Agreement between Iceland and the United States on defence issues

Agreement on defence issues has been reached between Iceland and the United States and regarding the U.S. return to Iceland of land and facilities on agreed areas.

The main objectives by Iceland in the negotiations were to ensure Iceland’s defences satisfactorily after the permanent U.S. military presence is discontinued, and ensure Iceland’s smooth assumption of international airport operations at Keflavík. In the Government of Iceland’s view, these objectives have been achieved.

The conclusion to the negotiations involves the following:

1. A Joint Understanding between Iceland and the United States on defence arrangements
2. An Agreement between Iceland and the United States on the return of land and facilities
3. A Memorandum of Understanding regarding the transfer from the United States to Iceland of equipment in connection with Iceland’s assumption of international airport operations at Keflavík
4. A lease to Iceland of United States equipment for the international airport at Keflavík

The Government of Iceland has also today issued a declaration concerning new tasks of the Icelandic authorities on the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iceland.

Reykjavík, 26 September 2006

• A Joint Understanding between Iceland and the United States on defence arrangements

• Agreement between the government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Iceland regarding the withdrawal of U. S. Forces from and the return to Iceland of certain agreed areas and facilities in Iceland

• Declaration by the government of Iceland concerning new tasks of the Icelandic authorities on the withdrawal of the Iceland defence force.