Tuesday, August 10, 2010

DTN News: Colombia, Venezuela Reestablish Diplomatic Ties

Defense News: DTN News: Colombia, Venezuela Reestablish Diplomatic Ties
Source: DTN News / Xinhua
(NSI News Source Info) SANTA MARTA, Colombia, - August 11, 2010: Colombian and Venezuelan governments agreed Tuesday to reestablish diplomatic relations.

The agreement was reached between Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and his Venezuelan counterpart Hugo Chavez after a long meeting in Santa Marta, a Colombian city on the Caribbean coast.

Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos (Front L) talks to his Venezuelan counterpart Hugo Chavez (Front R), in their first meeting since Santos took office, in Santa Marta, Columbia, Aug. 10, 2010. Santos and Chavez reached an agreement on Tuesday to restore diplomatic relations between the two countries during their talks. (Xinhua Photo)

Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos (R) meets with his Venezuelan counterpart Hugo Chavez in Santa Marta, Columbia, Aug. 10, 2010.  (Xinhua Photo)
Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos (R) meets with his Venezuelan counterpart Hugo Chavez in Santa Marta, Columbia, Aug. 10, 2010. (Xinhua Photo)

Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos (R) shakes hands with his Venezuelan counterpart Hugo Chavez, in their first meeting since Santos took office, in Santa Marta, Columbia, Aug. 10, 2010. (Xinhua Photo)
Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos (R) talks to his Venezuelan counterpart Hugo Chavez, in their first meeting since Santos took office, in Santa Marta, Columbia, Aug. 10, 2010.  (Xinhua Photo)
Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos (R) talks to his Venezuelan counterpart Hugo Chavez, in their first meeting since Santos took office, in Santa Marta, Columbia, Aug. 10, 2010. (Xinhua Photo)

"We are here seeking the re-establishment of relations between two sister countries," Santos told reporters before the summit.

"We shall begin patiently to rebuild what was torn apart," said Chavez.

Both presidents told a post-summit conference that they also agreed to create five working commissions to solve the bilateral debt issue, boost commercial ties, reach an economic complementation agreement, develop a working plan for social investment and establish a security mechanism.

Venezuela severed ties with Colombia on July 22, after Bogota accused Caracas of hosting guerilla chiefs in its territory.

However, tensions began to ease as a new government led by Santos took over in Bogota. In a sign of good will, Chavez sent his foreign minister to attend Santos' inauguration ceremony on Saturday. Foreign ministers of the two countries met on Sunday and agreed on the date and location of the summit between the two presidents.

Related Stories:

Venezuelan president expresses wish for peace with Colombia

BOGOTA, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez arrived on Tuesday in Colombia's Santa Marta city to meet with his Colombian counterpart Juan Manuel Santos.

Upon his arrival, Chavez expressed his will "to build peace." Full story

Hopes high for ending row between Venezuela, Colombia

MEXICO CITY, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) -- Hopes are high that Venezuela and Colombia will put aside their diplomatic row when the two countries' leaders meet on Tuesday to seek a repairing of ties, analysts say.

However, the dust of their dispute over Colombia's accusations that Venezuela was harboring Colombian guerrillas, is unlikely to settle for at least some time. Full story

Chavez confirms Tuesday summit with Colombia's new president

CARACAS, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez confirmed Sunday he will travel to Bogota Tuesday to meet his new Colombian counterpart Juan Manuel Santos in a bid to mend the bilateral ties.

The president said in a TV program that top on the summit's agenda would be restoring bilateral relations. Full story

DTN News: Afghanistan TODAY August 11, 2010 - Afghan Civilian Casualties Up 31% According To U.N. Report

Defense News: DTN News: Afghanistan TODAY August 11, 2010 - Afghan Civilian Casualties Up 31% According To U.N. Report
Source: DTN News / Xinhua
(NSI News Source Info) KABUL, Afghanistan - August 11, 2010: Afghan civilian casualties rose by 31 percent in the first half of this year, the United Nations said while releasing a report here Tuesday.

"Tactics of Taliban and other anti-government elements are behind 31 percent increase in conflict-related Afghan civilian casualties in the first six months of 2010 compared with the same period in 2009," the report said.

Police check the blast site in Kandahar, south Afghanistan, Aug. 2, 2010. A suicide car bombing targeted a local official of Afghanistan's southern Kandahar province killed four civilians including two children Monday morning. (Xinhua/Zalmay)

Among those killed or injured by Taliban and other anti- government militants were 55 percent more children and six percent more women than in 2009, it further said.

