Category Archives: US-European Leadership

The United States Chairmanship of the Arctic Council and its Principal Objectives

The United States will host on May 11,  the 10th Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting in Fairbanks, Alaska.  During this  high level Council’s assembly the work and achievements of the United States Chairmanship of the Arctic Council 2015-May 2017  will be reviewed, finalized and celebrated. At the final part of the event the two year rotational Chairmanship of the Council will be transferred to Finland for the upcoming term. 

A view to U.S Chairmanship of the Council and its achievements

  • Meeting U.S. national security needs.
  • Protecting the Arctic environment and conserving its living resources.
  • Ensuring environmentally-sustainable natural resource management and economic development in the region.
  • Strengthening institutions for cooperation among the eight Arctic nations (the United States, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, the Russian Federation, and Sweden).
  • Involving the Arctic’s indigenous communities in decisions that affect them.
  • Enhancing scientific monitoring and research on local, regional, and global environmental issues.     © The U.S Department of State

                             ……..have been  the United States principal objectives  during its two years Chairmanship of the Council, upon which the U.S has worked to bring the long term social, economic and environmental developments in the Arctic region while engendering closer partnerships among the member States. 

       

 

News from U.S. Arctic         

 

                    News from Department of State

  1. Special: The United States will host, on May 11 2017, the 10th Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting in Fairbanks, Alaska.                                                                                                                                                                                     Sources: Department of State/U.S Arctic Council                       Follow us @USEUWAffairs  

European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats is Established in Finland

With the initiative of Finland  The European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats is established in its capital city Helsinki.

“Finland will be proud to host, here in Helsinki, the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats. We are proud, in particular, for two reasons. 

Firstly, the Centre represents a concrete step in building Resilience to hybrid threats in the EU Member States and NATO Allies.  Secondly, the Centre is a real boost for the cooperation between the EU and NATO, facing the challenge of hybrid threats hand in hand”  Highlighted Minister Soini, for Foreign Affairs of Finland April 11, 2017 © Finland MFA

The Memorandum of Understanding for the establishment of the  Centre was signed on April 11, by Finland (the host country), France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States. More European and  NATO member States will join the Centre in the coming months.  The European External Action and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization had also their  Representatives in the ceremony, and conveyed their continued supports for the establishment of the Centre and its mission

 

 

 

Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats by Finland’s Representative April 11 2017 © Finland’s PM’s Office/Laura Kotila

The Centre will engage in strategic level dialogue, research, training and consultations. It will also conduct practical training exercises aiming to improve readiness to counter hybrid threats. The purpose of the Centre is to raise awareness of hybrid threats and societies’ vulnerabilities that can be exploited in hybrid operations. The aim is also to help foster the resilience of societies.”  Described Finnish Government on its Press Release April 11, 2017 © Finland Gov Communication department

NATO welcomes the establishment of the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats in Helsinki and will participate actively in the Centre’s activities.” Stated NATO April 11, 2017 © NATO press office

The EU welcomes the establishment of the Centre of Excellence for countering hybrid threats today by the Government of Finland. This will contribute to the strengthened cooperation between the EU and NATO, in line with the Joint Communication on countering hybrid threats that was adopted in April 2016.”  Announced EU External Action, Press release April 11, 2017 © EU External Action

Special: Watch the Memorandum ceremony and the speech of Minister Timo Soini for Foreign Affairs of Finland

Sources: NATO Press Office/ EU External Action/ Finland MFA/ Finalnd Diplomatic mission to U.S/ Finland Government                                                                                    Follow us@USEUWAffairs

The United States Military Strike on Syrian Airfield and the Global Endorsements

The United States, historically,  has been always the ultimate hope when all others failed.                      Despite the false media propaganda of  authoritarian systems, the United States with its  enduring philosophical stance for defending Humanity—has immensely been….. the timeless Force of Liberator…..for those afflicted in suffering, imprisonment or chains.

In response to the recent chemical attack by the Syrian regime on its own people including children, President Trump  ordered  Military Strikes on Syrian airfield– sending a strong message that the United States will not stay silent where such an atrocity had been committed.     

