APPROVED MINUTES OF THE 14TH PMSC MEETING
TIRANA, 27-28SEPTEMBER 2005
The 14th PMSC Meeting was held in Tirana on 27-28September 2005. The following annexes are enclosed to this document.
Annex A: Agenda of the 14th PMSC Meeting.
Annex B: List of Participants.
Annex C: General Time Frame for SEEBRIG Deployment (Draft).
Annex D: National positions on SEEBRIG deployment in ISAF.
Annex E: National Contributions and Balances for 2006
Annex F: SEEBRIG KMNB operational establishment (Draft).
Annex G: Total budget for deployment in ISAF
ITEM I.ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA (CHAIRMAN)
PMSC Chairman proposed to include in the agenda a briefing from JFTCPOLAND Representative, Major General Peter KUHNEL which was approved by nations.
The 14th PMSC agenda was adopted (ANNEX A).
ITEM II. UPDATE ON PMSC ACTIVITIES (PRESENTED BY CHAIRMAN)
The PMSC Chairman made a statement welcoming the participants and expressed thathe was honored to take over the Chairmanship of PMSC/SEDM-CC from NA 7 as of 01 July2005.
Having expressed his appreciation for Ambassador Uğur ERGUN, former Chairman of PMSC
and Brigadier General Giovanni SULIS, former COMSEEBRIG, the Chairman emphasized
that the Albanian Chairmanship will continue to use MPFSEE initiative to promote peace and
stability in the region.
The Chairman of the PMSC presented a record of PMSC activities since the last meeting. The Chairman underscored the importance of SEEBRIG deployment in ISAF and welcomed the contributions ofall Nations.
ITEM III.ALBANIAN CHAIRMANSHIP PRIORITIES
The PMSC Chairman briefed member nation’s representatives on the priorities duringthe Albanian Chairmanship. He stated that integration in NATO structures of non NATO SEDM nations is an important goal to be achieved. Also he reiterated the importance of MPFSEE as a regional initiative to enhance and deepen the cooperation between SEDM nations in the regional stability and also in countering threats like terrorism. The PMSC and SEDM-CC Chairman brought in, as the most imminent issue, the deployment of SEEBRIG in Afghanistan and stated that it is necessary to come up with a final decision and start with mission preparation as soon as possible.
ITEM IV. UPDATE ON SEEBRIG ACTIVITIES INCLUDING THE WAY AHEAD (COMSEEBRIG)
COMSEEBRIG extended his gratitude to the former COMSEEBRIG for his efforts and assured that SEEBRIG is taking all necessary measures in order to be ready for deployment ina Peace Support Operation.
COMSEEBRIG presented a record of SEEBRIG activities since the 13th PMSC Meeting and informed the PMSC on the important activities accomplished stated herein below: COMSEEBRIG gave a situation report on the exercise COMBINED ENDEAVOR; CETATEA 05 and STAFFEX 05. He also underlined other activities and visits conducted from HQ SEEBRIG, including RECCE mission in Afghanistan 03-10 September 05 and High Level Experts Meeting conducted in Constanta on 20-21 September 05.
In order to not compromise the mission, and at the urging of MPFSEE Nations COMSEEBRIG will continue with its planning and preparations for an ISAF Mission in accordance with “General Time Frame for SEEBRIG Deployment in ISAF”.
ITEM V. APPROVAL OF THE ANNUAL PLAN FOR EXERCISES, TRAINING PLAN AND TRAVEL PLAN. (COMSEEBRIG)
A.COMSEEBRIG briefed the PMSC and presented a status report on the following exercises and training activities which will be conducted in 2006 in which SEEBRIG will participate:
(1) NATO CIS “COMBINED ENDEAVOR-06”
(2) NATO/ PfP CPX COOPERATION LONGBW
(3) CPX “SEVEN STARS -06”
(4) NATO/PfP CPX “COOPERATIVE LANCER 06”
(5) SEESIM 06
B. The PMSC endorsed the Annual Plan for Exercises, Training, and Travel Plan for 2006. The PMSC specified that these plans would be modified in accordance with the developments regarding possible SEEBRIG deployment.
