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Issued by the Heads of State and Government
participating in the meeting of the North Atlantic Council
in Washington, D.C. on 24th April 1999
An Alliance for the 21st Century
- We, the Heads of State and Government of the member countries of
the North Atlantic Alliance, have gathered in Washington to celebrate
the 50th anniversary of NATO and to set forth our vision of the Alliance
of the 21st century. The North Atlantic Alliance, founded on the principles
of democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law, remains the
basis of our collective defence; it embodies the transatlantic link
that binds North America and Europe in a unique defence and security
partnership.
- Fifty years ago, the North Atlantic Alliance was founded in troubled
and uncertain times. It has withstood the test of five decades and
allowed the citizens of Allied countries to enjoy an unprecedented
period of peace, freedom and prosperity. Here in Washington, we have
paid tribute to the achievements of the past and we have shaped a
new Alliance to meet the challenges of the future. This new Alliance
will be larger, more capable and more flexible, committed to collective
defence and able to undertake new missions including contributing
to effective conflict prevention and engaging actively in crisis management,
including crisis response operations. The Alliance will work with
other nations and organisations to advance security, prosperity and
democracy throughout the Euro-Atlantic region. The presence today
of three new Allies - the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland - demonstrates
that we have overcome the division of Europe.
- The Alliance takes the opportunity of this 50th anniversary to recognise
and express its heartfelt appreciation for the commitment, sacrifice,
resolve and loyalty of the servicemen and women of all Allies to the
cause of freedom. The Alliance salutes these active and reserve forces'
essential contributions, which for 50 years have guaranteed freedom
and safeguarded trans-Atlantic security. Our nations and our Alliance
are in their debt and offer them profound thanks.
- The NATO of the 21st century starts today - a NATO which retains
the strengths of the past and has new missions, new members and new
partnerships. To this end, we have:
- approved an updated Strategic Concept;
- reaffirmed our commitment to the enlargement process of the
Alliance and approved a Membership Action Plan for countries wishing
to join;
- completed the work on key elements of the Berlin Decisions on
building the European Security and Defence Identity within the
Alliance and decided to further enhance its effectiveness;
- launched the Defence Capabilities Initiative;
- intensified our relations with Partners through an enhanced
and more operational Partnership for Peace and strengthened our
consultations and co-operation within the Euro-Atlantic Partnership
Council;
- enhanced the Mediterranean Dialogue; and
- decided to increase Alliance efforts against weapons of mass
destruction and their means of delivery.
- As part of the Alliance's adaptation to the new security challenges,
we have updated our Strategic Concept to make it fully consistent
with the Alliance's new security environment. The updated Concept
reaffirms our commitment to collective defence and the transatlantic
link; takes account of the challenges the Alliance now faces; presents
an Alliance ready and with a full range of capabilities to enhance
the security and stability of the Euro-Atlantic area; reaffirms our
commitment to building the ESDI within the Alliance; highlights the
enhanced role of partnership and dialogue; underlines the need to
develop defence capabilities to their full potential to meet the spectrum
of Alliance missions, including forces which are more deployable,
sustainable, survivable and able to engage effectively; and provides
guidance to the NATO Military Authorities to this end.
- To achieve its essential purpose, as an Alliance of nations committed
to the Washington Treaty and the United Nations Charter, the Alliance
performs the following fundamental security tasks:
- Security:
- To provide one of the indispensable foundations for a stable
Euro-Atlantic security environment, based on the growth of democratic
institutions and commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes,
in which no country would be able to intimidate or coerce any
other through the threat or use of force.
- Consultation:
- To serve, as provided for in Article 4 of the North Atlantic
Treaty, as an essential transatlantic forum for Allied consultations
on any issues that affect their vital interests, including possible
developments posing risks for members' security, and for appropriate
co-ordination of their efforts in fields of common concern.
- Deterrence and Defence:
- To deter and defend against any threat of aggression against
any NATO member state as provided for in Articles 5 and 6 of the
Washington Treaty.
