NPA, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 98: NPA - 4th. Naples Seminar 1-2 july 2007

NATOs Parlamentariske Forsamling 2006-07
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NATO PA - 1-2 JULY 2007 - 4TH NAPLES SEMINAR [Seminar Report]

NATOs Parlamentariske Forsamling 2006-07

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1-2 JULY 2007 - 4TH NAPLES SEMINAR [Seminar Report]

1. Some 40 members of parliament from NATO and NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA) Mediterranean Associate

countries (Algeria, Israel and Jordan) met in Naples from 1-2 July for a seminar, organized in co-operation with the Italian

delegation to the NATO PA, to discuss security issues in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

I. SESSION I - IRAN: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

2. The first session focused on Iran, recent internal political developments, the nuclear issue and foreign policy developments.

The first presentation was given by Ali Reza Sheikholeslami, who currently teaches International Politics at the American

University of Sharjah, UAE, and who is a former Professor or Persian studies at the University of Oxford. He gave a detailed

account of the internal political situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

and

3. Professor Sheikholeslami explained that before the 1979 revolution in Iran the political system was highly centralised

of a person. The Shah was an enlightened, patriotic and

personalised, an anthropomorphic system that had taken the structure

the US

human person, but he did also make erratic decisions. This politically rather primitive system was mistaken in Europe and

d into the current system where many actors

for a modern system, which it was not. After the revolution, the system transforme

and

now take decisions. Iran today is a highly de-personalised state where office holders compete with and watch each other

measures all their leaders in Iran in human

where decisions are made to secure the own tenure of office. The Iranian population

in Libya.

terms and not a single leader is in control in Iran, unlike the cases of Saddam Hussein in Iraq, or Muammar Ghaddafi

arrangements in Iran do not

Leadership is collective and based on horse-trading and compromises. The current political structural

a big

allow for adventurism in foreign policy. Professor Sheikholeslami said that those who maintain the integrity in Iran are doing

breakdown of this

service not only to Iran, but also to the outside world. He explicitly warned of the consequences of a potential

50% of

rather fragile system, e. g. through a foreign military intervention. He called Iran an ethnographic museum in which only

much more severe

the population speak the national language. A breakdown would affect every neighbouring country, and have

consequences than the current problems in Iraq. The system is held together delicately and an outside shock could be fatal.

Those with the means of violence in Iran would act in an unrestrained manner and "Iraq would be a happy experience

comparison", the speaker said.

and on the

4. Professor Sheikholeslami also explained the current domestic Iranian debates on the religious and political system

a contradiction in terms, it

wide range of opinions that exist among politicians and clerics. The "Republic of Iran" is an oxymoron,

advertise an

is a republic divided, as a house against itself. While some clergy stress the republican nature of the state, others

of any political

even stronger role of Islam in the state. Some argue for more political party power, others against the existence

side is powerful

party. A strong ideological division exists that is also expressed in the press and discussed in parliament. Neither

a system that can be

enough to destroy the other side and neither wants to. Unilateral action and dictatorship are not possible in

al threats

described as having a strong balance of power. The system and the people are united, however, against fundament

all Iranian political forces is defending and maintaining the current system if

from the outside. The only action that will unite

attacked.

the second

5. Maurizio Martellini, who is the Secretary General for the think-tank, Landau Network - Centro Volta, gave

wishes to acquire

presentation on Iran. He mainly addressed the Iranian nuclear issue and started by elaborating on the Iranian

and remember the

nuclear weapon capabilities and mentioned that Iranians are afraid of other countries' foreign policy agendas

will also allow

Western, especially US involvement in the coup against Prime Minister Mossadegh in the 1950s. Nuclear power

Iran to maintain a military capacity.

programme and the

6. Professor Martellini also elaborated on the double-nature of a nuclear programme, the peaceful civilian

of nuclear energy in

military application of often the same equipment. It is very difficult to completely guarantee the civilian use

use and mentioned two

any country. He also discussed the "red line" the international community draws regarding nuclear energy

involved the technology

important thresholds. The first one is the complete mastery of the uranium cycle for fuel. The second one

necessary for making a bomb.

