NATO looks for new strategic approaches
06.06.2009 18:20 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Titled "Redefining the Security and Transatlantic
Diplomacy Role of NATO For the 21st Century," the conference was
organized in Istanbul by Arý Movement, a civil society
organization. It focused on NATO enlargement, the alliance’s relations
with the European Union and its new missions outside of the European
geography.
While participants praised NATO’s role during the course of its past
60 years, they also emphasized the significance of shaping a strategic
concept, particularly in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks in New
York.
"During the past 10 years, the strategic landscape has changed," said
Stefanie Babst, NATO’s deputy assistant secretary general for public
diplomacy, adding that the organization "has moved from being into
doing." The new strategic concept should take into account two main
events, the Sept. 11 attacks and the existing situation in
Afghanistan, she added.
"The new strategic concept also should be a political one as well,"
Babst said. "It should have a renewed clearer vision about core tasks,
and it should prioritize main tasks." In this respect, the new concept
has to address military and political issues together, according to
Babst.
In an interview with the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review, Babst
also underscored the significance of the political process over the
determination of NATO’s new strategic concept, which will involve the
participation of civil society organizations, universities and think
tanks. Babst said that the new strategic concept is not just a NATO
document: "It is a joint vision of NATO countries that would like to
develop the alliance both politically and militarily."
But Solomon Passy, from Bulgaria, drew attention to NATO’s image. A
member of parliament and a former foreign minister, Passy highlighted
the need to improve the alliance’s image. "If we succeed in winning
public opinion, we can make a huge impact."
NATO-EU relations was another major topic discussed throughout the
conference. Passy said relations between the two entities needed to
improve and be deepened. "The relations between these two
organizations are very poor," he said.