April 2017 was not the first time that the Syrian government, with the similar pretexts or denial, fired the chemical weapons on its civilians. In the  previous years the regime in Damascus had also carried out such an internationally prohibited means.

The use of chemical weapons against innocent people will not be tolerated.  Stated the U.S Department of Defense April 6 2017 

The United States strike operations were launched on April 6 U.S EDT  (4:40 a.m, April 7, local  time-Syria) on Al Shayrat airfield in Syria– and were endorsed by most countries around the World, all European governments including France, Israel and Germany.                                                                                                                            

“The strike was conducted using Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAMs) launched from the destroyers USS Porter and  USS Ross  in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.  A total of 59 TLAMs targeted aircraft, hardened aircraft shelters, petroleum and logistical storage, ammunition supply bunkers, air defense systems, and radars.   As always, the U.S. took extraordinary measures to avoid civilian casualties and to comply with the Law of Armed Conflict.  Every precaution was taken to execute this strike with minimal risk to personnel at the airfield.                                                                                                   The strike was a proportional response to Assad’s heinous act. Shayrat Airfield was used to store chemical weapons and Syrian air forces. Elaborated the Pentagon Spokesman Capt. Davis. April 6, 2017 © DoD

“Tonight, I ordered a targeted military strike on the airfield in Syria from where the chemical attack was launched.  It is in this vital national security interest of the United States to prevent and deter the spread and use of deadly chemical weapons.  There can be no dispute  that Syria used banned chemical weapons, violated its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention, and ignored the urging of the U.N. Security Council.”  Statement by President Donald Trump April 6 2017 © The White House Press Secretary office

“The Syrian regime bears the full responsibility for this development. NATO has consistently condemned Syria’s continued use of chemical weapons as a clear breach of international norms and agreements.  Any use of chemical weapons is unacceptable, cannot go unanswered, and those responsible must be held accountable. NATO considers the use of chemical weapons as a threat to international peace and security.”   NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg April 7, 2017 © NATO

Minister of Defense, Claus Hjort Frederiksen of Denmark, supports the U.S Military action during the night between Thursday and Friday against an airbase in central Syria. (Unofficial translation) 

“With this action, the United States has sent a clear and unambiguous signal to the Assad-regime in Damascus that the use of chemical weapons will not be tolerated and will have clear consequences. The Danish government supports the US military action, and I consider the US reaction completely appropriate in light of the heinous and horrifying nature of the chemical weapons attack against civilians in northern Syria a few days ago,”  Stated Minister of Defense, Claus Hjort Frederiksen. April 7, 2017 © Ministry of Defense of Denmark/The Diplomatic Mission of Denmark to U.S.A  

Denmark supports the U.S response to the abuses carried out against the Syrian civilian population. (Unofficial translation) 

“The government supports the U.S reaction to the Assad regime’s gruesome abuses against the Syrian civilian population. I appreciate that the pressure on Assad is now increasing. It must be clear that attacks with chemical weapons against civilians are not acceptable.”  Expressed Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen. April 7, 2017 © MFA of Denmark/The Diplomatic Mission of Denmark to U.S.A  

“The United Kingdom  supports the U.S. air strike on the Al Shayrat airfield because war crimes have consequences.”  Ambassador Matthew Rycroft, UK Permanent Representative to the UN. April 7, 2017 © UK Foreign Office

Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon has welcomed U.S strikes on a Syrian airfield last night, saying they were ‘limited and appropriate’. Announced the UK MoD April 7, 2017 © UK MoD 

“U.S strikes show needed resolve against barbaric chemical attacks. EU will work with the US to end brutality in Syria.”  President of European Council, Donald Tusk.  April 7, 2017

We support the United States in that swift action. We hope and pray we will see the end of the use of chemical weapons in Syria.”  Prime Minister of Australia Malcom Turnbull  April 7 2017 © PM Malcolm’s Office