the final step of the fuel

7. According to the last report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran has mastered

fully operational and running

enrichment for which 3,000 centrifuges will be used and deployed. If these 3,000 centrifuges are

d uranium gas, six

permanently, one Hiroshima-like bomb can be produced. If the same centrifuges are used with low-enriche

. For the actual

bombs could be produced. The Iranian government is allegedly planning to build 51,000 centrifuges

the Iranian programme is

weaponization, Iran needs between three and eight years. The IAEA is not currently able to verify that

Council resolutions were

only for peaceful purposes; while at the same time it also cannot prove that it is not. Several UN Security

said that the Iranian

passed requiring Iran to give an answer to the critical questions about its programme. Professor Martellini

find an exit strategy. A "Grand Bargain" has to be conceived from

regime will not give up its nuclear ambitions and that we need to

with business as

which all political players involved would benefit. He saw five options for how to engage with Iran: 1) to continue

in Iran; 3) a military strike against nuclear facilities; 4) a

usual and pass resolution after resolution; 2) to induce regime change

is without negative side

comprehensive bargain strategy; 5) a containment and engagement strategy. None of these options

. He rules out the military option since Iran is a huge

effects, but only arrangements with 'sticks and carrots' will lead to something

country that might have clandestine capacities and be able to resume its nuclear programme.

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d the international

Q&A period. Several participants accuse

lear

s were followed by a lively discussion and

8. These two presentation

lly since Israel would be allowed to have nuc

the

ds" and "hypocrisy" towards Iran, especia

community of its "double standar

el. Participants asked and commented on

sian

-free zone in the Middle East, including Isra

weapons. They suggested a nuclear

tical system as well as about current Rus

Iran, about the fragility of the Iranian poli

inst

war against Iraq.

potential results of a military strike aga

s with Iran are a direct outcome of the

participant commented that the problem

involvement in Iran. One

more developed

very sophisticated system today, much

. He also

onded to the questions that Iran has a

9. Professor Sheikholeslami resp

mistake by interfering with this system

and that the 'West' might make another

and would put the usual

than most political systems in the region

regarding the nuclear issue and the dem

that Iran has not

ible for Iran to prove that it is "innocent"

said that it is imposs

counter-productive and he mentioned

ally do not

ty" on its head. US threats against Iran are

"innocent until proven guil

Hezbollah, he said that these groups actu

arding Iran's support for groups such as

attacked anyone since 1740. Reg

ve without Iran as well.

need Iranian support and would be acti

Non -Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is a politica

e, Professor Martellini replied that the

issu

ity is now trying to fix. There are countrie

10. Addressing the 'double standards'

of loopholes that the international commun

full

within years. Japan has

bargain created during the Cold War and

ichment facilities and can build bombs

entina and Brazil who have excellent enr

r, refrained from

on this planet, such as Arg

six months. These countries, howeve

no smoking

build up to 100 plutonium bombs within

enormous resources and could

iferation, but he clearly stated "there is

main problem with Iran is a possible prol

l solution for the regional

building nuclear weapons so far. The

e Middle East, he replied that a politica

ent". Addressing the idea of a nuclear-fre

outcome of other political developmen

gun at the mom

's decision to "go nuclear" is always the

a country

e".

problems is needed first. He added that

loopholes in the NPT as soon as possibl

ed, and he strongly advertised "fixing the

that should also be address

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

II. SESSION 2 - CRISIS IN LEBANON:

the summer 2006 war and the internation

ent crisis in Lebanon, the aftermath of

, as well as with the

11. The second session dealt with the curr

rim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission

this, especially with the United Nations Inte

efforts to deal with

iq al-Hariri.

