The Baltic states (catch all)

[Stan]

Estonia has decided to participate in a NATO and PFP Countries project aimed at supporting Georgia in destroying out-dated and dangerous unguided missiles and rockets.

The project involves destroying 8780 S-8 unguided missiles and Alazan and Crystal anti-hail rockets located in the former Vartsikhe and Depolistkaro air defence bases in Georgia.
The unguided missiles and rockets that are to be demilitarised are long pass their expected life and are kept in unsuitable storage conditions, and as such have become a threat to the environment.

According to the Estonian Minister of Defence, supporting Georgia means increasing the security of not only the region itself but also on a greater scale. “If they were to end up in the wrong hands, such weapons could also cause much harm in NATO area of operations.

[Stan]

In speaking about the operation in Afghanistan, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet emphasized that success can not be achieved by using military means alone.

“The situation in Afghanistan demands the implementation of more civil measures. Primarily, international organizations like the UN and the European Union should increase their contributions and expand their activities alongside NATO,” said Paet.


The main topics discussed at the meeting were the NATO-led operation in Afghanistan, the situation in Kosovo and in the Western Balkans in general, and issues related to NATO enlargement and relations with partner countries. A meeting of the NATO-Russia Council and NATO Ukraine-Commission also took place, as did a meeting between NATO allies and the Mediterranean Dialogue countries.


The foreign policy leaders also discussed matters related to NATO enlargement. At the moment, Croatia, Macedonia and Albania are preparing to become members of the alliance within the framework of the NATO Membership Action Plan (MAP). An invitation to join may be issued to these nations at the next NATO summit in April 2008, depending on how successfully the countries do their “homework” of implementing reforms. According to Foreign Minister Urmas Paet, the results-based enlargement process will increase the security of the entire Euro-Atlantic region. “The prospect of acceding to NATO is a motivator for all European nations to move forward on the path to reforms, integration and democracy,” said Paet. The foreign ministers will continue to discuss the potential expansion of NATO at their next meeting in March of next year.