Lithuanian Defence Minister: Regular NATO Exercises in Baltic Region are Vital

October 18, 2012 defpro.com

In the meeting with Commander of the Allied Joint Force Command (JFC) Brunssum (the Netherlands) General Wolf Langheld emphasised that as many regular NATO non Article 5 exercises should be held in the Baltic Region using as realistic scenarios as possible.

“The exercise “Steadfast Jazz 2013” to be held the following year will be an important event in this context as it is aimed increasing NATO visibility and provides training opportunity for our military personnel”, R. Jukneviciene said. The Article 5 NATO exercise “Steadfast Jazz 2013” will be held simultaneously in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Poland in 2013.

In his turn Gen W. Langheld assured that the allies appreciate Lithuania’s contribution to the NATO activity, especially the operation in Afghanistan. “I reassure you that Lithuania is safe and defended as part of NATO”, said Commander of the Allied Joint Force Command (JFC) Brunssum.

The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) operation in Afghanistan and the withdrawal of the participating capabilities from the country were also addressed at the meeting.

Minister stated that after her visit in Afghanistan before a week and a half she assessed the changes in the Lithuanian-protected province of Ghor positively.

“We have scheduled to transfer the responsibility for the security in Ghor to the local security forces in the second semester of 2013 and to finish our activity in the province by the end of the same year. A resolution by the Government of the Republic of Lithuania was passed on Tuesday on this point,” R. Jukneviciene said.

In 2013 the activity in Ghor will shift from ensuring security and training to advising, its nature will change from direct involvement in security operations and regular training of the national security forces to consultations rendered on in case such need occurs. After 2013 Lithuania’s activities in the south of Afghanistan will be continued by the Special Operations Unit, Air Mentoring Team will deliver training to local helicopter pilots in Kandahar, a decreased number of staff officers will serve in the ISAF HQ in Kabul and Herat, the Lithuanian Special Mission Protection Team will be maintained in in Kabul till the end of 2014, and the National Support Element in a curtailed composition will continue its activity and ensure logistic support of the Lithuanian peacekeepers from Kabul and Kandahar.

Lithuanian Minister stressed that ensuring security of the withdrawal process and the continuity of commitments are the top priorities of the current drawdown phase.

Gen W. Langheld promised all the support necessary for a streamlined withdrawal of forces.

Furthermore, security situation in the region, the Baltic Air Policing mission, and other points were addressed at the meeting.