assination of former Prime Minister Raf

international efforts to investigate the ass

rview of the UNIFIL

e the first contribution by giving an ove

Italy behind

i, Italy's Deputy Minister of Defence, mad

12. Giovanni Lorenzo Forcier

in summer 2006 with mainly France and

ent expanded mission came into action

first time

mission in South Lebanon. The curr

el agreed to the mission and, for the

sed) deployment of UNIFIL troops, Isra

rea

ps from 30 countries are

it. UN resolution 1701 allowed the (inc

al force. Currently more than 30,000 troo

s tanks, artillery,

of its security concerns to a multination

ever, entrusted some

udio Graziano. The equipment include

manded by the Italian Major General Cla

sonnel are deployed

deployed under UNIFIL, com

Lebanese coast, about 2,000 navy per

ck and

b exploders and others. In front of the

radar, mine removal teams, bom

iers have been killed by a terrorist atta

d that recently some UNIFIL Spanish sold

and stated this would be against Lebane

under German command. He regrette

ned the attacks, denied its involvement

dem

Hezbollah.

mentioned, however, that Hezbollah con

ed by Salafi groups wanting to blame

s, the attacks might have been organis

national interests. Thu

ps violating Lebanese air space. While

of the UN resolution, namely how it kee

eli violations

es. The cluster

13. Mr Forcieri also mentioned the Isra

during the recent Palestinian camp cris

since the end

es decreases, it increased for example

the amount of violations sometim

d 32 people and wounded another 290

during the last war in South Lebanon kille

bombs that were scattered by Israel

ic development, for example agriculture

of the war. This has hampered econom

led

ants that the presence of UNIFIL has

ed it as a success and reminded particip

he describ

table political situation in the region.

14. Summarising the UNIFIL mission,

warned about the dangers and the uns

n, but also

to a normalisation of life in South Lebano

to start a dialogue sooner or later.

t involve Syria with which we will have

solution for Lebanon mus

lasting

unity government

Mazen did not manage to establish a

current developments in Palestine. Abu

any kind of

15. Mr Forcieri also addressed the

reconciliation should be a priority and

moderates and extremists. A national

lved. The appointment of Tony Blair

and now we can see clashes between

such as the Arab League have to be invo

l players

division must be prevented. Regiona

as a new impulse for peace in the region.

not be seen as a 'Western' decision, but

Quartet Envoy should

l de la Recherche

ch Director at France's Centre Nationa

was made by Elisabeth Picard, Resear

term is coming to an

16. The second intervention

ation in Lebanon. President Lahoud's

ht happen

by describing the current political situ

Scientifique (CNRS). She started

tical system. Another Israeli attack mig

-enforced and well anchored in the poli

. US$ 7 billion were committed by the

end soon and Hezbollah is politically re

n has gone into a downward spiral now

, Lebano

money cannot be

soon. 15 years after the end of the war

destroyed by Israel last summer, but the

rebuild Lebanese infrastructure that was

people is ongoing.

lligentsia and young

international community to

urity situation. A massive exodus of inte

because of the current political and sec

spent

se situation. From

n that are now threatening the Lebane

much in the

n in the Palestinian camps in Lebano

17. She also addressed the situatio

and developments there were not very

ionalisation of the Lebanese question

reg

US Syria Sanctions Act was passed, UN

1994 to 2004, the West accepted the

roach by the West has started. The

ctical app

as very important for the

political focus. Since 2004, a very pra

anon is now currently being considered

is Ito III conferences were held. Leb

others. Other UN

resolution 1559, and the Par

parliamentarians, former ministers and

ination of former

example, regularly receives Lebanese

West. US President Bush, for

mandated the judgement of the assass

lved in

2004 and UN resolution 1701 recently

international community becomes invo

resolutions have been passed since

the UN Charter. However, the more the

VII of

to find easy solutions and explanation

Prime Minister Hariri under Chapter

eement seems to be. We should not try

anese agr

its independence in 1943.