- And in order to enhance the security and stability of the Euro-Atlantic
area:
- Crisis Management:
- To stand ready, case-by-case and by consensus, in conformity
with Article 7 of the Washington Treaty, to contribute to effective
conflict prevention and to engage actively in crisis management,
including crisis response operations.
- Partnership:
- To promote wide-ranging partnership, cooperation, and dialogue
with other countries in the Euro-Atlantic area, with the aim of
increasing transparency, mutual confidence and the capacity for
joint action with the Alliance.
- We warmly welcome the participation of the three new Allies - the
Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland - in their first Alliance Summit
meeting. Their accession to the North Atlantic Treaty opens a new
chapter in the history of the Atlantic Alliance.
We reaffirm today our commitment to the openness of the Alliance
under Article 10 of the North Atlantic Treaty and in accordance
with Paragraph 8 of the Madrid Summit Declaration. We pledge that
NATO will continue to welcome new members in a position to further
the principles of the Treaty and contribute to peace and security
in the Euro-Atlantic area. This is part of an evolutionary process
that takes into account political and security developments in the
whole of Europe. Our commitment to enlargement is part of a broader
strategy of projecting stability and working together with our Partners
to build a Europe whole and free. The ongoing enlargement process
strengthens the Alliance and enhances the security and stability
of the Euro-Atlantic region. The three new members will not be the
last.
At the Summit in Madrid we recognised the progress made by a number
of countries aspiring to join the Alliance in meeting the responsibilities
and obligations for possible membership.
Today we recognise and welcome the continuing efforts and progress
in both Romania and Slovenia. We also recognise and welcome continuing
efforts and progress in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Since the
Madrid Summit, we note and welcome positive developments in Bulgaria.
We also note and welcome recent positive developments in Slovakia.
We are grateful for the co-operation of the former Yugoslav Republic
of Macedonia (1) with NATO in the present
crisis and welcome its progress on reforms. We welcome Albania's
co-operation with the Alliance in the present crisis and encourage
its reform efforts.
We welcome the efforts and progress aspiring members have made,
since we last met, to advance political, military and economic reforms.
We appreciate the results achieved, and look forward to further
progress by these countries in strengthening their democratic institutions
and in restructuring their economies and militaries. We take account
of the efforts of these aspiring members, together with a number
of other Partner countries, to improve relations with neighbours
and contribute to security and stability of the Euro-Atlantic region.
We look forward to further deepening our co-operation with aspiring
countries and to increasing their political and military involvement
in the work of the Alliance.
The Alliance expects to extend further invitations in coming years
to nations willing and able to assume the responsibilities and obligations
of membership, and as NATO determines that the inclusion of these
nations would serve the overall political and strategic interests
of the Alliance and that the inclusion would enhance overall European
security and stability. To give substance to this commitment, NATO
will maintain an active relationship with those nations that have
expressed an interest in NATO membership as well as those who may
wish to seek membership in the future. Those nations that have expressed
an interest in becoming NATO members will remain under active consideration
for future membership. No European democratic country whose admission
would fulfil the objectives of the Treaty will be excluded from
consideration, regardless of its geographic location, each being
considered on its own merits. All states have the inherent right
to choose the means to ensure their own security. Furthermore, in
order to enhance overall security and stability in Europe, further
steps in the ongoing enlargement process of the Alliance should
balance the security concerns of all Allies.
We welcome the aspirations of the nine countries currently interested
in joining the Alliance. Accordingly, we are ready to provide advice,
assistance and practical support. To this end, we approve today
a Membership Action Plan which includes the following elements:
- the submission by aspiring members of individual annual national
programmes on their preparations for possible future membership,
covering political, economic, defence, resource, security and
legal aspects;
- a focused and candid feedback mechanism on aspirant countries'
progress on their programmes that includes both political and
technical advice, as well as annual 19+1 meetings at Council level
to assess progress;
- a clearinghouse to help co-ordinate assistance by NATO and by
member states to aspirant countries in the defence/military field;
- a defence planning approach for aspirants which includes elaboration
and review of agreed planning targets.