Canada fully supports the United States limited and focused action to degrade the Assad regime’s ability to launch chemical weapons attacks against innocent civilians, including many children. President Assad’s use of chemical weapons and the crimes the Syrian regime has committed against its own people cannot be ignored. These gruesome attacks cannot be permitted to continue with impunity.”  Statement by PM of Canada, Justin Trudeau April 7, 2017 © Prime Minister’s office

“This week we were shocked by the horrific images coming out of Syria. Hundreds of innocent men, women and children fell victim to the devastating effects of toxic gas. Many did not survive. The use of toxic gas is a crime against humanity – the worst kind of violence and depravity. The international community cannot take too clear a stand against it. Unfortunately, this week Russia and China blocked a resolution in the UN Security Council against Syria. Once again, efforts to form a united front through international law hit a dead end.   A few hours ago  the United States sent a clear message  that, with the use of toxic gas, a line has been crossed. In the current circumstances this is a proportionate response. The Dutch government considers this understandable. It is a warning to Assad that the deployment of chemical weapons is unacceptable.”  Announcement by the government of the Netherlands April 7 2017 © MFA of the Netherlands

“The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs believes that the missile strikes launched by the United States on the Al-Shayrat air base in Syria are an adequate response to prevent a repeated use of chemical weapons against Syria’s civilians. This is a clear signal that the proliferation and use of chemical weapons is not to be tolerated.” Announced the  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Latvia, April 7, 2017 © Communications Directorate of the MFA of Latvia 

 

Acknowledgment:  Image: The guided-missile destroyer USS Porter “Freedom’s Champion” in the Mediterranean Sea, conducting Naval Operations. April 7, 2017 © U.S Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ford Williams.

By Editor in Chief,  Catherine Stella Schmidt  (Copy righted material)       

 

Austrian OSCE Chairmanship 2017 ‘Objectives’

From January 2017 to  2018 Austria holds Chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in its Permanent Council in Vienna, the Capital of the World’s International Organizations.

The overall objectives of the Austrian OSCE  Chairmanship 2017  has been conceptualized on the three main decisive action plans: 

  • Defusing existing conflicts; 
  • Intensifying the joint fight against radicalization and violet extremism;  
  • Fostering the re-establishment of trust.

“The success of our joint work has a direct impact on security and stability for people in the OSCE area.  Austria sees itself in its traditional role as a bridge builder and a place of dialogue in times when distrust and instability resurge,” Elaborated Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz © MFA of Austria 

Special:  Interview of  OSCE Chairperson-in-Office 2017,  Foreign Affairs Minister Sebastian Kurz.

The United States and European Armed-Forces in Transatlantic Bond

Defense Secretary Mattis met with NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg at the Pentagon on March 21. The Two leaders discussed range of Defense and Security issues including, countering the emerging challenges, fighting with ISIS and strengthening the Transatlantic Relations.      

 

 

 

 

 

Washington DC, March 21, 2017 © US Mission to NATO

But I just also want to say thanks to you personally for your leadership, for the moral example that you set.  NATO, under you, is evolving to defend against aggression and respond to terrorist threats along the southern flank in the Mediterranean and the Turkish border.  
I look forward to engaging with the coalition members who are here this week on the counter-ISIS fight.  And I’m confident that NATO will, as always, be one of the leaders as we deal with this threat.” Highlighted Defense Secretary Mattis during his meeting with the NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg at the Pentagon. March 21, 2017 © DoD Press Office

Emphasizing the importance of the Transatlantic Relations, NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg during his meeting with the Defense Secretary Mattis expressed  : 

“Thank you so much. And thank you for welcoming me and my delegation. It’s great to be here in Washington, and to meet with you. And I also commend you for your strong personal support and leadership when it comes to NATO and the trans-Atlantic bond.”