Lebanon, the further away an intra-Leb

fragile, faith-based system ever since

aker stressed

istians'. The Lebanese system is a

such as 'Muslims against Chr

ed to peace in the Middle East. The spe

er High

modern state failed because it was link

Prime Minister Hariri's vision for a

assadors "must not behave like form

tion and that powerful Western amb

solu

UNIFIL troops and 80,000 Lebanese arm

that any solution must be a Lebanese

sion, but also mentioned that 40,000

IFIL mis

Commissioners". She appraised the UN

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Lebanon

still missing. The current situations in

Lebanon and that a political solution is

troops are stationed in the 80 km of Sou

that Syria has little interest in negotiating

and Iraq are so bad

n that he called 'Endless

rient-Le Jour, gave the third presentatio

and he retold the

ist for the Beirut francophone daily L'O

18. Issa Goraieb, Column

l developments over the past years

. He talked about the Lebanese politica

lution 1559 led to the

Storms over the Cedar Revolution'

to becoming free from foreign rule: UN reso

nt events. Lebanon has been on the way

ion of former Prime Minister Hariri

most importa

the assassinat

One million people demonstrated against

2. Today,

repatriation of Syrian occupying forces.

led to the first free elections since 197

olution' also

so -called 'Beirut Spring' and 'Cedar Rev

tion" after the war

ht of violence and destruc

on 14 February 2005. This

sion that was born out of a "terrible onslaug

bollah

t Lebanese appreciate the UNIFIL mis

mos

een Syria and Israel". Recently, all Hez

called "actually a proxy confrontation betw

nal for

of an international tribu

with Israel in summer 2006 that Goraieb

ment in criticism of his hasty admittance

ministers pulled out of PM Siniora's govern

of their Syrian ally. The Speaker of the

and Amal party

ing that this would go against the interest

ion, fear

ile Lahoud is also

the investigation of the Hariri assassinat

for the international tribunal. President Em

and politicians in

ih Bern, blocked the parliament on a vote

Lebanese Parliament, Nab

assination of Syrian-critical journalists

ro Moussa,

gnising the current government. The ass

trying to block politics by not reco

retary General of the Arab League, Am

current instability in Lebanon. The Sec

also intensified recently. The

recent years has also contributed to the

terror campaign against Lebanon has

to be targeted as well.

mediate in Lebanon, but in vain. The

did recently try to

permanently abroad because they fear

iamentarians live in total seclusion or are

current ministers and parl

Lebanese army for the

rate in Lebanon has been fought by the

crossings, the

lam' that wants to establish an Islamic emi

19. The group 'Fatah al-Is

ia through the at least 100 illegal border

. The

al group and many have come from Syr

last six months. It is an internation

would not be allowed on Syrian territory

'. They are supported by Syria while they

s with

most famous one being the 'Arafat trail

Syria does not want diplomatic relation

ascus, but there lies also the solution.

Dam

ian Baathist regime could

heart of the Lebanese problems lies in

ertheless, a collapse of the current Syr

recognised Lebanon or its borders. Nev

t and there have not

Lebanon and has never

yet come to terms with the Middle Eas

n in the Middle East. The US has not

create another chaotic situatio

been enough carrots and sticks until now

participant argued that there has to be

by comments and a Q&A session. One

n and

wed

20. The three presentations were follo

there is no link to the situation in Lebano

, while another participant argued that

first

rged Syria. It was

settlement for the Golan Heights problem

that Syria gives up its dreams of an enla

ory. The

ld be the disarmament of Hezbollah and

that the only solution wou

tence of Hezbollah, but have a long hist

anon could not be reduced to the exis

stressed that the problems in Leb

criticised as not being sufficient enough

of smuggling of arms into Lebanon was

prevention

Aoun, an ally

anon. The Christian leader, Michel

also

"national pact" is maybe needed for Leb

national orientation of Hezbollah. He

21. Mr Ghorayeb responded that a new

president and he believes in the strong

anese

of Hezbollah, wants to become the Leb

the destabilisation of Lebanon.