We direct that NATO Foreign Ministers keep the enlargement process,
including the implementation of the Membership Action Plan, under
continual review and report to us. We will review the process at
our next Summit meeting which will be held no later than 2002.
- We reaffirm our commitment to preserve the transatlantic link, including
our readiness to pursue common security objectives through the Alliance
wherever possible. We are pleased with the progress achieved in implementing
the Berlin decisions and reaffirm our strong commitment to pursue
the process of reinforcing the European pillar of the Alliance on
the basis of our Brussels Declaration of 1994 and of the principles
agreed at Berlin in 1996. We note with satisfaction that the key elements
of the Berlin decisions are being put in place. These include flexible
options for the selection of a European NATO Commander and NATO Headquarters
for WEU-led operations, as well as specific terms of reference for
DSACEUR and an adapted CJTF concept. Close linkages between the two
organisations have been established, including planning, exercises
(in particular a joint crisis management exercise in 2000) and consultation,
as well as a framework for the release and return of Alliance assets
and capabilities.
- We welcome the new impetus given to the strengthening of a common
European policy in security and defence by the Amsterdam Treaty and
the reflections launched since then in the WEU and - following the
St. Malo Declaration - in the EU, including the Vienna European Council
Conclusions. This is a process which has implications for all Allies.
We confirm that a stronger European role will help contribute to the
vitality of our Alliance for the 21st century, which is the foundation
of the collective defence of its members. In this regard:
- We acknowledge the resolve of the European Union to have the
capacity for autonomous action so that it can take decisions and
approve military action where the Alliance as a whole is not engaged;
- As this process goes forward, NATO and the EU should ensure
the development of effective mutual consultation, co-operation
and transparency, building on the mechanisms existing between
NATO and the WEU;
- We applaud the determination of both EU members and other European
Allies to take the necessary steps to strengthen their defence
capabilities, especially for new missions, avoiding unnecessary
duplication;
- We attach the utmost importance to ensuring the fullest possible
involvement of non-EU European Allies in EU-led crisis response
operations, building on existing consultation arrangements within
the WEU. We also note Canada's interest in participating in such
operations under appropriate modalities.
- We are determined that the decisions taken in Berlin in 1996,
including the concept of using separable but not separate NATO
assets and capabilities for WEU-led operations, should be further
developed.
- On the basis of the above principles and building on the Berlin
decisions, we therefore stand ready to define and adopt the necessary
arrangements for ready access by the European Union to the collective
assets and capabilities of the Alliance, for operations in which the
Alliance as a whole is not engaged militarily as an Alliance. The
Council in Permanent Session will approve these arrangements, which
will respect the requirements of NATO operations and the coherence
of its command structure, and should address:
- Assured EU access to NATO planning capabilities able to contribute
to military planning for EU-led operations;
- The presumption of availability to the EU of pre-identified
NATO capabilities and common assets for use in EU-led operations;
- Identification of a range of European command options for EU-led
operations, further developing the role of DSACEUR in order for
him to assume fully and effectively his European responsibilities;
- The further adaptation of NATO's defence planning system to
incorporate more comprehensively the availability of forces for
EU-led operations.
We task the Council in Permanent Session to address these measures
on an ongoing basis, taking into account the evolution of relevant
arrangements in the EU. The Council will make recommendations to
the next Ministerial meeting for its consideration.