ITEM VI.EXERCISE AND TRAINING ISSUES (COMSEEBRIG)
COMSEEBRIG gave a situation report on EX SEVENSTARS 05 andEX CETATEA 05. COMSEEBRIG was tasked to review both plans for 2005 and 2006 for exercises and training in accordance with possible deployment of HQ SEEBRIG in Afghanistan and the proposals made by JFC Brunssum and JFTC Poland as well as to present a reserve plan to the Chairmanship and member nations NLT 30 October 05.
ITEM VII.PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION ON THE DEPLOYMENT OF SEEBRIG
(A) STATUS REPORT ON ISAF OPERATIONS (PRESENTED BY JFC BRUNSSUM REPRESENTATIVE)
JFC Brunssum Representative gave a status report on ISAF operations. He suggested that MPFSEE Nations should use the KMNB experience of Na 4 and Na 7.
(B) PRESENTATIONFROM JFTCPOLAND.
JFTC Poland representative briefed the PMSC on the contribution that this center can offer to HQ SEEBRIG on training for deployment in ISAF. He suggested that a lot of actions must be undertaken starting with manning conference,following key leaders training and CE personnel training to be organized in COSTANTA in December 05. Personnel from KMNB will be invited to participate in the training. Na 6 asked HQ SEEBRIG if they have a plan and the budget for this training and suggested that HQ SEEBRIG needs directions as early as possible.Na 2 stated that it is important to give SEEBRIG a clear mission for deployment.
(C) DISCUSSION ON THE DEPLOYMENT OF SEEBRIG
1. GENERAL OVERVIEW BY PMSC CHAIRMAN
The PMSC Chairman presented a sequence of events regarding SEEBRIG deployment in a PSO. He underlined that during the SEDM meeting in Ljubjana Ministers agreed to such a deployment.
The Deputy Chiefs of Defense during their annual meeting in Skopje, 12 May 05 expressed their national position and all agreed to a SEEBRIG deployment in ISAF.
Stressing the importance of the deployment in ISAF the PMSC Chairman underlined that NATO has requested a final answer regarding the deployment before November 09, 2005. He asked for the national consensus on critical issues such as manning, cost sharing mechanism, finances, CIS requirement, strategic transportationand legal aspects necessary fora deployment in ISAF, for subsequent SEDM Ministers approval before 9 November 05 NATO deadline.
2. STATUS REPORT AND THE WAY AHEAD (PRESENTED BY COMSEEBRIG)
COMSEEBRIG gave a status report and presented the way ahead for SEEBRIG deployment and emphasized that SEEBRIG is ready to take part in a PSO following the success of NATO certification process.
COMSEEBRIG introduced the force structure for SEEBRIG deployment in ISAF. He also presented a summary of critical points to be revised by MPFSEE Nations for the deployment. He also presented a summary of the outcomes of the High Level Experts Meeting, were he reiterated that it is important for HQ SEEBRIG to start the mission preparations.
3. CE RESTRUCTURING (PRESENTED BY COMSEEBRIG AND ENDORSED BY NATIONS)
SEEBRIG DCOSOPS presented the CE restructuring stressing that in case of deployment there will bean operational establishment similar to the current structure of KMNB. It was mentioned thatfor this deployment there arestill 6unfilledslots by Nations.
Na 7 discussedon operational establishment, stressing that there is no need for CIMIC technical assessment teams in this HQ. Also they stated that personnel slots in HQ SEEBRIG KMNB should be indicated by the contributing nations, and ask for Deputy Commander postif possible (ANNEX F).