said that Iran benefits from

not in those of the

ld be completely in the hands of the UN,

s this argument

that the new UN tribunal in Lebanon wou

22. Ms Picard responded

fight against Israeli occupation and it use

line, but

in 1982 as a Lebanese movement to

Lebanon. Hezbollah was created

between the Litani River and the UN blue

IFIL's mission is to de-militarise the area

benefit from

today to keep hold of its weapons. UN

response to a question on who would

ders between Syria and Lebanon. In

bor

ities for maintaining the

not to disarm Hezbollah or to watch the

selves get solidarity from their commun

proxies such as

Picard said that Lebanese actors them

the destabilisation, Ms

ct against US policy in the region through

hty player in the region that tries to rea

current chaos. Iran is a mig

solve the Lebanese situation, in her view

an Heights issue would not necessarily

Hezbollah. A settlement for the Gol

ernment and

its task is to assist the Lebanese gov

borders

is acting within a sovereign state and that

nce is planned for surveillance over the

23. Mr Forcieri responded that UNIFIL

anese territory. International assista

also

le Leb

e in Lebanon, but the situation might

army to extend sovereignty to the who

task. Another civil war might take plac

not a UN

ments as well as

between Syria and Lebanon, but this is

sia is needed. Moderate Arab govern

tion, involving the US, the UN and Rus

turn for the better. A political solu

Syria also have to be engaged.

Ill. SESSION 3 - CIVIL SOCIETY AND

DIA IN MENA

l as

and media in the MENA region, as wel

role and development of civil society

ressed the

24. Sessions on the second day add

Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI).

e at the European

NATO Mediterranean Dialogue (MD) and

recent developments in the

Information for the EuroMed programm

onsible for Media, Communication and

25. Thomas McGrath, who is resp

ote freedom of expression and media

NA region

. He described the EU strategy to prom

tion

rent names and concepts for the ME

Commission, gave the first presenta

ted with critical remarks about the diffe

He star

Euro-Mediterranean Partnership, Europe

independence throughout the region.

anean Dialogue, Barcelona Process,

East, Mediterr

e. The EU is

(Greater Middle East, Wider Middle

and visions for the region is taking plac

stated that a proliferation of strategies

Security Strategy

Neighbourhood Policy etc. ) and

is Europe's backyard. The European

rs. But for

Mediterranean and the Middle East

dealing with the region because the

rogue states, organised crime and othe

region

proliferation of WMD, regional conflicts,

the EU has been active in the MENA

(ESS) identifies the threats of terroris

nean Partnership is the bulwark and

nce

editerra

after the 1993 Madrid Peace Confere

the European Commission, the Euro-M

(BP). Put into context, the BP started

na Process

lay in the fields of peace,

since 1995, mainly through the Barcelo

in the Middle East. The aspirations

for a comprehensive peace agreement

d from the beginning.

that seemed to open the door

ortance of cultural dialogue was stresse

and dialogue and the need for and imp

prosperity

phy and

mentioned mainly three issues: demogra

EU,

help in the MENA region, Mr McGrath

will have as many inhabitants as the

26. On the topic of why Europe should

the Middle East and North Africa region

By 2020,

ghreb is our Mexico", he added. Sin

migration, energy and self-interest.

n to Europe is expected to rise. "Ma

and the migratio

tner as well. The

between 450 and 500 million people

, it should be a long-term energy par

world's main petrol and gas reserves

the MENA region is the owner of the

takes

tner of the MENA region.

ia are state-owned, Internet filtering

EU is also the number one trading par

particularly encouraging. Many med

region is not

27. The media situation in the MENA

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there is a growing list of

Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, UAE, Yemen, and

is.

countries, especially in Syria, Pakistan,

spiral with the Muhammad cartoons cris

place in many

MENA region went into a downwards

with the

so is freedom of

assassinated journalists. The dialogue

m of religion is a fundamental right and

e is no straightforward solution. Freedo

MENA region,

Mr McGrath believes that ther

to promote quality of information in the

fully and wisely. The EU is thus trying

to information.

speech and it has to be used care

censors and state agents and the access

ucers of information, the multipliers, the

involving the prod

ial and cultural level and this

for dialogue at a political, economic, soc

MENA. A project

erranean Partnership mechanisms exist

28. The Euro-Medit

tries to engage with all kinds of media in

of media. The European Commission

selves. The EU

dialogue also includes the field

d by MENA media representatives them

, with the agenda and the impetus provide

was launched in Jordan recently

a task force consisting of 500 media

ds with which the EU could help them and

asked them to develop strategies and nee

eral aims with this initiative. The visibility

this information. The EU is pursuing sev

ided

as well as safety and

representatives from 37 countries prov

MENA region. Training and networking,

t media, gender

and the EMP should be increased in the

the Barcelona process

freedom of expression and independen

important aims, as are the promotion of

security for journalists are also

obia and racism.