- We have launched a Defence Capabilities Initiative to improve the
defence capabilities of the Alliance to ensure the effectiveness of
future multinational operations across the full spectrum of Alliance
missions in the present and foreseeable security environment with
a special focus on improving interoperability among Alliance forces
(and where applicable also between Alliance and Partner forces). Defence
capabilities will be increased through improvements in the deployability
and mobility of Alliance forces, their sustainability and logistics,
their survivability and effective engagement capability, and command
and control and information systems. In this connection, we endorse
the Council decision to begin implementing the Multinational Joint
Logistics Centre concept by the end of 1999, and to develop the C3
system architecture by 2002 to form a basis for an integrated Alliance
core capability allowing interoperability with national systems. We
have established a temporary High-Level Steering Group to oversee
the implementation of the Defence Capabilities Initiative and to meet
the requirement of co-ordination and harmonisation among relevant
planning disciplines, including for Allies concerned force planning,
with the aim of achieving lasting effects on improvements in capabilities
and interoperability. Improvements in interoperability and critical
capabilities should also strengthen the European pillar in NATO.
- We reaffirm our commitment to the 1995 Peace Agreement, negotiated
in Dayton and signed in Paris, which established Bosnia and Herzegovina
as a single, democratic and multi-ethnic state, and to the full implementation
of the Peace Agreement. We reiterate our readiness to work constructively
with all Parties that support the Peace Agreement and seek to implement
it.
- The Madrid Peace Implementation Council meeting in December 1998
confirmed that the next two years would be vital in strengthening
the peace process in Bosnia and Herzegovina and recognised that SFOR's
presence remains essential, both to keep the peace and to provide
the secure environment and support for civilian implementation. Return
of refugees to areas in which they are a minority will remain vital
for political stability and reconciliation. We will support efforts
to take this process forward.
- SFOR will continue to work closely and effectively with the High
Representative, whose role we support, the International Criminal
Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, the OSCE and other major international
organisations, the UN International Police Task Force and other agencies
implementing the civilian aspects of the Peace Agreement. We commend
the crucial contribution of men and women of both NATO and Partner
countries serving in SFOR, who are helping to bring peace to Bosnia
and Herzegovina.
- SFOR's presence cannot, however, be maintained indefinitely. SFOR
is being streamlined through efficiency measures. We note that the
Council in Permanent Session is examining options on the future size
and structure of SFOR.
- The continuing crisis in and around Kosovo threatens to further
destabilise areas beyond the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY).
The potential for wider instability underscores the need for a comprehensive
approach to the stabilisation of the crisis region in South-Eastern
Europe. We recognise and endorse the crucial importance of making
South-Eastern Europe a region free from violence and instability.
A new level of international engagement is thus needed to build security,
prosperity and democratic civil society, leading in time to full integration
into the wider European family.
- NATO is determined to play its full part in this process by contributing
to the building of a more secure and co-operative relationship with
and between the countries of the region. Given the differences in
economic development and the diversity and complexity of the problems
of each country in the region, international efforts to develop and
stabilise the region must be comprehensive, coherent and well co-ordinated.
To achieve these ends, NATO, the WEU, the EU, the OSCE and the UN
must work closely together. The international financial institutions
also have a crucial role to play. The Alliance's efforts to enhance
regional security and stability in South-Eastern Europe and to help
resolve humanitarian problems, and the efforts by other international
organisations, as well as those by the countries of the region, should
be mutually reinforcing.
- We will be meeting with colleagues from the countries of South-Eastern
Europe tomorrow. We intend to build on that meeting by maintaining
NATO's consultations with the countries of the region. Accordingly,
we will propose to them a consultative forum on security matters which
brings together all NATO members and countries of the region at an
appropriate level.
- We direct the Council in Permanent Session, building on, as appropriate,
the existing EAPC and PfP framework, to give substance to this proposal,
inter alia, in the following areas:
- 19+1 consultations where appropriate;
- the promotion of regional co-operation in the framework of an
EAPC co-operative mechanism, taking into account other regional
initiatives;
- targeted NATO security co-operation programmes for the countries
in the region, as appropriate;
- regionally focused PfP activities and exercises;
- better targeting and co-ordination of Allies' and Partners'
bilateral assistance to the region.