"Afghan children and women are increasingly bearing the brunt of this conflict. They are being killed and injured in their homes and communities in greater numbers than ever before," said Staffan de Mistura, Special Representative of the Secretary-Genera.

It also said that casualties attributed to pro-government forces fell down 30 percent during the same period, driven by a 64 percent decline in deaths and injuries caused by aerial attacks.

"From 1 January to 30 June 2010, UNAMA Human Rights Unit documented 3,268 civilian casualties including 1,271 deaths and 1, 997 injuries," the report further asserted.

Anti-government militants, according to the report were responsible for 2,477 casualties (76 percent of all casualties, up 53 percent from 2009) while 386 were attributed to pro-government elements' activities (12 percent of all casualties, down from 30 percent in 2009).

Using Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and suicide attacks by militants, according to the report had largely contributed to more civilian casualties.

Related News

DTN News: Chinese Fighter Jets Train Over Tibet

Defense News: DTN News: Chinese Fighter Jets Train Over Tibet
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 11, 2010: J-11 planes, the most modern Chinese jet fighters said to be pirated copies of Russia’s Su-27, have for the first time been shown in training over the Tibetan Plateau recently. While the Chinese media only showed a picture of some of these planes in the air, with a caption referring to the training flight, Strategy Page online Aug 6 said, reporting on it, that China had no combat aircraft stationed in Tibet, saying there were logistical and attitude problems in doing so.
However, it said, J-7s (cloned from older, MiG-21 Russian jets) had been flying in regularly for temporary duty at major commercial airports in Tibet.
The report said the J-11 jets had been appearing in more unexpected places (like the Chinese naval air force), although fewer than 150 had been built since they were introduced in the late 1990s.
1995 China paid $2.5 billion for the right to build 200 Su-27s. Russia was to supply the engines and electronics, with China building the other components according to Russian plans and specifications. But after China built 95 of these aircrafts Russia cancelled the agreement, saying the former was copying Su-27 to build their own aircraft, the J-11.
The report said the main reason for not stationing fighter squadrons in Tibet had probably to do with the high altitude of the area, and the expense of moving large quantities of fuel and other supplies needed to maintain air units. It pointed out that there was only one rail line into Tibet (recently built) and few heavy duty truck roads.
China also has a serious problem in Tibet with altitude sickness among its troops. The report said the Chinese military was spending a lot of time, effort and money trying to solve this problem. It said currently, most of the troops in the Chinese Chengdu Military Region were in the eastern, lowland half. In the western portion (Tibet), they had stationed the 52nd and 53rd Mountain Brigades, and were struggling to keep these 5,000 troops fit for duty.
In case of an emergency, as there was two years ago, the nearby 13th and 14th Group Armies can send troops from their lowland bases, the report said. Over 20 percent of these troops will be hampered by altitude sickness once they reach the highlands, and commanders are trained to deal with that, it added.
It said that given the alertness required of aircraft maintenance personnel, and pilots preparing for flights, plus the logistical problems, the Chinese air force had declared Tibet fit to visit, but not to base aircraft units in. However, because the Chinese air force may one day have to fight in the air space over Tibet, training up there was necessary.
*This article "Chinese Fighter Jets Train Over Tibet - TibetanReview.net, Aug08, 2010" & link to this article....click here.
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News, contact: dtnnews@ymail.com
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Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information supplied herein, DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Unless otherwise indicated, opinions expressed herein are those of the author of the page and do not necessarily represent the corporate views of DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News.

