    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1999, Book I)]
    [March 12, 1999]
    [Page 363]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Accession of Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic as
    Members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
    March 12, 1999

        I welcome the accession today of Poland, Hungary, and the Czech
    Republic as NATO's newest members. The people of these three nations
    know what it means to lose their freedom. For years they struggled with
    dignity and courage to regain their freedom. And now they will help us
    defend it for many years to come. Their membership will make America
    safer. It will make NATO stronger. And it will help us realize our
    common vision of a Europe that is for the first time undivided,
    democratic, and at peace.
        For 3 days, beginning on April 23, NATO's 19 members will meet in
    Washington for the 50th anniversary summit of our alliance, joined by
    our partners from across the new Europe. We will honor NATO's
    achievements in protecting peace and security. We will also prepare our
    alliance to meet the challenges ahead, strengthen our partnership with
    Europe's newly democratic nations, and reaffirm our commitment that
    NATO's newest members will not be the last.