[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.