov. 
 
¶7. (U) At the conclusion of each tour, USNATO requires that 
posts submit a brief report describing any measurable impact 
the NATO Tour had on participants (e.g. resulting media 
coverage), any submitted post highlight, or other feedback 
offered during the participants debriefing meetings.  In 
accordance with OIG requirements, posts must submit full 
financial accounting within one month of the end of the tour. 
 
¶8. (U) If you have any questions, or need further information 
please send an e-mail to Leah Pease, PeaseL(at)state.gov and 
USNATOTOURS(at)state.gov.  We look forward to receiving your 
nominations and working with you. 
 
DAALDER