- The Alliance's efforts to enhance regional security in South-Eastern
Europe complement those by other international organisations, as well
as those by the countries of the region. We welcome the forthcoming
European Union conference on a Stability Pact for South-Eastern Europe
on 27th May 1999, and the South-Eastern Europe Co-operation process,
as well as other regional efforts. Coherence and co-ordination between
the various initiatives will be of great importance.
- The security of the Balkan region is essential to achieving lasting
stability throughout the Euro-Atlantic area. Our goal is to see the
integration of the countries of the region into the Euro-Atlantic
community. We want all the countries and peoples of South-Eastern
Europe to enjoy peace and security and establish normal relations
with one another, based on respect of human rights, democracy, individual
liberty and the rule of law.
- We reaffirm our commitment to consultation, partnership and practical
co-operation through the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council and the
Partnership for Peace. We commit ourselves today to build an enhanced
and more operational relationship with Partners for the 21st century
that strengthens stability, mutual confidence, and security throughout
the Euro-Atlantic area. The EAPC and the PfP have transformed political-military
relations across the continent and have become the instruments of
choice when the Alliance and its Partners consult and act together
in the pursuit of peace and security. We look forward to consulting
with our Partners at tomorrow's EAPC Summit meeting.
- The EAPC, founded in 1997, contributes substantially to stronger
political consultation and practical co-operation between the Alliance
and its Partners, for solutions to security issues. We applaud this
expanded dimension of political consultations, which has enhanced
transparency and confidence among all EAPC members. The Alliance and
its Partners have consulted regularly on regional security issues,
such as on Bosnia and Herzegovina and on Kosovo. We have also developed
new areas of co-operation such as peacekeeping, humanitarian de-mining,
control over transfer of small arms, and the co-ordination of disaster
relief and humanitarian assistance.
- We welcome the successful fulfilment by the Alliance and its Partners
of five years of Partnership for Peace and the full implementation
of PfP enhancements launched in 1997. Enhanced PfP has ensured that
NATO-Partner co-operation contributes concretely to Euro-Atlantic
stability and security. The participation of 15 PfP Partners in IFOR/SFOR
demonstrates the real-life benefits of PfP's focus on interoperability
and provides valuable lessons for future Alliance-Partner co-operation.
The presence of Partner officers in an international capacity in NATO
military headquarters enables Partners to participate in planning
for NATO-PfP exercises and NATO-led PfP operations. Enhanced PfP has
also permitted NATO to take action to assist Albania and the former
Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia with their unique security concerns.
- We welcome and take special note of the initiatives designed to
make the Partnership more operational and ensure greater Partner involvement
in appropriate decision-making and planning, as we had envisioned
in our Madrid Declaration. These steps will ensure that the Partnership
will be better able to address its objectives, and will provide a
solid foundation for its continuing evolution as the core of a co-operative
security network between NATO and its Partners for the 21st century.
To further this goal, we have today approved the following comprehensive
package. We have:
- approved a Political-Military Framework for NATO-led PfP operations,
which will enhance Partners' roles in political guidance and oversight,
planning, and command arrangements for such operations;
- endorsed the expanded and adapted Planning and Review Process,
which will further enhance interoperability of Partner forces
declared available for PfP activities, and will allow for more
focused and increased Partner contributions of valuable forces
and capabilities for future NATO-led PfP operations;
- endorsed the outline Operational Capabilities Concept for NATO-led
PfP operations, which will provide for deeper military co-operation
between the Alliance and Partners with the goal of improving the
ability of Partner forces and capabilities to operate with the
Alliance in NATO-led PfP operations and directed the Council in
Permanent Session to pursue its further development;
- endorsed the outline programme on enhancing PfP training and
education to optimise and harmonise NATO and national PfP activities
in order to meet the current and future demands of an enhanced
and more operational PfP. The outline programme includes the role
of three new PfP tools - a PfP Consortium of Defence Academies
and Security Studies Institutes, a PfP Exercise Simulation Network
and PfP Training Centres. We directed the Council in Permanent
Session to develop a PfP Training and Education Enhancement Programme.