DTN News: Royal Navy's Most Advanced Destroyer Sets Course Into Service

Defense News: DTN News: Royal Navy's Most Advanced Destroyer Sets Course Into Service
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources including MoD U.K.
(NSI News Source Info) LONDON, U.K. - August 11, 2010: HMS Daring was commissioned into the Royal Navy fleet in July 2009. Since then the ship has been undertaking a series of MOD-managed trials and acceptance activities to test and confirm the ship's technical capability and ensure that it is ready to join the Royal Navy as a front line warship.
This period has included Daring's crew undertaking rigorous basic operational sea training and the Type 45 making its first overseas visit, to Ireland.
Now, the 7,500-tonne ship can officially begin to play a key role in various operations around the world.
HMS Daring's ability to operate a range of helicopters from its flight deck and embark up to 60 troops, in addition to the ship's own company, make the warship a versatile Royal Naval asset, able to support land forces and carry out humanitarian missions.
Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, Peter Luff, said:
"The first in-service date for the Type 45 Class is a significant achievement for both the programme and the Royal Navy. It represents the first step towards delivering the fleet of the future.
"Along with her five sister ships, Daring will set new standards in air defence and will demonstrate her wider ability across the future challenges faced by the Armed Forces. I have no doubt that Daring will provide sterling service throughout its life."
Captain Paddy McAlpine, Daring's Commanding Officer, said:
"Daring represents a step change for the Royal Navy. Her technology and design make her an easy ship to fight with and my ability to control the airspace around the task force is unsurpassed.
"My ship's company and I are proud and privileged to serve in this truly magnificent ship, forging the way for the class. The potential that I have witnessed to date promises that this capability is set to become the cornerstone of the future Royal Navy."
Head of the Type 45 programme, Commodore Steve Brunton, said:
"This milestone is the culmination of a huge amount of hard work over five years of construction, and another two years of trials and development, by 4,000 workers at the Clyde and Portsmouth shipyards, many more at suppliers across the UK, and staff at MOD and in the Royal Navy.
"The strong relationship between MOD, industry and the Royal Navy has been critical to achieving today's success."
HMS Daring was in Portsmouth at the weekendTALI as part of Navy Days, the Royal Navy's annual event that gives the public the chance to meet the people and the ships of the modern Navy.
More than 25,000 visitors flocked to Portsmouth Naval Base for the three-day event which ended on Sunday 1 August.
HMS Daring and sister vessel Dauntless opened their doors to the public along with six other ships, including 'floating hospital' Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel Argus, fresh from a recent refit.
Historic ships HMS Victory and HMS Warrior also proved a big draw, as did a BAE Systems exhibition featuring the company's current shipbuilding projects, including the two Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers, and a glimpse of the future, the Type 26 combat ship, which is expected to enter service in the early 2020s and will replace the Navy's current fleet of Type 22 and 23 frigates.
Commodore Rob Thompson, Naval Base Commander, said:
"Navy Days was a huge success. The mainly dry and warm weather played a part but a big draw was seeing the Royal Navy's ships and personnel at close hand.
"The event proved an exciting opportunity to show the general public the wide role of the Royal Navy and what its men and women are up to across the globe - from taking the fight to the Taliban in Afghanistan to countering pirates in the Gulf of Aden."
HMS Daring is due to undergo further operational training and capability development in preparation for her first operational deployment, planned for 2011

DTN News: Aerospace/Defense Headlines - News Dated August 10, 2010

Defense News: DTN News: Aerospace/Defense Headlines - News Dated August 10, 2010
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 10, 2010: Comprehensive daily news related on Aerospace/Defense for the world of TODAY.

*Comprehensive daily news related on Aerospace/Defense for the world of TODAY.

Tuesday August 10, 2010

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated August 10, 2010

Defense News: DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated August 10, 2010
Source: U.S. DoD issued August 10, 2010
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - August 10, 2010: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued August 10, 2010 are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS

NAVY

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Rolling Meadows, Ill., is being awarded an undefinitized contract action with an estimated value of $77,655,380 for the procurement of 121 AN/AAQ-24(V) 25 Guardian laser transmitter assemblies for installation on CH-53D, CH-53E, and CH-46E helicopters, including associated technical data. The guardian laser transmitter assembly, a component of the large aircraft infrared countermeasures, is a next-generation directable laser-based countermeasures system for protecting helicopters and some fixed-wing aircraft from man-portable air defense systems. Work will be performed in Rolling Meadows, Ill. (39 percent); Edinburgh, Scotland (16.8 percent); Goleta, Calif. (10 percent); Blacksburg, Va. (9.4 percent); Boulder, Colo. (7.1 percent); Dallas, Texas (5.5 percent); Lewisburg, Tenn. (2 percent); Apopka, Fla. (1.8 percent); Woodland Hills, Calif. (1.3 percent); Tampa, Fla. (1 percent); Santa Clara, Calif. (1 percent); Melbourne, Fla. (1 percent); Wheeling, W.V. (1 percent); and various locations throughout the U.S. (3.1 percent), and is expected to be completed in August 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-10-C-0080).

