The White Falcon - 07.01.1994, Qupperneq 4

Q - “The U.S. reaffirms its commitment to
the 1951 Bilateral Defense Agreement. Does
that mean we will stay?”
A - “That is exactly right We are not only
staying, but we affirm the continuing link
which exists between the U.S. and Iceland
Q - “Iceland affirms that the U.S. and
allied forces should remain in Iceland at the
Keflavik base?”
A - "That is the second link of the critical
chain between the countries. Not only does
the U.S. feel that way, but Iceland feels the
same way, just as strongly.”
Q - We read of base realignments and
closures in Europe. Is this the hit that we’re
going to take in all of this?”
A-“The relationship between the U.S. and
Iceland is a unique one, with the ’51 Agree-
ment and the fact that Iceland does not have
its own aimed forces. We are the defense of
Iceland. That makes what we do here rather
unique, when compared to Europe and the
U.S. itself.”
Q - “Is the Naval Air Station still in the
same business?”
A - “Absolutely. The naval air stations is
here to stay.”
Q - “What will happen in two years’ time
if there is continued peace in the world?”
A - “After a two-year period, we should sit
down again and take a lode at the world
situation and at that time make a determina-
tion. Today, the world is changing rapidly
and is changing in directions that we cer-
tainly cannot forecast We have acknowl-
edged that the situation that exists today
might be very different from a year from
now. We need to make long-term decisions.
With this two-year mark, it demonstrates that
none of us know what two years from now
will look like.”
Q - “Can you tell us about the work that the
Iceland Defense Force (IDF) staff did?”
A - “The IDF staff and the American
Embassy have worked hand in glove in put-
ting this together. A lot of hard work by a lot
of people went into making this happen. It’s
not an easy thing to get two countries with
diverse views to sit down and come up with
an agreement that easily satisfies both sides.”
Q - “Are both sides now satisfied with the
outcome?”
A - “Yes, everyone seemed quite satisfied.
The views of both sides were clearly repre-
sented by this agreement.”
Q - “What role did the 35th Wing play in
all of this?”
A - “The 35th Wing was very active in
providing all the information required to reach
the agreement I would like to applaud them,
every airman and every officer. I’m very
proud of that organization.”
Q - “Will we get back to normal rapidly?^
A - “Yes. Once we work out our con<jfl
of operations, everybody will know wfl
they stand and how this will affect them.^
Q - “Do you see any significant changes in
our daily operations. For example, the bien-
nial ‘Northern Viking’ exercise?”
A - “No. In fact the Northern Viking
exercise will continue. Idon’tseeany changes
there. Our operations will continue as nor-
mally as you could expect them to be.”
Q - “Is this going to have a major impact on
the Icelandiv work force here on the NATO
base?”
A - “No. Certain positions might have to
go. I expect these to be minimal.”
Q - “Will we see a continuation of con-
tracted work and building repairs on the
NATO base?”
A - “Absolutely. My focus has been and
will remain on quality of life. Regardless of
changes that will occur, we will continue to
put emphasis on quality of life. Everything
that is required to ensure we have a quality
force working in quality spaces, living in
quality housing, will continue. Let’s con-
tinue working hard as one team.”
Attendees at the U. S./Icelandic
Bilateral Security Consultations
U. S. delegates
Mr. William J. Perry,
Deputy Secretary of Defense
General Michael P. Cams,
Vice Chief of Staff, U. S. Air Force
Ambassador Parker Borg,
American Ambassador to Iceland
Brigadier General Paul J. Kern,
Deputy Security Defense, Senior Military Assistant
Mr. Darel Johnson,
Principal Director, European and NATO Policy
Rear Adm. Michael D. Haskins,
Commando', Iceland Defense Force
Mr. Eugene Schmlel,
Deputy Chief of Mission, American Embassy
Ms. Elizabeth Brocklng,
Department for Europe, Northeast
Mr. Jim Townsend,
Country Director for Europe and Iceland
Colonel John Markulls,
Deputy Commander, Iceland Defense Force
Mr. Ed Dickens,
Political Officer, American Embassy
Commander Jonathan Edwards,
Staff Judge Advocate, IDF
Icelandic delegates
Mr. J6n Baldvin Hannlbalsson,
Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade
Ambassador Porsteinn Ingolfsson,
Permanent Under-Secretary, Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Ambassador Gunnar Palsson,
Deputy Permanent Under-Secretary for Political Affairs,
Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Ambassador R6bert T. Arnason,
Director, Defense Department, Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Ambassador Einar Benediktsson,
Iceland’s Ambassador to the United States
Mr. Albert Jdnsson,
Head of Division, Security and Foreign Affairs,
Office of the Prime Minister
Mr. Sturla Sigurjdnsson,
First Secretary, Political Department, MFA
Mr. Ara6r Sigurjonsson,
Defense Counsellor, Defense Department, MFA
4
The White Falcon