[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 159 (Wednesday, October 1, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S10298]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


         ACCESSION OF ALBANIA AND CROATIA TO THE NATO ALLIANCE

  Mr. OBAMA. Mr. President, I welcome last week's vote in the Senate 
ratifying the protocols on the accession of Albania and Croatia to the 
NATO Alliance. The membership of these two countries will strengthen 
the Alliance, contribute to the stability of the Balkans, and reinforce 
democracy in the region. Less than 15 years after NATO sent 
peacekeeping troops to the Balkans to halt a bloody war, it is a 
tribute to these nations' commitment to reforms that we are today one 
step closer to extending our Alliance and solidifying the peace. 
Albania and Croatia will strengthen the Alliance by providing more 
capability to help meet NATO's broader security missions. All NATO 
member states should be encouraged to ratify the accession agreement 
for Albania and Croatia so that they can formally join the Alliance at 
NATO's 60th anniversary summit next April.

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