Raytheon Co., Integrated Defense Systems, Tewksbury, Mass., is being awarded a $59,385,135 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-05-C-5346) for CVN 78 dual-band radar (DBR) common array power system (CAPS) and common array cooling system (CACS) efforts. The purpose of this modification is to procure factory assembly, integration, and test of one ship set of CAPS, one ship set of CACS, CVN 78 DBR unique components, and whole-life engineering products for the CVN 78 DBR. These efforts are required in order to meet the CVN 78 ship construction in-yard-need-dates at the receiving shipyard to ensure that critical production schedules are maintained for the CVN 78 program. Work will be performed in Andover, Mass. (72.6 percent); Sudbury, Mass. (22 percent); Portsmouth, R.I. (2.3 percent); Tewksbury, Mass. (2.1 percent); and Falls Church, Va. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by November 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Engineered Arresting Systems Corp., Aston, Pa., is being awarded a $20,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the acquisition of interim contractor logistics support for the M31 arresting gear system, which will include management; logistics; administration; spares; maintenance; configuration management; depot rework and repair; training; engineering support; web site support and phone support as production units are fielded. Work will be performed in Aston, Pa., and is expected to be completed in December 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $926,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-1. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-10-D-0011).

Ewing Construction Co. Inc.*, Corpus Christi, Texas, is being awarded a $10,325,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of rotor blade processing facility at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas. The work performed provides for labor, materials and equipment for design and construction of an addition to existing Building 49. Work will be performed in Corpus Christi, Texas, and is expected to be completed by October 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online Web site, with five proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla. is the contracting activity (N69450-10-C-0789).

DCS Corp.*, Alexandria, Va., is being awarded an $8,010,077 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N68936-05-D-0002) to provide additional weapons system integration services in support of the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division’s integrated product teams and weapons support facilities. The estimated level of effort for this modification is 114,800 man-hours. Work will be performed in China Lake, Calif. (90 percent), and Pt. Mugu, Calif. (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in November 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif., is the contracting activity.

The Gyro House*, Auburn, Calif., is being awarded a $6,606,775 firm-fixed-price order via the General Services Administration (GSA) schedule for the procurement of 1,462 Garmin GPSMAP 696 units for the Army (789) and Navy (673). The order also provides for the procurement of 293 GPSMAP 696/695 e-learning program CD-ROMs for the Army (158) and Navy (135). Work will be performed in Auburn, Calif., and is expected to be completed in June 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via a request for quotes under a GSA schedule E-buy; five firms were solicited and one offer was received. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-10-F-0010).

ARMY

GM GDLS Defense Group, LLC, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Aug. 5 a $20,029,812 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract action cuts the modified hull design (double-V hull), into an additional 78 vehicles and revises the obligated amount for the production cut-in of the double-V hull, into the previous 281 vehicles. The double-V hull is an integrated solution that provides improved protection levels to support operations in the Operation Enduring Freedom area of responsibility. Work is to be performed in London, Ontario, Canada (50 percent), and Anniston, Ala. (50 percent), with an estimated completion date of Feb. 22, 2012. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM, CCTA-AIP, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-D-M112).

General Tactical Vehicles, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Aug. 5 a $8,985,020 cost-share contract. This effort is for the design and development of three joint tactical vehicles (JLTV) subconfigurations for Australia in the right hand drive and the delivery of two JLTV subconfiguration vehicles and one companion trailer for government testing. Work is to be performed in Livonia, Mich. (47 percent); Sterling Heights, Mich. (41 percent); Muskegon, Mich. (9 percent); and South Bend, Ind. (3 percent), with an estimated completion date of May 19, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with seven bids received. TACOM Contracting Center, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-C-0108).

Sauer, Inc., Jacksonville, Fla., was awarded on Aug. 5a $18,649,100 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for Special Operations Forces North Operations additions, construction of a new two-story rigid steel frame, block and brick facility addition for a high priority operational mission section a Fort Bragg, N.C. Work is to be performed in Fort Bragg, N.C., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 15, 2010. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with 15 bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-10-C-0054).

General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Aug. 5, 2010 a $9,587,789 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the modification P00156 exercising option on various CLINS for system technical support for the Abrams tank program. Work is to be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 19, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM-Warren, AMSCC-TAC-AHLC, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0046).

AIR FORCE

Raytheon Co., Marlborough, Mass., was awarded a $9,185,971 contract modification which will provide research to develop a modular high-power laser beam controller that efficiently projects a high-quality beam on a distant target in the presence of atmospheric turbulence and does so with high electrical efficiency in a compact and lightweight form. At this time, $2,784,116 has been obligated. AFRL/PKDB, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-05-C-7211 P00012).

