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                 NATO Commits to Leaner, More Effective Command

   by Dan Robinson

   CHICAGO - In addition to pledging an "irreversible transition" in
   Afghanistan, NATO's 28 partner nations agreed at their Chicago summit
   on steps to ensure the alliance's viability, and its ability to respond
   effectively to future threats and challenges in tight economic times.
   NATO leaders came to Chicago with the objectives of improving the
   efficiency of NATO operations, increasing burden-sharing and
   positioning the alliance as a reliable global security hub.
   ''A final declaration commits to a "leaner, more effective and
   affordable" NATO command structure,including steps to make better use
   of the budgets of member countries.
   What is called "NATO Forces 2020" involves "modern, tightly connected
   forces, able to "operate together and with partners in any
   environment."
   NATO said "complex security challenges and financial difficulties" make
   it more important than ever to make the best use of resources while
   remaining committed to key principles, including collective defense.
   ''''
   Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen discussed the importance of
   these principles at a meeting of NATO's Atlantic Council.
   "Together we will keep NATO capable of responding to the security
   challenges of tomorrow, because no country and no continent can deal
   with them alone," said Rasmussen. "We must embrace a renewed culture of
   cooperation to provide more security at lesser cost for all of our
   citizens."
   ''Prominent in the declaration is last year's military operation in
   Libya, which NATO said showed the allies' ability to "quickly and
   effectively conduct complex operations."  But NATO said it also left
   important lessons to be incorporated into plans and policies.
   President Barack Obama said though times have changed, the fundamental
   reason for NATO's existence, ensuring "common security, freedom and
   prosperity" remains unchanged.
   "In good times and in bad our alliance has endured. In fact, it has
   thrived, because we share an unbreakable commitment to the freedom and
   security of our citizens," said Obama. "We have seen this from the Cold
   War, to the Balkans, to Afghanistan and Libya."
   NATO also cites operations in Kosovo, counter-piracy operations in the
   Indian Ocean and logistical support for the African Union in Somalia,
   and the concluded NATO training mission in Iraq.
   Significant outcomes include a Defense Posture Review that reaffirms
   "an appropriate mix of nuclear, conventional and missile defense
   capabilities," and an Alliance Ground Surveillance System involving
   drone aircraft for intelligence gathering.
   NATO declared an "interim" capability for ballistic missile defense,
   involving the U.S.-funded system to protect against potential launches
   from Iran and other countries such as North Korea. Leaders will
   continue efforts to resolve differences with Russia over the system.
   NATO also focused attention on the importance of its ties with partner
   nations, and its support for countries seeking membership, including
   Bosnia-Herzegovina, Macedonia, Montenegro and Georgia.
   Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reaffirmed NATO's "open-door
   policy," saying the alliance looks forward to the day when these
   countries implement all necessary reforms for membership in an expanded
   alliance. "Here in Chicago let us reaffirm our commitment to
   enlargement, done right, as a core element of our purpose and our
   community," she said.
   On Syria, leaders said only that they continue to "follow the evolution
   of the Syrian crisis with growing concern," and strongly support full
   implementation of the United Nations-backed Annan plan to find a
   peaceful solution.
   NATO urged Iran to build the confidence of the international community
   on the peaceful nature of its nuclear program, and supports a
   diplomatic solution under the P5+1 negotiations with Tehran.
   NATO urged North Korea to fully comply with its international
   obligations and abandon all activities related to its existing nuclear
   weapons and ballistic missile programs in a complete, verifiable and
   irreversible manner.
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References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/nato-commits-leaner-more-effective-command/917463.html