    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [June 20, 2000]
    [Pages 1194-1195]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on European Security and Defense Policy
    June 20, 2000

        I welcome the progress the European Union made at the Feira Summit
    to develop a common European security and defense policy. It will
    strengthen Europe's ability--and responsibility--to act in times of
    crisis. It will improve cooperation between the European Union and NATO.
    It will advance European unity while maintaining the vitality of the
    transatlantic alliance. I look forward to early implementation of the
    agreed steps, including the establishment of NATO-EU working groups and
    regular meetings with non-EU allies.
        I also welcome the EU's commitment to create a standing roster of
    police officers who can be deployed to support peacekeeping missions. As
    we have seen in Bosnia and Kosovo, there is a critical need for
    international civilian police who can fill the gap between local police
    and military peacekeepers in countries emerging from conflict. We will
    continue to work with

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    Europe to ensure such forces can deploy rapidly when they are needed.