Arinc Engineering Services, LLC, Annapolis, Md., was awarded a $5,839,837 contract which will procure, deliver, install, integrate and test air traffic control tower equipment at Tikrit Air Base and Taji Air Base Iraq. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. ESC/HBAK, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (FA8730-10-C0008).

*Small business

DTN News: Elbit Systems Launches Two New Robots, Creating A VIPeR Family

Defense News: DTN News: Elbit Systems Launches Two New Robots, Creating A VIPeR Family
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 10, 2010: During Elbit Systems' latest exhibition displaying advanced land and C4I solutions, the Company launched two new members of the VIPeR family of intelligent and portable robots: Mini-VIPeR and Maxi-VIPeR, which join the combat-proven VIPeR robot, already operational in the Israel Defense Forces under the Hebrew name "Pazit."
Building on Elbit Systems' extensive experience and know-how in the unmanned systems field, and using a common control system, the robots feature intuitive operation and enable real-time reconnaissance, in addition to arena clearing, in-building mapping, decoy and screening functions.
The Mini-VIPeR robot is an extremely light-weight one-person portable system (weighing approximately 3.5 kg), equipped with advanced sensors that allow full operation in various adverse terrains, as well as allowing ground forces to survey structures before entering by literally throwing the robot through the window or into a dark tunnel.
The larger compact robot, Maxi-VIPeR, allows the disarming of explosives and handling radioactive materials using its robotic arm and the various advanced sensors.
Designed to reduce the danger to the dismounted force during different phases of combat, the VIPeR family of robots can take on many of the challenges faced by land warriors engaged in today's low intensity conflicts (LIC). Portable and highly mobile, the robots are configurable for multiple types of missions by add-on sensors, modules and payloads, tailored to specific tasks.
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News, contact: dtnnews@ymail.com

DTN News: BAE Systems Awarded Contract For Acquisition 390 L-Rod Aluminum Bar Armor Kits For RG-31 MRAP

Defense News: DTN News: BAE Systems Awarded Contract For Acquisition 390 L-Rod Aluminum Bar Armor Kits For RG-31 MRAP
Source: U.S. DoD issued August 9, 2010
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 10, 2010: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration, Austin, Texas, was awarded on Aug. 6 an $11,014,052 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for the acquisition of 390 L-Rod aluminum bar armor kits, associated bracketry required for kit installation, and field service representative support outside the contiguous United States, for the RG-31 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle on the base obligation for this undefinitized modification.
Work is to be performed in Austin, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 26, 2010. One bid was solicted with one bid received.
TACOM Contracting Center, Detroit Arsenal, Warren, Mich., is the contractign activity (W56HZV-09-C-0311)
*RG-31 MRAP - Tests have shown that these absorb some of the vertical impulse associated with mine blasts, reducing the likelihood of injury during large landmine explosions. Since 2004, BAE Systems has sold over 2,200 RG-31 vehicles, including a series of major orders for the US military which operates both the RG-31 and its stable-mate RG33, in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Of these, more than 1,300 RG-31 mine-protected vehicles have been delivered to the US and Canadian forces. The US RG-31s are manufactured by Land Systems OMC and also under licence by General Dynamics Land Systems Canada. In addition to ongoing US orders, several European countries are expressing interest in RG-31 mine protected vehicle for their forces, and a recent order from Spain for 100 vehicles, confirms this interest.
BAE Systems is the premier global defence, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems’ sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News, contact: dtnnews@ymail.com

DTN News: Pakistan TODAY August 10, 2010 - Fearing Unrest, Pakistan Seeks More U.S. Flood Aid

