[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 15859]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      REMOVAL OF INJUNCTION OF SECRECY--TREATY DOCUMENT NO. 110-20

  Mr. PRYOR. As in executive session, I ask unanimous consent that the 
injunction of secrecy be removed from the following treaty transmitted 
to the Senate on July 23, 2008, by the President of the United States:
  Protocols to the North Atlantic Treaty of 1949 on accession of 
Albania and Croatia (Treaty Document 110-20).
  I further ask that the treaty be considered as having been read the 
first time; that it be transferred with accompanying papers to the 
Committee on Foreign Relations and ordered to be printed; and that the 
President's message be printed in the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The message of the President is as follows:

To the Senate of the United States:
  I transmit herewith, for Senate advice and consent to ratification, 
Protocols to the North Atlantic Treaty of 1949 on the Accession of the 
Republic of Albania and the Republic of Croatia. These Protocols were 
adopted at Brussels on July 9, 2008, and signed that day on behalf of 
the United States and the other Parties to the North Atlantic Treaty. 
Also transmitted for the information of the Senate is the report of the 
Department of State, which includes an overview of the Protocols.
  NATO enlargement remains an historic success in advancing freedom, 
stability, and democracy in the Euro-Atlantic area. Albania and Croatia 
serve as two more examples of countries motivated by the prospect of 
NATO membership to advance significant and difficult political, 
economic, and military reforms. Their efforts and success demonstrate 
to other countries in the Balkans and beyond that NATO's door remains 
open to nations willing to shoulder the responsibilities of membership. 
I am pleased that, with the advice and consent of the Senate, these new 
democracies can soon join us as members of this great Alliance.
  I ask the Senate to join me in advancing the cause of freedom and 
strengthening NATO by providing its prompt advice and consent to 
ratification of these Protocols of Accession. My Administration stands 
ready to assist you in any way we can in your deliberations.
                                                      George W. Bush.  
The White House, July 23, 2008.

                          ____________________