    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
    [July 8, 1997]
    [Pages 922-923]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Prepared for Delivery to the North Atlantic Council in Madrid
    July 8, 1997

        Mr. Secretary General; Prime Minister Aznar; fellow leaders. First I
    would like to thank Prime Minister Aznar for his hospitality in hosting
    this important meeting. I am also very pleased to be joined in Madrid by
    leading Members of our Congress, from both Houses and both parties.
        Three and a half years ago in Brussels, we began to construct a new
    NATO for a new Europe, taking on new missions and new partners. Part of
    that effort included changes in NATO's command structure. I want to
    confirm my belief that we will make the alliance stronger by continuing
    to develop the European Security and Defense Identity and giving Europe
    a greater role within NATO. By working toward a simplified, more
    efficient military command structure, we will be better able to meet the
    demands of new missions.
        In this regard, I welcome Spain's intention to fully integrate into
    NATO's military command. And I truly hope that in the very near future
    France will join a reformed command structure on terms acceptable to
    France and consistent with the military effectiveness of the alliance.
        With respect to enlargement, I believe we should make our alliance
    broader by inviting Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic into NATO,
    for the following reasons. Over the past 7 years, these are the
    countries that have proved their readiness to join us at this table.
    While their work is still in progress, they have met the highest
    standards of democratic and market reform. They have now pursued those
    reforms long enough to give us confidence they are irreversible, just as
    our offer of NATO membership is irreversible. It is important to
    remember that fact when we make our decision. There is no precedent for
    removing or disinviting members from the alliance.
        Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic have settled outstanding
    disputes with their neighbors. They have established civilian control of
    their armed forces and shown that they are prepared to meet the stiff
    military requirements NATO demands. I believe we can afford the cost to
    ourselves of adding these three countries to NATO's strength.
        I also believe that these three countries' smooth and successful
    integration will create momentum for others to follow. Today, we must
    commit to keep the door of this alliance open to all those ready to meet
    the responsibilities of membership. I believe we should exclude no
    European democracy. There are other states that are close to being fully
    qualified to join. When they are ready and the time is right, I believe
    we should welcome them.
        We should not discount the other steps that NATO is taking with its
    partners. Tomorrow we will hold the first summit-level meeting of the
    Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council. I am sure that every one of us is
    happily surprised by just how successful the Partnership For Peace has
    been in enabling more than two dozen countries to work closely with
    NATO. The new Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council will

    [[Page 923]]

    give these countries a forum for deeper consultations with the alliance
    and greater participation in decisionmaking for operations to which they
    contribute. The enhancement of the Partnership For Peace will also speed
    countries along the road to eligibility for NATO membership.
        To conclude, Mr. Secretary General, our position is that we should
    decide today to admit three countries to the alliance. Since this is an
    irreversible step, we should offer membership to those countries that
    are irreversibly committed to democratic reforms, while keeping the door
    firmly open to the admission of other countries in the future.

    Note: The President spoke at approximately 11 a.m. at the Juan Carlos
    Conference Center, but a transcript of his remarks was not available.
    This item follows the advance text released by the Office of the Press
    Secretary. In his remarks, the President referred to NATO Secretary
    General Javier Solana and President of the Government (Prime Minister)
    Jose Maria Aznar of Spain.