Defense News: DTN News: Pakistan TODAY August 10, 2010 - Fearing Unrest, Pakistan Seeks More U.S. Flood Aid
Source: DTN News / The Washington Post - By Karen DeYoung Washington Post Staff Writer Tuesday, August 10, 2010
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 10, 2010: Pakistan wants the United States to supply immediately dozens more helicopters and significantly more money and supplies to help deal with the widespread flooding that has affected at least 14 million people there, senior Pakistani officials said Monday.
Pakistan's plea is fueled by concerns that the government's inability to provide relief quickly could boost the appeal of militant groups that have rushed to supply aid in the country's northwest. Visible U.S. assistance, the officials said, could help reverse currents of anti-Americanism.
The United States has already diverted six Chinook transport helicopters from the Afghanistan war to Pakistanover the past 10 days for rescue missions and aid delivery. It has also sent hundreds of thousands of prepackaged military meals and a pledge of more than $40 million in disaster assistance, far more than any other country.
'Risk mitigation'
A senior U.S. military official said transfer of additional helicopters, which are in short supply in Afghanistan, would require a political decision in Washington. "Do they exist in the region? Yes," he said. "Are they available? No."
"It's a question of risk mitigation," the official said. "Helicopter lift is critical to the mission" in Afghanistan, where road transport is difficult and dangerous, he said. "It's not like we have a great surplus of helicopters in theater that are not engaging."
A White House official said that Pakistan has not delivered a formal request for more helicopters or vastly increased aid, but that "we are, of course, trying to respond to every request and to assist as best we can as it becomes evident what it is that they need."
The Obama administration has carefully calibrated its assistance to Pakistan over the past year to win popular support without exacerbating Pakistani suspicions of expanded U.S. military and intelligence activities.
In 2005, when U.S. helicopters rescued thousands of people after an earthquake in Kashmir that killed 73,000 people, the popularity of the U.S. military in Pakistan briefly surged. But the floods, while taking fewer lives so far, are much more widespread and promise upheaval that will last longer across most of the country.
The unprecedented floodwaters that have overtaken villages throughout the northwest part of the country are quickly rising across the southern plains as the Indus, Kabul and Swat rivers overflow their banks.
Clinging to rooftops
With the monsoon rain showing no sign of abating, the government estimates that 1,600 people have been killed, 650,00 homes have been destroyed, and more than 50,000 square miles are under water in a disaster still in its early stages.
"Hundreds and hundreds of thousands of other people are inaccessible: clinging to rooftops, swept away," Richard C. Holbrooke, the administration's special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, said. "The rains are continuing," he said, and the Sukkur dam, which holds back the Indus River from the agricultural plains of Sindh province, "is in danger." He added: "If it breaks, the situation will reach an even more catastrophic level."
Holbrooke said the administration is calling on other governments to help and is trying to mobilize the business community while pressing for individual contributions via a text-message system the State Department has set up. But, he said, "I'm concerned that perhaps people think that it's just another one of the endless tragedies that Pakistan endures."
Pakistani officials, bemoaning the setback to development plans already behind schedule, appear to be overwhelmed by the scale of the disaster. Many displaced villagers who have set up makeshift camps on high patches along roadways and hilltops have bitterly criticized their government in remarks to reporters who have managed to reach them.
Fearing unrest
"This can create a tremendous amount of social upheaval in the country," said Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, the head of the Pakistani air force, who arrived here this weekend for Pentagon meetings before heading to Nevada to observe Pakistan's participation in scheduled joint air exercises. "All these people have are the clothes on their backs," he said, and most have seen no sign of government assistance.
Roads, bridges and entire villages have been destroyed, along with electricity and water supplies, throughout the northern regions and across the Federally Administered Tribal Areas along the border, where the Pakistani military has been engaged in offensives against entrenched militant groups since last summer. "It's the same area where just a few months ago we were bombing," Suleman said in an interview.
"The need at this time is helicopters," he said. "That's the only answer."
Suleman estimated that the government needs 30 to 40 more transport and rescue aircraft. The six American Chinooks, as well as Pakistan's fleet of six U.S.-leased MI-17 transport helicopters, have been grounded during much of the past week by cloud cover and the torrential rains.
Pakistani officials have been effusive in expressing gratitude for the rapid U.S. response, a senior Pakistani official said, but the need "is enormous." The hope is that the United States can come up with at least another $100 million in disaster funding in addition to more helicopters, he said, speaking on condition of anonymity about the request, which is still being formalized.
"It takes time to organize" sending helicopters from a war zone, another senior Pakistani official said. "We understand that. But that man sitting on the roof of his house for three days without food or water, he doesn't understand."
The official continued: "The real trick is to reach these people in time. They need everything right now. The militants have money; they will start to distribute supplies. Even if it's only the most rudimentary things," villagers will conclude that "these people care, and that's a difficult feeling for the government to dislodge."
*This article "Fearing Unrest, Pakistan Seeks More U.S. Flood Aid - The Washington Post - By Karen DeYoung Washington Post Staff Writer Tuesday, August 10, 2010" & link to this article....click here.
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News, contact: dtnnews@ymail.com
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