[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 75 (Wednesday, June 4, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1117]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 A MESSAGE FROM THE ROMANIAN PARLIAMENT TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED 
                                 STATES

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 4, 1997

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
discuss the United States' relationship with the Republic of Romania. 
Among the countries that were within the sphere of influence of the 
former Soviet Union, Romania stands out as a country that has made a 
rapid transition from an authoritarian form of government to a 
democratic nation and from a centrally planned economy to a free market 
economy. The road that Romania has traveled to arrive at a point where 
they now have a democratically elected government and a growing free 
market economy has not been an easy one; however, the Romanian people 
have been steadfast in their determination to keep traveling down that 
road.
  Today, Romania is seeking to join the ranks of countries that are 
members of NATO. Significantly, among Central and Eastern European 
countries, Romania was the first country to join the Partnership for 
Peace program. The Government of Romania has also reached out to its 
neighbors to insure regional peace as illustrated by their concluding a 
political bilateral treaty with Hungary and initialing a similar 
document with Ukraine. Romania should also be commended for its 
participation in the peace-keeping missions in Angola and Bosnia.
  Membership in NATO is a primary goal of the Romanian Government and 
people. In April 1997, the Romanian Parliament, in a joint session of 
the Chamber of Deputies and Senate, unanimously passed an ``Appeal of 
the Parliament of Romania to the United States House of 
Representatives.'' The Parliament's appeal to us was that the House 
support Romania in its efforts to gain NATO membership. I would ask my 
colleagues read this appeal by the Romanian Parliament so that they can 
gain a fuller appreciation of this friend of the United States that 
desires to join NATO so that they can more fully participate in the 
promotion of peace and stability in Europe:

   Appeal of the Parliament of Romania to the United States House of 
                            Representatives

       Now, at a time of crucial importance for Romania's destiny, 
     we are writing, in hope and trust, to the members of the 
     United States House of Representatives, having the profound 
     conviction that the Romanian people will enjoy your help to 
     build its future. Our country's choice for integration into 
     NATO is a fundamental priority of the Romanian foreign 
     policy, based on the natural and legitimate aspirations of 
     the Romanian people to become a part of the Euro-Atlantic 
     community of the states with which it shares the same values 
     and principles of freedom and democracy.
       Ours are strong arguments for having Romania included among 
     the very first group of candidates--a democratic state 
     governed by the rule of law, its internal stability, geo-
     strategic position, economic and military potential, the 
     political consensus and massive popular support for NATO, the 
     inter-ethnic harmony, a full civilian control over the army 
     as well as over the institutions dealing with public order 
     and national security, a high degree of interoperability with 
     the armed forces of the Alliance.
       The change of government following the November 1996 
     elections has demonstrated the consolidation and proper 
     functioning of all institutions under the rule of law in 
     Romania. Our new Executive has proved its commitment to a 
     market economy and far-reaching economic reforms, all of 
     which are oriented towards this objective--to accelerate 
     privatization, to restructure economy, to facilitate foreign 
     investment--and has succeeded to conduct an active and 
     coherent foreign policy. Romania has established a solid 
     partnership with Hungary, with the other applicant countries, 
     and is now perfecting its framework of relations with Ukraine 
     whose stability and independence we regard as being essential 
     for the security of this region. In this context, we will 
     foster a dynamic dialogue and cooperation with the Russian 
     Federation, in line with the new political relations existing 
     on the European continent.
       Romania is an active member of the various regional 
     cooperation agreements, while its participation in the 
     Partnership for Peace, in the peace-keeping missions in 
     Angola and Bosnia and, more recently, in the protection force 
     in Albania has shown its capability to make a contribution 
     to strengthening the security and stability in this area 
     as well as on the continent, to be a security builder and 
     an important factor within the Euro-Atlantic security 
     system.
       We can assure you that we will undertake the costs of 
     Romania's joining the Alliance structures. In response to the 
     economic difficulties during transition, we have developed an 
     ambitious and pragmatic economic program that has support 
     from the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, and 
     gives prospects for a sustainable economic growth that will 
     allow us to take the accession costs upon ourselves. 
     Considering that Romania is, at present, one of the countries 
     which is best prepared from the viewpoint of the criteria set 
     for admission to the North Atlantic Alliance structures, we 
     are submitting to you, before the Summit meeting in Madrid, 
     our request to support Romania's application to be accepted 
     as a member in the first round of NATO enlargement process.
       Strongly believing that our appeal will find the desired 
     interest and reception, we would like to assure you of our 
     high consideration and extent our thanks for every action you 
     may decide upon in order to back up our demarche.
       This Appeal has been adopted by unanimous vote today, the 
     24th of April 1997, in a joint session of the Chamber of 
     Deputies and the Senate.

     

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