equality and the struggle against xenoph

of the

in Cairo gave the second presentation

Ibn Khaldoun Centre for Development

the

first reminded the audience that MENA

29. Ambassador Mahmoud Kassem of

iety in the MENA region as a whole. He

civil soc

have one thing in

session and described efforts to develop

social developments, but all countries

ar, we are

enced by different economic, political and

a very diverse region, influ

mple Mauritania, Jordan, Bahrain and Qat

but they

development. In some countries, for exa

common, the lack of democratic

eful reforms are taking place in Egypt,

to limit the powers of the government. Car

culties in the areas of

seeing shy measures of the legislature

elopment in general faces structural diffi

anied by human rights violations. Dev

nomic integration into the outside world

are always accomp

ond oil as a commodity, there is little eco

trade. Bey

governance, gender, employment and

and little competitiveness.

te 4-5 million jobs

oyment. The MENA region should crea

could be

region are political conflicts and unempl

30. The major challenges in the

help to face the prevailing insecurity. It

growth. Creating jobs would help also

ion

whether civil society

per year to keep up with the populat

society initiatives etc. But he questions

not necessarily liberal.

st to give support to grass-root level civil

helpful for the We

the region, civil society organisations are

NA region are active and effective. In

organisations in the ME

es in an autocratic and anti-liberal way

They can also be structured like the stat

countries

l society are taking place in the MENA

has been raised and discussions on civi

ative

31. Recently, political awareness

ment, even if it is motivated by the neg

rnational

ntion to the region is a positive develop

themselves. A revived Western atte

by the 'fight against terrorism'. The inte

n, Afghanistan, Iran, Sudan, Somalia and

ging accountability and with

developments in Palestine, Iraq, Lebano

ing awareness on a broad scale, encoura

ce from some

port civil society developments by rais

community can sup

viders. They might however face reluctan

rnational bodies

advocates, watchdogs, and service pro

mobilising civil society as

ted, can complement the efforts of inte

ber of CSOs are

society organisations (CSOs), if suppor

governments in the region. Civil

diplomacy, human rights etc. A num

prevention, weapons trade, preventive

such as the UN in the areas of conflict

rarely recognised or used effectively.

working in this field, but their skills are

eral

outlined by Lilian Feidy, Secretary Gen

tances of Palestinian civil society was

cific circums

gave an historical

32. The third presentation on the spe

logue and Democracy. Ms Feidy first

, tribal, and

Initiative for the Promotion of Global Dia

of MIFTAH, the Palestinian

under which there were several ethnical

developments, starting with Ottoman rule

le societies,

. Later unions, charitab

overview of Palestinian civil society

ed the lives of different communities

gees.

associations that engaged in and organis

also in connection with Palestinian refu

kinship-based

ed to serve the Palestinian need, often

develop

nt role in resistance against

clubs and professional associations

and civil society also played an importa

led to modern political associations

The advent of the PLO

Israel.

itively to the

These organisations are contributing pos

cy. They

is a highly criticised success story.

33. Today, Palestinian civil society

role of opposition and launching advoca

ocracy.

to the political system by playing the

and

ect for human rights, women and dem

democratic transformation in society

ancing the culture of dialogue and resp

ple, enh

ountability and internal

are also providing services to the peo

ity of projects, as well as a lack of acc

r, of duplications, a lack of sustainabil

on the political situation

There is criticism, howeve

civil society developments will depend

ent of the rule

ed by saying that future Palestinian

democracy. Ms Feidy conclud

a functioning legal system, the enforcem

various social structures, as well as on

that is currently adversely affecting

of law and the protection of civil liberties

te to

asked how the NATO PA could contribu

eons

by questions and comments. It was

wed

It was also added that engineers, surg

34. The three presentations were follo

counterparts from MENA parliaments.