- We remain firmly committed to our partnership with Russia under
the NATO-Russia Founding Act. NATO and Russia have a common objective
in strengthening security and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area.
Throughout the Kosovo crisis, NATO and Russia have shared the common
goals of the international community: to halt the violence, to avert
a humanitarian catastrophe, and to create the conditions for a political
solution. These goals remain valid. Consultation and dialogue are
even more important in times of crisis. NATO and its member countries
are determined to build on the areas of common ground with Russia
concerning the international response to the crisis in Kosovo and
remain ready to resume consultations and co-operation in the framework
of the Founding Act.
- Close relations between NATO and Russia are of great importance
to stability and security in the Euro-Atlantic area. Since the conclusion
of the Founding Act in May 1997, considerable and encouraging progress
has been made in intensifying consultation and co-operation with Russia.
The NATO-Russia Permanent Joint Council has developed into an important
venue to consult, to promote transparency and confidence-building,
and to foster co-operation. Russia's participation in the implementation
of the peace agreement for Bosnia and Herzegovina was a significant
step towards a new co-operative relationship. We have developed an
extensive dialogue on such matters as disarmament and arms control,
including the adaptation of the CFE Treaty; peacekeeping and nuclear
weapons issues. Strategy, defence policy and doctrines, budgets and
infrastructure development programmes, and non-proliferation, are
further examples of this increasing co-operation.
- We attach great importance to a strong, enduring and distinctive
partnership between NATO and Ukraine. Ukraine has an important role
to play in enhancing security and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area
and in particular in Central and Eastern Europe. We are pleased with
the progress reached since the signing of the NATO-Ukraine Charter
in Madrid, and will continue to strengthen our distinctive partnership.
We continue to support Ukrainian sovereignty and independence, territorial
integrity, democratic development, economic prosperity and Ukraine's
status as a non-nuclear weapons state as key factors of stability
and security in Europe. We encourage Ukraine to carry forward its
democratic and economic transformation, including its defence reform,
and reaffirm NATO's support for Ukraine's efforts to this end. We
applaud the progress made in the Joint Working Group on Defence Reform.
We welcome the establishment of a NATO Liaison Office in Kyiv to further
enhance Ukraine's role as a distinctive Partner. We also look forward
to today's inaugural Summit meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission.
- The Mediterranean Dialogue is an integral part of the Alliance's
co-operative approach to security since security in the whole of Europe
is closely linked to security and stability in the Mediterranean.
We are pleased with the development of our Mediterranean Dialogue.
The Dialogue is progressive in nature and we welcome the progress
towards developing broader and deeper co-operation and dialogue with
the countries in the Mediterranean region. We endorse the enhancements
to the political and practical co-operation of the Mediterranean Dialogue
agreed by the Council in Permanent Session and direct it to pursue
their early implementation. We encourage Allied nations and Mediterranean
Dialogue countries to organise events such as the Rome Conference
in 1997 and the Valencia Conference in 1999 as positive steps to strengthen
mutual regional understanding. We look forward to further opportunities
to strengthen co-operation in areas where NATO can add value, particularly
in the military field, and where Dialogue countries have expressed
interest. The Dialogue and other international efforts, including
the EU Barcelona process, are complementary and mutually reinforcing
and thus contribute to transparency and building confidence in the
region.
- The proliferation of nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) weapons
and their means of delivery can pose a direct military threat to Allies'
populations, territory, and forces and therefore continues to be a
matter of serious concern for the Alliance. The principal non-proliferation
goal of the Alliance and its members is to prevent proliferation from
occurring, or, should it occur, to reverse it through diplomatic means.
