The United States’ plans concerning the future defenses for Iceland are not clear but it is clear that the US believes that Icelanders can research up on the issue themselves, reports Icelandic National Broadcasting Service, RÚV. According to RÚV, the most recent contribution from the US to Iceland is a gift 200 books on defense and security issues.
RÚV quotes a press release from the US Embassy in Iceland saying that the there is a great need for increased research and informed discussion in Iceland on international and security matters using a multi-disciplinary approach. The fundamental changes that have occurred since the end of the cold war call for increased professional knowledge.
On its evening news program last night, RÚV reported that it was clear that the US “would not leave Iceland completely defenseless since Icelanders will be receiving knowledge of self defense”. RÚV reported that the US government has decided to donate 200 new books on defense and security issues to the National and University Library of Iceland (Landsbókasafn). That way, Icelanders can now read up on how they can arrange for their country’s defenses, said RÚV.
The conclusion of last week’s defense meeting between the US’ and Iceland’s delegation was that the US would develop a military plan for the defenses of Iceland including access manpower needs and military supplies for the defense of the country after the US removes its jet squad from Iceland.
The US Ambassador to Iceland, Carol Von Voorst, said the discussions were productive, constructive, polite and friendly. She said that representatives from both countries had shown a will to strengthen the collaboration in security matters to tackle today’s threats.
Prime Minister Halldór Ásgrímsson said there will be no new developments in defense matters until after at least a month.
The delegations are schedule to meet again in one months time, most likely in Reykjavík.