and their

cept 'MENA' in general

strengthen civil society developments

ortant civil society activities. The con

are often only

e associations who often comprise imp

and other professionals hav

was also criticised that Western NGOs

differences of every MENA country. It

obstacle to

ment projects. Another

was criticised by stressing again the

lect the countryside with their develop

t MENA countries.

itals, e. g. in Amman, Jordan, but neg

working in cap

nally high military expenditure in mos

t that was mentioned is the unproportio

economic developmen

r of

and little has changed with the take-ove

a strip and its institutions are linked

k and Gaz

problem is a

35. Ms Feidy replied that the West Ban

videoconferences. The only remaining

a third party

n, for example, is keeping contact with

Hamas in Gaza. Her organisatio

ently afraid of doing this. She said that

ties because even Arab banks are curr

estinian

to solve the current Pal

transfer of money between the two enti

a Western country, would be needed

eli

example from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, or

orities, but much more so from the Isra

intervention, for

s are also suffering from their own auth

ons

Palestinian

the West Bank, through many restricti

crisis. Ms Feidy mentioned that the

through hundreds of checkpoints in

and public life

occupation that prevents civil society

no longer travel to Jerusalem.

in the West Bank, for example, can

rsions. People residing

and incu

countries have

strengthened that not even all MENA

question on how parliaments could be

the

ngthen them, the number of exchan

36. Ambassador Kassem replied to

necessarily developed ones. To stre

s are not

look at developments.

a parliament and that the existing one

parliamentarians in the MENA region

so that NATO PA gets used to how

meetings should be increased,

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NATO PA - 1-2 JULY 2007 - 4TH NAPLES

Report]

Side 5 af 6

a common religion, language and Arab cult

d the use of the term 'MENA' mentioning that

He also defende

the MENA region.

ure have a major effect in

that the EU is

th Africa' was certainly a US construct, but

concept 'Broader Middle East and Nor

37. Mr McGrath replied that the

question that divides Europe and the US

tioned that there is no other foreign policy

urity, while for Europe it is

using a different approach. He also men

these countries is only a question of sec

ent. In order to

East and Iraq. For the US, dealing with

much as the Middle

nt approach, while Europe is more pati

The US has a rather assertive and impatie

that the EU's

dealing with its neighbours.

anean neighbours. He stressed again

red

perity we have to care for our Mediterr

guarantee Europe's security and pros

d the partnership on consensus and sha

ntries, but that the EMP's ethos is to buil

projects are not imposed on the MENA cou

ownership.

LOGUE (MD

S IN THE NATO MEDITERRANEAN DIA

SESSION 4 - RECENT DEVELOPMENT

IV.

COOPERATION INITIATIVE (ICI)

) AND THE ISTANBUL

its Mediterranean Dialogue (MD), Istanbu

on recent NATO developments concerning

ently NATO's only military mission based

38. The fourth and final session focused

ive Endeavour in the Mediterranean, curr

n Act

Cooperation Initiative (ICI) and Operatio

Treaty.

PA members of the

Article 5 of the Washington

Security Policy Division informed NATO

The aims

, Alberto Bin of NATO's Political Affairs and

39. In the first presentation

was launched at the 2006 Riga Summit.

Initiative towards MD and ICI countries that

the last 60

share its own developments of

recent NATO Training Cooperation

of NATO activities. NATO is willing to

and ICI programs, the

ative are to build an expanding network

of this initi

training. Another aim is to further the MD

lly in the important fields of education and

years, especia

ed forces.

terrorism and the modernisation of the arm

interoperability of forces, the fight against

what NATO has

s for training and education, building on

e are the expansion of existing opportunitie

lege in Rome,

40. The contents of the initiativ

to be established at the NATO Defense Col

and

ICI networks. A Middle East faculty is

already established in the MD and

ionals from MENA countries will research

At this faculty, academics and profess

with a mix of strategic and operational

the name for this is yet to be determined.

ion itself. Courses on the MENA region

with the reg

teach, thus fostering NATO's dialogue

el military and civilian personnel.