We reiterate our full support for the international non-proliferation
regimes and their strengthening. We recognise progress made in this
regard. In order to respond to the risks to Alliance security posed
by the spread of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their delivery
means, we have launched an Initiative that builds upon work since
the Brussels Summit to improve overall Alliance political and military
efforts in this area.
- The WMD Initiative will: ensure a more vigorous, structured debate
at NATO leading to strengthened common understanding among Allies
on WMD issues and how to respond to them; improve the quality and
quantity of intelligence and information-sharing among Allies on proliferation
issues; support the development of a public information strategy by
Allies to increase awareness of proliferation issues and Allies' efforts
to support non-proliferation efforts; enhance existing Allied programmes
which increase military readiness to operate in a WMD environment
and to counter WMD threats; strengthen the process of information
exchange about Allies' national programmes of bilateral WMD destruction
and assistance; enhance the possibilities for Allies to assist one
another in the protection of their civil populations against WMD risks;
and create a WMD Centre within the International Staff at NATO to
support these efforts. The WMD initiative will integrate political
and military aspects of Alliance work in responding to proliferation.
- Arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation will continue to
play a major role in the achievement of the Alliance's security objectives.
NATO has a long-standing commitment in this area. Allied forces, both
conventional and nuclear, have been significantly reduced since the
end of the Cold War as part of the changed security environment. All
Allies are States Parties to the central treaties related to disarmament
and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the Nuclear
Non-Proliferation Treaty, the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention
and the Chemical Weapons Convention, and are committed to the full
implementation of these treaties. NATO is a defensive Alliance seeking
to enhance security and stability at the minimum level of forces consistent
with the requirements for the full range of Alliance missions. As
part of its broad approach to security, NATO actively supports arms
control and disarmament, both conventional and nuclear, and pursues
its approach against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction
and their delivery means. In the light of overall strategic developments
and the reduced salience of nuclear weapons, the Alliance will consider
options for confidence and security building measures, verification,
non-proliferation and arms control and disarmament. The Council in
Permanent Session will propose a process to Ministers in December
for considering such options. The responsible NATO bodies would accomplish
this. We support deepening consultations with Russia in these and
other areas in the Permanent Joint Council as well as with Ukraine
in the NATO-Ukraine Commission and with other Partners in the EAPC.
- The CFE Treaty is a cornerstone of European security. We reaffirm
our commitment to the successful adaptation of the Treaty reflecting
the new security environment and paving the way to greater conventional
security and stability in Europe. In the course of the negotiations
so far, Members of the Alliance have already declared their intention
to undertake reductions in their equipment entitlements or holdings,
and we strongly encourage others to follow suit with similar substantial
reductions. In this context, we are pleased that agreement has been
reached by CFE States Parties in Vienna in March 1999 on the key outstanding
issues, permitting drafting work to proceed without delay. Allies
will do their utmost to complete an adapted Treaty for signature by
the time of the OSCE Istanbul Summit in November 1999. Until the adaptation
process is completed, the continued full implementation of the existing
Treaty and its associated documents will remain crucial.
- We call on Russia to ratify the START II Treaty without delay. This
would pave the way for considerable reductions of nuclear arsenals
and would allow negotiations on a START III Treaty aiming at further
far-reaching reductions. We remain committed to an early entry into
force of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, and call upon all countries
to accede to and implement the Treaty in due course. We support the
early commencement of negotiations on a Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty.
- We are determined to achieve progress on a legally binding protocol
including effective verification measures to enhance compliance and
promote transparency that strengthens the implementation of the Biological
and Toxin Weapons Convention. We re-emphasise the importance of universal
adherence to, and effective implementation of, the Chemical Weapons
Convention. We support de-mining efforts in Bosnia, the development
of practical initiatives under the auspices of the EAPC, and - for
signatories - activities to meet obligations under the Ottawa Convention.
- We call on Belarus, Russia and Ukraine to ratify the Open Skies
Treaty without delay.
