Uredba o ratifikaciji Sporazuma med Ministrstvom za obrambo Republike Slovenije in Ministrstvom za nacionalno obrambo Helenske republike o sodelovanju v večnacionalnem centru za usposabljanje za operacije v podporo miru (MPSOTC)

The Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia from now on called the “Party” and the Ministry of National Defence of the Hellenic Republic from now on called the “Host Nation“.
    Reaffirming their dedication to the purposes and principles provided by the United Nations charter.
    Assuming that development of mutual cooperation will contribute to the stability of the wider region and will help to create and improve the good relations between the parties.
    Knowing that the politico-military cooperation constitutes the basic element to enhance the UN capabilities in security and peace-keeping.
    Confident that there must be a further development in the cooperation and the dialogue between the countries in PSO issues.
    Wishing to contribute in the enhancement of training and interoperability of their armed forces, according to the new operation requirements of the Peace Support Operations.
    Have agreed as follows:

Article 1

The basic aim of the Multinational Peace Support Operation Training Center (MPSOTC), is, to improve training according to the new operations requirements of Peace Support Operations (PSO), and to provide the appropriate venue for exchanging ideas and experiences regarding PSO issues.

Article 2

PRINCIPLES

1. The Host Nation undertakes the obligation to provide for the required installations/facilities and the appropriate infrastructure for Communications and Information Systems Support, as well as the necessary Logistic and Host Nation Support, for the unimpeded function of the Center and fulfillment of its mission.
    2. The Host Nation and the Party assure that the MPSOTC activities are in accordance with the purposes and principles of UN.
    3. The participation in the Center activities is not directed against any other state, and it does not intend to train personnel or military force against any other country or group of countries.
    4. Training offered by MPSOTC will be transparent. The Academic Calendar will be promulgated in time, according to article 5 para 3, to the other Party and to the international organizations.
    5. The Center activities are in accordance with the EAPC founding principles and are also included in the framework of PfP, and will help the training of individuals and units from the Parties, in the accomplishment of Peace Support Operations, possibly assigned to them by international organizations.
    6. This Agreement will not affect in any way the rights and obligations of the Parties, deriving from treaties and agreements that they had previously signed.
    7. The Host Nation retains the full right to start discussions and sign other bilateral Agreements of similar nature with other countries or international organizations. The other Party will promptly informed upon the signature of such Agreement.
    8. English will be the working language of the Center. Interpretation services might be available in other languages, within means and capabilities, after coordination, between the Host Nation and the country concerned.

Article 3

MISSION OF MPSOTC

1. The mission of MPSOTC is, to provide high level theoretical and practical education and training, with comprehensive coverage of Peace Support Operations, to cadres (Staff Officers, Platoon Leaders, Company and Unit Commanders, Observers), as well as to multinational troops (Platoons – Companies – Units), according to current international standards (UN- OSCE – NATO- WEU).
    2. In addition, the Center has the mission to provide the appropriate mission oriented pre-deployment training, on all relevant aspects of PSO, to staff officers, military observers and national or multinational contingents, before their deployment for a specific mission, as well as to their replacements.

Article 4

ESTABLISHMENT – ORGANIZATION – SUBORDINATION

1. MPSOTC is a tri-service establishment subordinate to the National Defence General Staff of the Host Nation.
    2. The organizational chart of the Center is in ANNEX A.
    3. The Center’s permanent Staff (both faculty and administrative) will be consisted of military (Army, Navy, Air Force), as well as civilian personnel.
    4. The Host Nation will provide all necessary military and civilian personnel, except of the following posts which should be filled by international personnel, after previous agreement between the Host Nation and the interesting Party, and the signing of the relevant MOU:
    a. Staff Officers.
    b. Instructors
    5. The Party maintains the right to withdraw their personnel from the Center, after a timely notice to the Host Nation. This notice must be a formal written notification from the responsible authority of the Party provided to the Host Nation MOD one (1) month in advance.

Article 5

TRAINING

1. The Center will provide the following courses:

a. Multinational PSOs Officers (basic and advanced) Course.

(1) Duration: two (2) weeks.
    (2) Number of courses per year: four (4)
    (3) It is designed for junior and senior officers. (Train the trainers)
    (4) The purpose of the course is to train and prepare officers for PSOs related duties and for tasks as military observers, election supervisors, or other PSOs missions in support of relevant international organizations (UN, NATO, OSCE and WEU)
    (5) Maximum National participation per course: five (5) trainee officers.

b. Multinational PSOs companies (basic and advanced) Course

(1) Duration of two (2) weeks. During the first week training will be conducted per platoon,while during second week per company.
    (2) Number of courses per year: two (2).
    (3) The purpose of the course is to train and prepare platoons and companies for participation in PSOs, either in multinational or national formations, and also to provide the necessary mission tailored pre-deployment training. Course curriculum provides for both theoretical and practical (exercises) lessons conducted ‘’in-door” and in the field.
    (4) Minimum national participation is one organic platoon.