4.NATIONAL VIEWS AND POSITIONS ON SEEBRIG DEPLOYMENT IN ISAF AND ELIMINATION OF SEEBRIG SHORTFALLS (BY NATIONS)
Nations presented their views and national positions on a SEEBRIG deployment in ISAF. All the nations agreed on the importance of a SEEBRIG deployment to culminate many years of efforts. Nations discussed ways to reach a consensus among all members regarding the cost share of this mission. In order to minimize the MPFSEE Nationsexpenses, they suggested that observer nations may contribute in solving some issues. They asked the PMSC Chairman to make a request to Ukraine to provide strategic lift and to MPFSEE NATO members, toconsider approving the rent ofCIS back bone system and crypto equipment during the mission. It was agreed that a letter must be sent to SEDM ministers with all the details of the mission asking for their position NLT 15 October 05.If necessary a AD HOC PMSC meeting (one day)to be scheduled between 20 - 30 October 05. Na1 proposed that it was important to reach a consensus on missioncost sharing, and the issue will be open to constructive discussionfor an acceptable solutionwhich would only apply to this ISAF deployment. This was supported by Na3 and Na 6 (as one of the mechanisms proposed in the annex of the letter of Na 6 Minister of Defense sent by 1 September 05).Nations recognized thatconsideration should be given for discussing at a futureSEDM Meeting, the revision of the MPFSEE Agreement to reflect all the aspects required to deploy SEEBRIG in PSOs, based on lessons learned from ISAF deployment.
Nations agreed that SEEBRIG HQ should continue its preparations for a deployment in ISAF by February 06.
Nation 3 noted the following: ‘‘MPFSEE Agreement was made for deployment in the region of South Eastern Europe , where the cost would be significantly lower . If we all agree to stick on the Agreement provisions, then we will never reach to a common conclusion, as every nation can make its own interpretations’’ (ANNEX D).
5. APPROVAL OF THE DOCUMENT “GENERAL TIMEFRAME FOR SEEBRIG DEPLOYMENT IN ISAF”
The PMSC Chairman presented the”General Timeframe for SEEBRIG Deployment in ISAF (See Annex-C).
As the document presented has some dates which do not correspond to eventsthus far, it needs to be reviewed by member Nationsand their comments must be sent NLT 10 October 05. They suggested that this document shouldinclude the be prepared in coordination with NATOJFC Brunssum and JFTC Poland training plan for deployment.
6. STATUS REPORT IN THE HIGH LEVEL EXPERTS MEETING ( PRESENTED BY HQ SEEBRIG)
SEEBRIG representatives gave a status report on the outcomes of the High Level Experts Meeting. The most critical issue was the CIS equipment.Different suggestions were submitted by the nations. PMSC Chairman suggested finding a minimum cost for the deployment. He asked HQ SEEBRIG to provide the price forrenting these equipments instead of purchasing them.
ITEM VIII. FINANCIAL ISSUES (PRESENTED BY COMSEEBRIG)
(A)REPORT ON THE STATUS OF THE BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 2005
(B)ENDORSEMENT OF THE TOTAL BUDGET PLAN FOR THE YEAR 2006
The PMSC endorsed the total budget plan for the FY 2006 and decided to submit it to the approval of Defense Ministers at their upcoming meeting in WashingtonDC 04-07 Dec 05.
(C)NATIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND BALANCES.
HQ SEEBRIG representatives gave a status report in national contributions and balances (ANNEX E).
(D)DISCUSSION OF THE TOTAL BUDGET PLAN FOR DEPLOYMENT IN AFGHANISTAN
SEEBRIG representative presented aproposed budget based on either PE, CE or equal cost sharing formula for deployment in ISAF(which does not include CIS equipment and strategic lift) (ANNEX G).
ITEM IX. PROGRES REPORT OF UKRAINE MEMBERSHIP TO MPFSEE INITIATIVE
The Chairman welcomed the Ukrainian delegation in the 14th PMSC Meeting and informed the participants on the steps for Ukraine full membership to SEDM process and MPFSEE initiative. PMSC kindly proposed that Ukraine consider, as a contribution to the MPFSEE initiative and a step to full membership in SEDM process, providing and answer as soon as possible to the request for supporting strategic transportation for SEEBRIG deployment in ISAF
ITEM X.ANY OTHER BUSINESS
ITEM XI. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING
The PMSC regular meeting is agreed to be held in Tirana in MARCH06.
ITEM XII. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
The PMSC approved the minutes of the 14th Meeting of PMSC.
Member nations and all the participants expressed their gratitude to the Albanian MODand Secretariat for the outstanding organization of this meeting.
Before closing the meeting, the PMSC Chairman expressed his gratitude to all member and observer nations, COMSEEBRIG and his staff and NATO officials for the strenuous efforts and support provided.
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