“I think we all understand that in times of turmoil, in times of uncertainty, the need for strong international institutions as NATO is even greater.  So therefore, we need to adapt.  We need to strengthen NATO in response to the challenges and the — and the unpredictability we see surrounding us today.
Strong NATO is, of course, good for Europe, and we are also grateful for the commitment of the United States to the security guarantees to Europe.  But strong NATO is also good for North America because stability in Europe is good for all of us.  Two world wars and the cold war have taught us all that peace and stability in Europe is important for Europe of course, but also for North America.
So I’m looking forward to go through the whole NATO and U.S. agenda, and discuss how we can continue to adapt NATO to a new and more demanding security” Pentagon,  March 21, 2017 © DoD Press Office

Defense Secretary Mattis, on the same day, met with  Defense Minister Niinisto of Finland at the Pentagon. 

“Minister, you’re very welcome here in the Pentagon.  We appreciate you taking your time to visit Washington and to meet here at the Pentagon — two democracies on opposite sides of an ocean, but we share a love of liberty and especially of independence.”

Our democratic nations can collaborate in defense of our values.  And in this regard, I look forward to joining you later this week and discussing our coalition effort against ISIS.  And I thank you for your contributions — the contributions of your elite forces to that fight against ISIS, to the NATO missions that you’ve contributed to and continue to, and of course to the U.N. missions which go even beyond just the purely military.”  Stated Defense Secretary Mattis during his meeting with Defense Minister Niinisto and Ambassador Kauppi of Finalnd. Pentagon, March 21, 2017 © DoD Press Office

Excerpts from the remarks by Defense Minister Niinisto during the meeting with Secretary Mattis at Pentagon:

“Thank you, Mr. Secretary, for receiving our delegation.  Finland takes its defense very seriously, and we see ourselves as providers of security, not consumers.”

“And I must emphasize that U.S.-Finnish bilateral defense relationship is on a strong basis.  The signing of the bilateral statement of intent last October in Helsinki was a concrete step to take the relationship even further.
Active bilateral training and exercise program has been an effective way to increase the interoperability of our forces.  And we look forward to continue this cooperation also in the future.  And I also look forward to a good discussion today.” Pentagon,  March 21, 2017 © DoD Press Office

Defense Secretary Mattis also met with Minister of Defense Maria Dolores de Cospedal of Spain on March 23.                                                                                                                                                                                                             And with Greek Defense Minister Panos Kammenos at the Pentagon on March 24.

Addition: Vice President Pence Re-assured Europe the United States’ Commitment

Sources: U.S DoD Public Affairs/NATO Public Affairs/               Follow us: @USEUWAffairs   

 

By Catherine Stella Schmidt  (Copy righted material)

 

Italian Air Force Re-assumes the NATO Air Mission

The Italian Air Force has re-assumed for the second time NATO Air Policing Operation, leading the mission from mid March until mid April 2017.

The Operation is formulated to ensure the security and integrity of NATO member’s Airspace, to increase the interoperability and integration of Iceland’s Air Force with the NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense System.

“This joined Aerial defense in the Iceland  is a clear example of rational management and sharing of the available resources among NATO member States.”  Elaborated General Claudio Graziano, Chief of Italian Defense March 7, 2017 © Italian MoD 

Described by the Italian Ministry of Defense:                                                                                                                                 The Air Force has deployed six Eurofighter to the operation and its task will be to ensure the security surveillance of Iceland Airspace until mid-April, while conducting joint Training activities with the local Coast Guard.

Sources: Italian MoD, Italian Air Fore, NATO Air Command Public Affairs Office

The United States Chairmanship of the Arctic Council ‘Objectives’

The United States, as an Arctic Nation and an influential member of the Arctic Council, is holding the two-year Chairmanship of the Council from April 2015-May 2017. 

                                        With the vision  that projects One Arctic

                         Shared Opportunities, Challenges and Responsibilities

For this term of the Council’s Chairmanship, the United States has prioritized its objectives on the following areas that to trigger progress and development in the most aspects of the Arctic region:

  • Improving economic and living conditions;
  • Arctic Ocean safety, security and stewardship;
  • Addressing the impacts of climate change. 