c. Multinational PSOs Logistics Course

(1) Duration of one (1) Week.
    (2) Number of courses per year: One (1)
    (3) The purpose of the course is to train and prepare officers from different countries for assignment as Logistic Staff Officers in Multinational Brigade HQs, or Multinational service support HQs and/or in National Contingents for the conduct of PSOs.
    (4) Course curriculum provides for both theoretical and practical (exercises) lessons conducted in-door and in the field.
    (5) Maximum National participation per course: five (5) trainee officers.

d. CFE Inspectors/Escorts Course

(1) Duration of two (2) weeks.
    (2) Number of courses per year: One (1)
    (3) The purpose of the course is to train and prepare designated individuals to perform duties as Inspectors and Escorts in the framework of the Conventional Forces Europe (CFE) Treaty.
    (4) Course curriculum provides for both theoretical and practical (exercises) lessons.
    (5) Maximum National participation per course: five (5) trainee officers.
    2. Upon graduation, the trainees will receive official course certificates, prepared by the MPSOTC.
    3. During May every year, the Host Nation should provide the Academic Calendar for the next year to the other party and to the international organizations.
    4. The provisions of this Article can be modified at any time, by the Host Nation, which is obliged to notify the other party six (6) months before the new provisions come into force.

Article 6

PROCEDURES

1. The necessary information concerning the size of the participation (number of cadres or troops) and the procedures of transportation, armament clearance, during entrance and exit, as well as other details will be provided by the responsible directorate of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia, to the MPSOTC and to the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, to enable the Host Nation to plan for the reception and transportation from the entry point to the Center.
    2. The above information has to be provided at least one month before the date of arrival, by sending “Joining Report.”
    3. The Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia, may dispatch to the Center for troop training organic platoons or companies, fully equipped and will coordinate with the Host Nation regarding the structure of its contingent, as well as the arrival, accommodation and departure details.
    4. The Center keeps the right, during the course, to specifically organize the trainees, in order to form the suitable force for the conduct of the training.
    5. Leaves or days off are normally not authorized during the course. In emergency situations and after a written notification from the relevant authority of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia, the Commandant of the Center can grant short leaves either for Greece or for the country of origin.
    6. The trainees, during the course, have to wear either duty uniforms or field uniforms, as it will be indicated in the course schedule.
    7. Foreign trainees (military or civilians) should conform to the security regulations of the Host Nation’s Armed Forces.

Article 7

LEGAL ISSUES

1. The legal status of the personnel of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia, while in Greece for purposes to this Agreement shall be governed by the PfP SOFA (Agreement between NATO and PfP nations, regarding the Status of their Forces), which was signed on 19 June 95.
    2. The Commandant of the Center has the authority to issue orders, regarding the function of the Center, to all of his subordinates, as well as to all trainees. All personnel are to obey such orders, as long as they do not contradict their national laws and regulations.
    3. Chain of Command and discipline within each national contingent are defined according to the national regulations of the country of origin.
    4 The Center’s official correspondence with the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia, will be conducted through the designated Directorate of the MOD of the Republic of Slovenia,

Article 8

HOST NATION SUPPORT

1. Logistic support of the Center is a Host Nation responsibility.
    2. Details of Host Nation Support will be defined in a separate MOU to be signed between the Host Nation and the Party.
    3. The Host Nation is responsible to keep the Logistic and Administrative Support Platoon at the appropriate strength and readiness in order to provide the necessary support for the smooth function of the Center.

Article 9

SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES

Disputes arising from the interpretation or application of this Agreement shall be settled by direct consultations between the Parties, without recourse to outside jurisdiction.

Article 10

AMENDMENTS

1. With the exception of the provision of the art. 5 par. 4 of this agreement, either the Host Nation or the Party has the right to propose written amendments to any article of this Agreement.
    2. These amendments will enter into force on the date of the exchange of diplomatic notes on the completion of internal legal procedures of both the Host Nation and the Party.
    3. The instruments of acceptance of the amendments will be deposited with the MOD of the Host Nation.

Article 11

ENTRY INTO FORCE

The present Agreement with its Annex ‘’A” shall enter into force on the date of the exchange of diplomatic notes on the completion of internal legal procedures and both the Host Nation and the Party shall act according to the provision of the Agreement from the date of its signature.

Article 12

DURATION

This Agreement shall be valid for an indefinite period, unless the Host Nation and the Party agree otherwise.

Article 13

TERMINATION

1. The present Agreement may be terminated by either the Host Nation or the Party at any time.
    2. Either the Host Nation or the Party which is interested in terminating the Agreement, will send a written notification to the Ministry of Defence of the other Part.
    3. Termination shall take effect one month after the receipt of the above mentioned written notification.
    4. In the case that there are financial matters or claims pending at the time of termination, the present Agreement will remain in force until the specific issues are definitely settled.

Done in Athens on March 13th, 2001 in two originals in the English language.

For the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia
Dr Anton Grizold (s)
For the Ministry of National Defence of the Hellenic Republic
Apostolos Athanasios Tsohatzopoulos (s)

ANEXES
“A” Organization Chart of the MPSO
ANNEX “A” IN THE
AGREEMENT