Uredba o ratifikaciji Sporazuma med Vlado Republike Slovenije in Organizacijo Severnoatlantske pogodbe o sodelovanju enot Slovenske vojske v sestavi Mednarodnih varnostnih sil za pomoč (ISAF) v Afganistanu

Dear Ambassador,

I have the honour to refer to the UN Security Council Resolution 1386 dated 20 December 2001 providing in the establishment of an International Security Force In Afghanistan (ISAF), extended under UN Security Council Resolution 1413 dated 23 May 2002 and UN Security Council Resolution 1444 dated 27 November 2002 and UN Security Council Resolution 1510 dated 13 October 2003 further extending the mandate of ISAF.

In accordance with these UN Security Council Resolutions, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation decided to take over the lead of ISAF on 11 August 2003. The North Atlantic Council agreed in principle to a further expansion of ISAF.

Therefore, based upon previous discussions and communications, I accept with appreciation the offer of the Government of Republic of Slovenia to provide to ISAF a Light Reconnaissance Team, a National Support Element and a Staff Component for work in the HQ ISAF consisting of a maximum of 18 personnel. It is my understanding that it is the intention of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia to maintain its participation in ISAF for a period of at least 6 months, which may be extended by mutual agreement.

The principles concerning the establishment, functions and responsibilities of ISAF are set out in the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and NATO operational planning documents. It is understood that your ultimate decision with respect to participation will be contingent upon your acceptance of the provisions of these documents. I seek your agreement that the Slovenian contingent shall conduct itself in accordance with the terms of these documents and any changes to them throughout the course of the operation. Also, I would like to emphasise the importance of continuity of service of units in ISAF and to seek your Agreement that the Slovenian contingent will not be withdrawn without at least 6 months prior notification to the Commander, ISAF (COMISAF), except as otherwise agreed.

I draw your attention to UN Security Council Resolution 1386 and other subsequent relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, the Agreement on Provisional Arrangements in Afghanistan pending the re-establishment of Permanent Government Institutions (so-called Bonn Agreement), the Military Technical Agreement dated 4 January 2002 as revised and other agreements which may be concluded relating to the rights, obligations, privileges and immunities of ISAF and its constituent elements when present in the territory of Afghanistan. I trust you will confirm that the appropriate authorities of your national contingent shall take the necessary measures to assure the maintenance of proper discipline of your personnel and to exercise jurisdiction with respect to any crime or disciplinary offence which might be committed by your personnel.

With reference to OPLAN 10419 (REV1) – ISAF and any other follow-up OPLANS related to an extended mandate of ISAF, I seek your agreement that national contingents provided to ISAF, having fully arrived in the Area of Operations and having been assessed as capable of performing its assigned ISAF mission, are transferred at a minimum of operational control to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) and subject to NATO authorised Rules of Engagement. SACEUR, who will assume overall responsibility of this operation, will further designate the Commander in Chief Northern Europe (CINCNORTH) as Joint Force Commander (JFC) who, in turn, provides direction to a Commander, ISAF (COMISAF). The COMISAF will issue orders to the national contingents through the chain of command established by him. Non-NATO nations will retain national command of their own contingents.

The exchange of NATO and ISAF classified information between NATO and non-NATO nations will be carried out in accordance with adequate security arrangements to be executed by all participating Nations.

Any issues not covered in the present letter remain the responsibility of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia and will not entail any financial responsibility of NATO or any of the other national constituent elements of ISAF.

Troop contributing Nations can address issues of a political nature concerning the operation to the NATO Secretary General.

COMISAF will utilise national contingents in accordance with their capabilities taking into account the advice of the contingent Commander.

I have the honour to propose that this letter and your reply confirming the agreement of your Government to the terms thereof shall constitute an Agreement which shall enter into force when all internal legal procedures within the Republic of Slovenia have been fulfilled; this Agreement shall be applied provisionally as from the date of your reply.