30 June 2003

Plans for NATO support to Poland’s Iraq mission finalized News 30/06/03 - SHAPE SHAPE actively supports Poland in preparation of its operation in Iraq 03/06/03 - NATO NATO approves support for Poland in Iraq 21/05/03 - NATO NATO Council makes decision on Polish request Links Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) On 30 June 2003, a force review conference held at NATO’s main European military headquarters in Belgium finalized the plans for NATO support to Poland in its planned role in Iraq. Force review conferences are part of the normal military planning cycle at NATO and usually organized for any Alliance operation. They give contributing nations the opportunity to discuss the details of the requirements, provide offers and finalize the planning process for the mission. The conference was the culmination of a series of bilateral and multi-national meetings and discussions designed to determine how NATO can support Poland in Iraq. The process began on 21 May 2003, when the North Atlantic Council, the Alliance’s top decision-making body, agreed to a request by Poland for support in relation to its planned role in the international stabilization force in Iraq. The Alliance will not have any permanent presence in Iraq, but will aid Poland in a variety of supporting roles. This will include help with force generation, communications, logistics and movements. Several NATO member nations have already signalled support to Poland on a bilateral basis. At the conference, the offers of support were reviewed and matched against Poland’s needs. The practical arrangements for implementing the support were also concluded. “ With the great support of NATO and its partner nations, I am very glad to be able to provide capable forces and necessary arrangements to Poland to enable the commander in theatre to fulfil a difficult task,” said Admiral Feist, Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe and chairman of the conference.