- We will seek to intensify on a mutually reinforcing basis the Alliance's
contacts and co-operation with other international organisations with
a role to play in consolidating democracy and preserving peace in
the Euro-Atlantic area.
- As stated in the Washington Treaty, we recognise the primary responsibility
of the United Nations Security Council for the maintenance of international
peace and security. The Alliance and the UN have worked together effectively
in implementing the Peace Agreement in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We
look forward to developing further contact and exchanges of information
with the United Nations, in the context of co-operation in conflict
prevention, crisis management, crisis response operations, including
peacekeeping, and humanitarian assistance. In the crisis in Kosovo,
the Alliance is using its civil and military capabilities to work
with the UNHCR, the lead agency in the field of refugee relief, and
other relevant international organisations, in providing humanitarian
assistance and refugee relief. The Alliance will consider on a case-by-case
basis future co-operation of this kind.
- Co-operation and co-ordination between the Alliance and the Organisation
for Security and Co-operation in Europe has expanded considerably
in the light of the support we have provided to the OSCE-led Kosovo
Verification Missions. We hope to make use of these important bridges
between our two organisations to work together in conflict prevention,
peacekeeping, crisis management and post-conflict rehabilitation,
in the spirit of the OSCE's Common Concept for the Development of
Co-operation between Mutually Reinforcing Institutions. We continue
to support the efforts of the OSCE to develop a Document-Charter on
European Security, worthy of adoption at the OSCE Istanbul Summit
in November 1999.
- The Alliance and the European Union share common strategic interests.
Our respective efforts in building peace in the former Yugoslavia
are complementary. Both organisations make decisive contributions
to peace and stability on the European continent. Co-operation between
the two organisations on topics of common concern, to be decided on
a case-by-case basis, could be developed when it enhances the effectiveness
of action by NATO and the EU.
- The Alliance, in order to adapt its structures to better prepare
it to meet future challenges, launched a comprehensive programme including
the continuing adaptation of NATO's command structure. Accordingly,
Allies welcome the activation decision of the implementation phase
of the Alliance's new command structure. This will ensure NATO's ability
to carry out the whole range of its missions more effectively and
flexibly; support an enlarged Alliance and our more operational relationship
with Partners; and provide, as part of the development of the ESDI
within NATO, for European command arrangements able to prepare, support,
command and conduct WEU-led operations. After successful trials, we
have embarked on the full implementation of the CJTF concept, giving
us an important new tool for crisis management in the next century.
Allies also welcome the full integration of Spain into NATO's military
structure from January this year, another significant milestone for
the Alliance.
- Terrorism constitutes a serious threat to peace, security and stability
that can threaten the territorial integrity of States. We reiterate
our condemnation of terrorism and reaffirm our determination to combat
it in accordance with our international commitments and national legislation.
The terrorist threat against deployed NATO forces and NATO installations
requires the consideration and development of appropriate measures
for their continued protection, taking full account of host nation
responsibilities.
- NATO Heads of State and Government believe that a key to the future
success of the North Atlantic Alliance is the efficient production
and availability of advanced weapons and technology in support of
security for all its members. We also believe that viable defence
industries on both sides of the Atlantic are critical to the efficient
functioning of NATO military forces. To that end, we welcome continued
transatlantic defence industrial co-operation to help ensure interoperability,
economies of scale, competition and innovation. We will seek to ensure
that NATO's armament activities meet the Alliance's evolving military
needs.
- We welcome the presence in Washington of the President and other
representatives of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NPA). The NPA
plays a significant role in complementing NATO's efforts to project
stability throughout Europe. We therefore attach great importance
to enhancing our relations with the NPA in areas of common concern.
We also appreciate the contribution made by the Atlantic Treaty Association
in promoting better understanding of the Alliance and its objectives
among our publics.
- We express our deep appreciation for the gracious hospitality extended
to us by the Government of the United States on the occasion of the
50th anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty.
Footnote:
- Turkey recognises the Republic of Macedonia with
its constitutional name
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