Afghanistan

In recent years Afghanistan has been the principal focus of Norway’s military operations abroad and this remains a top priority. The Norwegian contributions to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) currently involve approximately 350 personnel. These are concentrated predominantly in Kabul and their functions include the lead role in a multinational battlegroup which also includes a Norwegian company. Norway also provides staff officers for ISAF’s headquarters and for the multinational brigade in Kabul, as well as continuing to provide firefighters at Kabul International Airport.

Today the Norwegian presence outside Kabul is limited to some 30 personnel in Meymaneh in the northwest of the country. The personnel form part of one of ISAF’s nine PRTs, at present led by the United Kingdom. From 1 September the PRT lead role will be taken over by Norway and this will mean increasing our presence here by about 20 additional personnel. This expanded contribution is planned to include an aid adviser and a police adviser.

In addition to its ISAF contributions, Norway is also participating in Operation Enduring Freedom with special forces for a period of up to 6 months from July/August 2005. This contribution follows on from a corresponding contribution made earlier. Norwegian participation in this operation will have the fight against international terrorism as its primary aim. It will at the same time contribute to the establishment of safety and security in Afghanistan, itself a necessary precondition if ISAF is to continue to expand its operational area towards the south and east of the country.

The Balkans

Since summer 2004 Norway has deployed a helicopter unit consisting of 4 transport helicopters as a contribution to the Kosovo Force (KFOR). Now, as from this summer, the helicopter unit has been replaced by an intelligence and analysis team. Norway is also providing a small number of staff officers for duty at NATO headquarters both in Kosovo and in Macedonia.

In December 2004 the EU took over the operation of NATO’s Stabilisation Force (SFOR) in Bosnia-Herzegovina and launched Operation EUFOR – ALTHEA. Norway’s contribution to the EU operation is a small number of staff officers and a liaison team.

Norway also provides a small number of staff officers serving in NATO’s headquarters in Bosnia.

Iraq

Norway is continuing its participation in the multinational stabilisation force in Iraq (MNF-I) during the second half of 2005 and is contributing up to 10 staff officers. The Norwegian personnel will form part of the British and Polish divisional headquarters staff.

In addition Norway is contributing up to 10 personnel to serve with the NATO Training Mission Iraq (NTM-I). The purpose of NATO’s involvement is to assist with the training of more senior Iraqi officers.

Sudan

Norway has had an active role in the peace process in Sudan. Against the background of UN Security Council Resolution 1590 of 24 march 2005, Norway will support the UN-led force in Sudan (UNMIS) by providing up to 30 military personnel including observers, staff and medical personnel. These capabilities are in great demand and will help to meet the UN’s needs. Visible and substantial contributions to the UN force in Sudan are important to the stabilisation of the African continent. In addition Norway has declared itself willing to deploy Norwegian personnel in NATO’s command structure in connection with NATO support for the African Union’s peace mission in Darfur.

Ethiopia/Eritrea

The present contribution of five officers to the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) will be maintained.

Middle East

Norway has for many years provided observers for the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO). The present contribution of 10-12 officers will be continued throughout autumn 2005.

Similarly, the Norwegian contribution of three officers for service with the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in Sinai will be continued.

Mediterranean / Operation Active Endeavour

NATO’s maritime operation Active Endeavour will continue. During spring 2005 Norway has contributed one submarine. There are also plans for a maritime patrol aircraft to participate for a period of three months during autumn 2005. In addition up to 4 MTBs will be made available to NATO for maritime patrol and policing duties in the waters round Gibraltar.

NRF (NATO Response Force)

The NRF provides NATO with a high readiness capability and is capable of deployment to an operational area at very short notice. The force elements assigned to the NRF therefore have to maintain a high state of readiness during their stand-by periods. For autumn 2005 Norway has assigned six F-16 combat aircraft, an explosive ordnance disposal team, a mine clearance vessel, a RORO transport vessel as well as a staff element for naval cooperation and the guidance of civil shipping as part of the measures to combat terrorism at sea.