Category Archives: The US-European Armed-Forces

The Leadership of Austria and its Armed-Forces in the World

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Highly rich with European heritage, Austria is the centre of  Europe with its Capital city ‘Vienna’ the heart of Culture, History and Music, Literature, Science and Technology–since centuries ago.

In Political domain– Vienna holds also the key role not only in European Territory but also in the International Affairs. As of current time,  Vienna has the Seats of over 16 United Nations main Organizations, with more of other International Orgs and Institutions.  International Organizations in Vienna

In the Military sphere, the Austrian Armed-Forces has a major Leading Role in NATO, EU, UN Operations– deployed in various parts of the World for maintaining Peace and Security. 

A glimpse into the Austrian Armed-Forces engagements in the Global Missions

  • In KFOR Kosovo as part of International Security Force since 1999
  • In Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of European Force in Operation Althea since 2004
  • In UNIFIL Lebanon as part of UN Peacekeeping Force since 2011
  • In Central African Republic as the Military Adviser in EU Deployment Mission
  • In Ukraine part of OSCE as Military Observer in Monitoring Mission

Simultaneously in:

©Österreichs Bundesheer

 

 

By Catherine Stella Schmidt

 

The Kingdom of the Netherlands the Leading Force in NATO

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       His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands is welcomed by NATO Secretary General Jens StoltenbergHis Majesty King Willem-Alexander met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. NATO Headquarters,17 Dec 2015 ©NATO 

Secretary General expressed NATO’s gratitude to  the Netherlands for its significant Active Role in the Alliance.

 “This is a critical time for our Nations. A time when the entire European Security order, and the core values that underpin our Democratic societies are being challenged. We need a Strong, Capable NATO to ensure our common Security. Allies such as the Netherlands are essential to the effectiveness of this Alliance, Politically and Militarily,” elaborated Secretary General Stoltenberg . 17 Dec 2015 ©NATO 

 

Follow more news from NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg

The Netherlands EU Presidency 2016

 

U.S. Defense Secretary Carter visited the Coalition Troops and the Charles de Gaulle

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On his official trip, the U.S Secretary of Defense met with high level Defense Official from U.S and the Coalition Troops stationed in Middle East and expressed his praise for their service and sacrifice to keep the Region and the World safe.

SD departs the deck of the flagship of the French Navy the Charles De Gaulle.U.S. Defense Secretary Carter visited the Aircraft Carrier Charles de Gaulle, 19 December 2015 ©DoD/U.S Army Sgt. 1st Class Clydell Kinchen

On the same trip on December 19,  Secretary Carter met with the Minister of Defense of France for an official discussion,  and visited the Nuclear-Powered Aircraft Carrier Charles de Gaulle, stationed in the Arabian Gulf.

“Speaking as an American, it is magnificent for me to be out here on this strong Ship with a strong ally like France. France is America’s oldest friend and ally. We’re very proud to be your friend and your ally,” stated the U.S Defense Secretary

“France not only has contributed to the efforts to defeat ISIL,  but being in the Arabian Gulf with the Charles de Gaulle means that the Nation is on a broader mission — protecting the Region’s Security.”  and continued “That’s a reminder to us of the global reach, global strength and the global reputation of France as a Force for Civilization,

…….This is the Civilized World defending itself and defending what we stand for.” concluded the U.S Defense Secretary.

Read more la France the Majestic Land, that in history, stands above all

Standing NATO Maritime-2 visited Israel

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SNMG2 arrival to Haifa for a PVSTHDMS ABSALON and FGS Hamburg  in the Port of Haifa/Israel  7 Dec 2015 ©NATO Maritime Command Public Affairs Office

On December 7th, the NATO Standing Maritime Group-2 (SNMG2), with its current Flagship of FGS HAMBURG of Germany and HDMS ABSALON of the Royal Danish Navy visited port of Haifa in Israel. The visit was part of their mission in their journey to the Mediterranean Dialogue Partner-Nations.

During the visit the Crew from the NATO SNMG2 met, for an official discussion, with the Israelis Naval Force. Before the Flagships depart the port– there was a joint Military Exercise, designed to bring the NATO and Israeli Armed-Forces to the higher interoperability level at the Sea.

As a Mediterranean Dialogue Partner Nation with NATO, Israel has been  playing a vital role, in the framework of NATO mission in the region, particularly in:

  • Search and Rescue
  • Humanitarian Relief Operations
  • Counter-Terrorism
  • And Emergency Planning

The NATO Standing Maritime Group-2 (SNMG2) with its current Flagship from Deutsche Marine and the Royal Danish Navy have been in deployment since September in NATO’s Counter-Piracy ‘Operation Ocean Shield’.

 

Article by Catherine S. Schmidt, Editor in Chief. 

 

Greece and the U.S an enduring partnerships

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U.S Secretary John Kerry travelled to Greece and met with Foreign Minister Kotzias in Athens. The meeting was to discuss the importance of Greece partnerships with the U.S and its  leadership in the region and in Europe.

Statement by Foreign Minister Kotzias:

“Good day. I welcome my friend Secretary of State John Kerry, with whom we work closely in the context and the spirit of the traditional bonds of friendship that join the two countries, and I also welcome him and hope we will see him again in the future, because he is a person who loves the sea and sailing, and the Greek islands. We will await him in the future.