Additional: Achievements under Canadian Chairmanship of the Arctic Council 2013-2015

      News from U.S. Arctic                                                            

News from US Mission to the UN

Sources: Department of State and U.S Arctic Council                       Follow us @USEUWAffairs    

A View to U.S Army Reserve in Europe and its Vital Role and Contributions

For 60 years……..without stop….. Army’s Reserve Units in Europe, Army’s  7th Mission Support Command established initially in 1956 as ‘the 7th Civil Support Command’  has been the front Force to defend Europe and strengthen the European Armed-Forces.                                                                                                                                

February 12, 2017 © 7th MSC 

The 7th MSC facilitates Strong Europe through integration into Army operations in Europe and joint, combined, multinational operations in Europe and Africa. It is capable of rapidly interfacing with NATO allies and other partners in the event of a natural or man-made disaster. Described by the Army’s 7th Mission Support Command

By Catherine S. Schmidt, Editor in Chief (Copyrighted material)

 

Denmark Placed its Financial Support for Prosecuting War Crimes in Syria

With this news measure, the Danish government will allocate the mount of DKK 7.65 million to the UN-led  initiative which was adopted  by the UN Resolution in December 2016.

Denmark’s position is clear: the gross Human Rights violations we see and have seen in Syria are unacceptable and it is important that the world community documents them. With the UN’s new initiative, we are sending a clear signal – not least to the Syrian regime – that there is no impunity for such crimes. 
These efforts are a supplement to the stabilisation initiative, which Denmark announced last year,” highlighted Minister for Foreign Affairs Anders Samuelsen. March 7, 2017  © MFA of Denmark 

Special:             Denmark for the UN Human Rights Council 2019-2021

  1. Additional: Denmark launches a new stabilisation support package to Iraq and Syria
  2. Danish Special Forces assigned with new tasks in the Coalition’s fight against Da’esh

News from Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Denmark
News from Minister Anders Samuelsen
News from Danish Mission to NATO                                    Follow us @USEUWAffairs

America will stand with those who stand in Defense of Freedom

president-trump-and-gen-votel-commander-of-u-s-central-command-at-macdill-air-force-base-feb-2017

President Trump and Army Gen. Joseph L. Votel, commander of U.S. Central Command, at MacDill Air Force Base. Feb. 6, 2017 © U.S. Central Command/Marine Corps Sgt. Alan Belser 

During an official visit and speech at MacDill Air Force Base Florida, President Trump placed a special emphasis on the vital role that the United States Armed-Forces hold in maintaining the global security, peace and freedom.

Excerpts from President Trump’s speech at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. February 6, 2017 

We strongly support NATO. We only ask that all the NATO members make their full and proper financial contributions to the NATO alliance, which many of them have not been doing.”

“We are going to be making a really historic investment in the Armed Forces of the United States and show the entire World that America stands with those who stand in defense of Freedom,”

“We will ensure that the men and women of our military have the tools, equipment, resources, training, and supplies you need to get the job done.  You’ve seen me say we’ve been depleted.  Our navy is at a point almost as low as World War I.  That’s a long time ago.  That’s a long time ago.  It’s not going to happen anymore, folks.  It’s not going to happen anymore — not with me.”  

For proof that our nation has been blessed by God, look no further than the men and women of the United States military.  They are the greatest fighters and the greatest force of justice on the face of the Earth and that the world has ever known.  The challenges facing our nation nevertheless are very large — very, very large.”

Freedom, Security and Justice will prevail.  In his first State of the Union message, President George Washington wrote that, “To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.”  Almost 200 years later, as the General was also speaking about Ronald Reagan, he said that wisdom comes in three very, very strong words:  “Peace through strength.”  I’ve said it many times during the campaign, speaking in front of tens of thousands of people at one sitting, and I’d always mention America first — a phrase that you probably never heard, “Make America Great Again.” Anybody ever heard that?   And peace through strength.”

“The men and women of the United States military provide the strength to bring peace to our troubled, troubled times.  We stand behind you.  We support your mission.  We love our country.  We are loyal to our people.  We respect our flag.  We celebrate our traditions.  We honor our heroes.  You are our heroes.  And we are prepared to fight.  And we pray for peace.

Thank you.  God bless you, and God bless America.  Thank you very much.  Thank you.”  February 06, 2017  © The office of White House Press Secretary

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