levels will be held for high-lev

essment of the needs

country and NATO ownership. An ass

ining Center will be under joint MENA

and four ICI

41. The planned Regional Tra

ert teams from NATO to the seven MD

ments,

countries has taken place through exp

and priorities of the MENA partner

and wishes. Based on these two assess

n a questionnaire to find out their needs

the summer break in August, making sure

countries. All 11 countries were also give

to come up with follow-up action before

planning

NATO will now tailor the initiative. It is

of the partners.

it has the full involvement

the existence of a

s and challenges. The opportunities are

The challenges

entation by looking at future opportunitie

42. Mr Bin concluded his pres

join NATO's MD and ICI programmes.

the

ons and that interested countries might

wide network of training and instituti

also affects NATO's work. A solution to

especially the Middle East conflict that

do in the region. It can

are various conflicts in the MENA region,

ng too high expectations of what it can

life easier. NATO is also sometimes faci

funding for the MD and ICI

conflict would make

urity organisation above all. Securing

lvement of

added value, but is a defence and sec

provide knowledge and

ssed the two major assets, being the invo

to NATO.

llenge, but despite all of this, Mr Bin stre

initiatives will also remain a cha

bring the MD and ICI countries closer

projects as well as a networking that will

partners through joint ownership of

participants on

e the second presentation. He briefed

been

ef of Staff of CC Mar/AFSOUTH, gav

(OAE) in the Mediterranean. OAE has

43. Rear Admiral Tony Rix, the new Chi

regard to Operation Active Endeavour

ts with

and protect against

recent political and military developmen

NATO's resolve to defer, defend, disrupt

and its general aim is to demonstrate

the Black Sea

running for five years now

Sea and its shores, but also extends to

sion would be

mission focuses on the Mediterranean

terrorism. Geographically, the

the Red Sea. The end state of the mis

, as well as the Arabian Peninsula and

NATO

Region, the Eastern part of the Atlantic

terrorism effectively themselves. So far,

iterranean could deal with maritime

Med

c and practical co-operation

reached if all national states around the

inst terrorism and to establish a strategi

on a strategic,

onstrate its capabilities in the fight aga

has been able to dem

could be reduced and OAE is succeeding

the OAE,

r illegal activities in the Mediterranean

network. Terrorist and othe

ed OAE or are in the process of joining

perating with

eral non-NATO members have also join

operational and tactical level. Sev

, Sweden and Finland. OAE is also co-o

s to a

ania, Croatia, Algeria, Morocco, Georgia

e Situational Awareness (MSA) that lead

including Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Alb

A by-product of OAE is NATO's Maritim

EU.

maritime environment that are relevan

other missions, e. g. FRONTEX of the

events and activities associated with the

-military

deeper understanding of military and non

operations and exercises.

for current and future NATO

and how

een NATO and EU in the maritime field

d a question about the co-operation betw

be extended to

ed whether OAE could

44. The following questions include

e military capabilities. It was also ask

had

aspirations to have its own EU maritim

stions included whether the operation

NATO sees EU

the French navy is working. Other que

n with

igration.

the Black Sea and how the co-operatio

whether it is also dealing with illegal imm

dents in the Mediterranean so far and

experienced serious inci

rdinate with the EU to

mission and that NATO is trying to co-o

'Black Sea

ive Endeavour is not only a military

45. RAdm Rix replied that Act

moment because Turkey is running the

to the Black Sea is not necessary at the

awareness

avoid duplications. An extension

over the past 12 months and a greater

n etc.

eavour has prevented numerous events

ggling, weapons trade, illegal migratio

Harmony' mission there. Active End

the Mediterranean, including drug smu

ating

ing in

relevant institutions. France is particip

now exists of all the bad things happen

but all this information is given to the

mainly,

The operation is an anti-terrorism activity

peration is working well.

in navy operations and the co-o

red excellent opportunities for parliam

46. The two-day seminar in Naples offe

entarians from NATO and Mediterrane

an Associate

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NATO PA - 1-2 JULY 2007 - 4TH NAPLES SEMINAR [Seminar Rep

ort]

Side 6 af 6

-relevant political developments in selected fields. Naples, as

Countries to inform themselves about and to discuss current NATO

the meeting.

an important and old Mediterranean city offered a fine setting for

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