Mr. Kerry is a great Secretary of State, distinguished for his rationality, his clear thinking and his realism. John Kerry is the Secretary of State of a country where there is a large Greek community, the role of which as a bridge between Greece and the U.S. is well known.  4 Dec.2015 © Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece

Continue to read Joint statements of Foreign Minister Kotzias and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, following their meeting (Athens, 4 December 2015)

The U.S and UK on Human Rights Day

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Message from U.S Secretary of State John Kerry on the International Human Rights Day 2015

 

Excerpt of Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond message on Human Rights

“Our British democratic values have developed over time with human rights at their core. We are reminded of this fact this year as we mark the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta, sealed at Runnymede in my constituency.

Human Rights Day – chosen by the UN General Assembly to mark the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, is a day when Britain, a key promoter of such rights and values, can hold its head high. This Government was elected on a manifesto commitment to protect Human Rights. We are doing that in three ways.

…..we make most progress on Human Rights around the world when our approach appeals to others’ enlightened self-interest and is sensitive to their culture and history. In short, we have to persuade countries and governments that respecting human rights will be beneficial to them.

Human Rights expertise is an important part of the training our staff receive. Teams working in countries where we have particular concerns, and their colleagues in London, see Human Rights as an integral part of what we are trying to achieve with that country. This year the Foreign Office is supporting more than 75 Human Rights projects in more than 40 countries and we are continuing to pursue a pioneering approach to preventing sexual violence in conflict.

We were leaders on Human Rights in 1215, as the Magna Carta was sealed, and we remain leaders now in 2015.

As we promote and protect those standards across the world, we are approaching human rights diplomacy in our own, British way, to ensure we get the right results.” 10 Dec 2015©UK Foreign Office

Continue to read: Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond on human rights Day 2015

 

Royal Netherlands Navy in Operation Atalanta-1

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 The Royal Netherlands Warship Accomplished its mission in the Operation Atalanta

Dutch warship, HNLMS Groningen Nov.2015The Royal Netherlands Warship, HNLMS Groningen Friday 27 November ©EUNAVFOR

Since 2008, as  a vital part of EU Naval Force, the Royal Netherlands Navy has been greatly engaged in Operation Atalanta.  

In August 2015, for the first time, the Royal Dutch Navy deployed one of its golden Ace ‘Patrol Vessel HNLMS Groningen’ to EU Naval Force for the ongoing Counter-piracy ‘the Operation Atalanta’. 

In its leading position, the Royal Warship HNLMS Groningen was engaged in: Patrolling the regional water for  maintaining Security and giving protection to ‘ Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN’. And in  the Joint Training and Exercise with the regional Maritime Forces.

On November 27. the Royal Netherlands Warship accomplished its three months period mission and was awarded the Medal of Operation Atalanta.

In the Atalanta Medal Parade ceremony  ‘Commander Hansen’ the Commanding Officer expressed his gratitude to his crew and stated: “This Medal is a sign of the European Union’s appreciation of your good work and achievements.”  ©EUNAVFOR

 

By Catherine S. Schmidt (Copyrighted material) 

 

Hungary and its Leadership in NATO

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On his official visit to Budapest, NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg met with  Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, President János Áder, Defence Minister, Minister of National Economy and several other high level officials.

NATO Secretary General expressed NATO’s gratitude to Hungary for its enduring contributions to the Alliance’s  Defence and Security.

Hungary has announced to host one of the Headquarters which will connect NATO and National Forces. It will also contribute to NATO Enhanced Planning and Training.

 The Secretary General also  attended a wreath-laying ceremony at Heroes’ Square in Budapest.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orbán

19 November 2015  ©NATO

NATO Secretary General was awarded ‘KCMG’ by the United Kingdom

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The United Kingdom presented NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen an Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of St. Michael ad St. George (KCMG)

The award was a recognition for the outstanding achievements of NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen during his term at the office between 2009-2014.

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond with NATO Secretary Anders Fogh Rasmussen Nov. 2015Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Rt Hon Philip Hammond with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen in the official award ceremony. 17 Nov. 2015  ©UK Foreign Office

The Foreign Secretary Rt Hon Philip Hammond presented the Honorary KCMG award from the UK Foreign office to former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen and elaborated:  

“The 2014 Wales Summit took place at a time of significant geopolitical challenge. Under Mr Rasmussen’s leadership the Alliance set out an ambitious response, whilst maintaining unity throughout. The achievements of the Wales Summit included a new rapid reaction capability to respond to any threat, as well as an unprecedented agreement by Heads of Government to halt the decline in defence investment. His efforts included the modernisation of NATO to ensure an Alliance fit for purpose to counter 21st century threats, including in Cyber and Hybrid Warfare.   Ahead of the Warsaw Summit in July next year, the UK will continue to play a leading role to ensure implementation of Wales Summit commitments, including strengthening collective Defence. With a budget of £34 billion, the UK is the largest European contributor to NATO. Earlier this year, this government announced its commitment to meet the NATO guideline of spending 2% of GDP on Defence for the rest of the decade.” ©UK Foreign Office

The NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, on the occasion of the award ceremony, expressed:  

“I am deeply honoured to be appointed as an Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of St. Michael ad St. George (KCMG). This award will further strengthen my ties to the British people. Let me take this opportunity to thank the UK for its invaluable contribution to the promotion of Freedom and Peace in the World. The United Kingdom is a staunch NATO ally and a bedrock of the Transatlantic Security Cooperation between Europe and the United States.  I would like to extend a special thanks to the British service men and women in gratitude for their tireless efforts to make the world a safer and better place to live.” ©UK Foreign Office

It is important to note that since the establishment of NATO in April 1949, the United Kingdome has been the most crucial leading partner along with the U.S. in  the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. And as of today is the largest European contributor to the NATO.

 

Follow more news from the S.G. of NATO Anders Rasmussen  

More news from the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office

 

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