POLAND POLICY CONSIDERATIONS Poland has been in the forefront of the recent Eastern European political and economic revolution. Poland is implementing the most radical economic reform program in the region, and has put in place the basic framework for a democratic political system. Free, open parliamentary elections were held in late October 1991. Despite these advances, however, much remains to be done to depoliticize the Polish military and national security apparatus. The civilian national security apparatus is in transition and the new civilian decision-makers lack expertise. The IMET Program offers an opportunity for the U.S. to support transformation from a Communist-indoctrinated military to one that is civilian-run and free from politics. The Polish military has always commanded the respect of the Polish people; despite more than forty years of Communist rule, it still enjoys this support. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Poland's IMET program, which began in FY 91, is targeted toward establishing a democratic pattern of civilian/military relations. The proposed IMET program will further the objectives described above through professional military education and technical training. It will also aim to develop U.S.-Polish defense cooperation. The major focus will be English language training and command and staff college courses. The Expanded IMET program will provide instruction to civilian and military officials in U.S. principles of defense resource management and civilian control of the military. PORTUGAL POLICY CONSIDERATIONS Portuguese willingness and ability to maintain close military cooperation with the U.S. and permit broad access to military facilities at Lajes Air Base in the Azores make an important contribution to U.S. global strategic mobility for NATO and out-of-area contingencies. Continued U.S. access to Lajes, located in the eastern mid-Atlantic 900 miles west of the Portuguese mainland, permits Allied control of strategic sea lanes, which are important to the reinforcement of Europe and the Middle East in the event of war or crisis. Lajes's value as a transit point for non-NATO contingencies was demonstrated during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm when U.S. forces staged crucial refueling operations from the base. Portugal immediately granted blanket permission to use Lajes as well as blanket mainland overflight clearance at the outset of the Gulf crisis. Portugal values its ties to the U.S. and has given strong public support to U.S. foreign policy initiatives. In 1983, government-to-government negotiations extended U.S. base rights until February 4, 1991. Portugal has made clear its desire for a continued U.S. military presence at Lajes. Negotiations on a new agreement began in January 1991 and are still underway. A one-year grace period extended the validity of the current agreement until February 1992. After that the terms of the 1983 agreement will remain in force as long as negotiations continue. In 1988, Portugal requested "special consultations," under the terms of the 1983 base agreement, to discuss security assistance levels. The U.S. and Portugal successfully concluded these consultations in January 1989, agreeing on a military equipment package that will enhance Portugal's anti-submarine warfare and air defense capabilities through a combination of FMF credits, equipment transfers under the Southern Region Amendment, and Portuguese government funds. This package includes 20 F-16 aircraft financed through FMF. Portugal is working toward leaner and more modern armed forces, with emphasis on air and sea defense of the "strategic triangle" between the mainland, Madeira Islands and the Azores, which controls access to the Western Mediterranean. Portugal's security partnership with the U.S. will grow as it adopts a greater defense role in the eastern Atlantic. Modernization will improve Portugal's tactical air support of maritime operations and establish a limited air defense capability based on one F-16 squadron. The program will also upgrade Portugal's Special Forces brigade into a quick reaction force able to reinforce the Azores and other NATO areas. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Objectives Status Support the F-16 aircraft program and an air defense package Continue to upgrade the Special Forces brigade into a quick reaction force Raise military and professional skills of Portuguese Armed Forces through training programs The FMF program provides essential support to the armed forces' efforts to acquire F-16 fighter aircraft, upgrade P-3B ASW aircraft, mechanize the NATO-committed composite brigade, and support the U.S. content (weapons, propulsion and other equipment) of the three MEKO frigates. Any reductions in assistance would have a direct, immediate negative impact on defense programs. Economic Support Fund (ESF) programs for Portugal ended in FY 92 as a result of the country's increased economic strength and full membership in the European Community. FY 1993 REQUEST The proposed FY 93 program is consistent with our "best efforts" commitments made in the 1983 negotiations and in the special consultations concluded in January 1989. To do less would hinder Portugal's force modernization efforts and seriously complicate the ongoing negotiations for a new Lajes base agreement. FMF will provide follow-on support for existing F-16, MEKO frigate, P-3 and ASW and heliborne sonar programs. It will also provide support for mobility, communications, combat and anti-armor equipment and program management. IMET will provide professional military education, management courses and technical training, including postgraduate engineering training unavailable in Portugal. OATAR POLICY CONSIDERATIONS Qatar is an important oil and gas producer with steadily strengthening ties to the U.S. It was one of the first Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states to welcome U.S. forces for Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, and later accepted other friendly forces as well. Qatari forces participated fully in Operation Desert Storm. The strong performance of their armored brigade in the fighting at Khafji and in the liberation of Kuwait attracted wide attention and praise. Qatar has a traditional government headed by an Amir. He usually consults with a council of notables before major decisions, and citizens may petition for redress of grievances. It is a highly conservative society where Islamic law prevails and some human rights are restricted. Qatar unilaterally cancelled the debts of developing countries in October 1990. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Objectives Status Support Qatar's efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Gulf region Influence Qatar towards moderation in solving its dispute with Bahrain over the Support increased military cooperation with U.S. armed forces and encourage improved regional defense cooperation Support realistic modernization programs to enhance Qatar's defense capabilities The Qatari Defense Force participates in the GCC Peninsula Shield Force headquartered at King Khalid Military City in Saudi Arabia. Qatar's forces are now equipped with a mixture of mostly older European equipment which has not been upgraded in recent years. FY 93 REQUEST In FY 93 and beyond, Qatar and the U.S. will be working to improve our security relationship in the aftermath of Operation Desert Shield/Storm. The Qataris have expressed a need to upgrade their air defense system, and have specifically indicated a desire to acquire Patriot missiles and an IRCM system to protect the Amir's plane. |