[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 17 (Monday, May 3, 1999)]
[Pages 718-728]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]
<R04>
Washington Summit Communique
April 24, 1999
An Alliance for the 21st Century
1. We, the Heads of State and Government of the member countries of
the North Atlantic Alliance, have gathered in Washington to celebrate
the 50th anniversary of NATO and to set forth our vision of the Alliance
of the 21st century. The North Atlantic Alliance, founded on the
principles of democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law, remains
the basis of our collective defence; it embodies the transatlantic link
that binds North America and Europe in a unique defence and security
partnership.
2. Fifty years ago, the North Atlantic Alliance was founded in
troubled and uncertain times. It has withstood the test of five decades
and allowed the citizens of Allied countries to enjoy an unprecedented
period of peace, freedom and prosperity. Here in Washington, we have
paid tribute to the achievements of the past and we have shaped a new
Alliance to meet the challenges of the future. This new Alliance will be
larger, more capable and more flexible, committed to collective defence
and able to undertake new missions including contributing to effective
conflict prevention and engaging actively in crisis management,
including crisis response operations. The Alliance will work with other
nations and organizations to advance security, prosperity and democracy
throughout the Euro-Atlantic region. The presence today of three new
Allies--the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland--demonstrates that we
have overcome the division of Europe.
3. The Alliance takes the opportunity of this 50th anniversary to
recognise and express its heartfelt appreciation for the commitment,
sacrifice, resolve and loyalty of the servicemen and women of all Allies
to the cause of freedom. The Alliance salutes these active and reserve
forces' essential contributions, which for 50 years have guaranteed
freedom and safeguarded trans-Atlantic security. Our nations and our
Alliance are in their debt and offer them profound thanks.
4. The NATO of the 21st century starts today--a NATO which retains
the strengths of the past and has new missions, new members and new
partnerships. To this end, we have:
approved an updated Strategic Concept;
reaffirmed our commitment to the enlargement process of the Alliance
and approved a Membership Action Plan for countries wishing to
join;
completed the work on key elements of the Berlin Decisions on
building the European Security and Defence Identity within the
Alliance and decided to further enhance its effectiveness;
launched the Defence Capabilities Initiative;
[[Page 719]]
intensified our relations with Partners through an enhanced and more
operational Partnership for Peace and strengthened our
consultations and co-operation within the Euro-Atlantic
Partnership Council;
enhanced the Mediterranean Dialogue; and
decided to increase Alliance efforts against weapons of mass
destruction and their means of delivery.
5. As part of the Alliance's adaptation to the new security
challenges, we have updated our Strategic Concept to make it fully
consistent with the Alliance's new security environment. The updated
Concept reaffirms our commitment to collective defence and the
transatlantic link; takes account of the challenges the Alliance now
faces; presents an Alliance ready and with a full range of capabilities
to enhance the security and stability of the Euro-Atlantic area;
reaffirms our commitment to building the ESDI within the Alliance;
highlights the enhanced role of partnership and dialogue; underlines the
need to develop defence capabilities to their full potential to meet the
spectrum of Alliance missions, including forces which are more
deployable, sustainable, survivable and able to engage effectively; and
provides guidance to the NATO Military Authorities to this end.
6. To achieve its essential purpose, as an Alliance of nations
committed to the Washington Treaty and the United Nations Charter, the
Alliance performs the following fundamental security tasks:
Security:
To provide one of the indispensable foundations for a stable
Euro-Atlantic security environment, based on the growth of
democratic institutions and commitment to the peaceful
resolution of disputes, in which no country would be able to
intimidate or coerce any other through the threat or use of
force.
Consultation:
To serve, as provided for in Article 4 of the North Atlantic
Treaty, as an essential transatlantic forum for Allied
consultations on any issues that affect their vital
interests, including possible developments posing risks for
members' security, and for appropriate co-ordination of
their efforts in fields of common concern.
Deterrence and Defence:
To deter and defend against any threat of aggression against any
NATO member state as provided for in Articles 5 and 6 of the
Washington Treaty.
And in order to enhance the security and stability of the Euro-Atlantic
area:
Crisis Management:
To stand ready, case-by-case and by consensus, in conformity
with Article 7 of the Washington Treaty, to contribute to
effective conflict prevention and to engage actively in
crisis management, including crisis response operations.
Partnership:
To promote wide-ranging partnership, cooperation, and dialogue
with other countries in the Euro-Atlantic area, with the aim
of increasing transparency, mutual confidence and the
capacity for joint action with the Alliance.
7. We warmly welcome the participation of the three new Allies--the
Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland--in their first Alliance Summit
meeting. Their accession to the North Atlantic Treaty opens a new
chapter in the history of the Atlantic Alliance.
We reaffirm today our commitment to the openness of the Alliance
under Article 10 of the North Atlantic Treaty and in accordance with
Paragraph 8 of the Madrid Summit Declaration. We pledge that NATO will
continue to welcome new members in a position to further the principles
of the Treaty and contribute to peace and security in the Euro-Atlantic
area. This is part of an evolutionary process that takes into account
political and security developments in the whole of Europe. Our
commitment to enlargement is part of a broader strategy of projecting
stability and working together with our Partners to build a Europe whole
and free. The ongoing enlargement process strengthens the Alliance and
enhances the security and stability of the Euro-Atlantic region. The
three new members will not be the last.
[[Page 720]]
At the Summit in Madrid we recognised the progress made by a number
of countries aspiring to join the Alliance in meeting the
responsibilities and obligations for possible membership.
Today we recognise and welcome the continuing efforts and progress
in both Romania and Slovenia. We also recognise and welcome continuing
efforts and progress in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Since the Madrid
Summit, we note and welcome positive developments in Bulgaria. We also
note and welcome recent positive developments in Slovakia. We are
grateful for the co-operation of the former Yugoslav Republic of
Macedonia \1\ with NATO in the present crisis and welcome its progress
on reforms. We welcome Albania's co-operation with the Alliance in the
present crisis and encourage its reform efforts.
\1\ Turkey recognises the Republic of Macedonia with its
constitutional name.
We welcome the efforts and progress aspiring members have made,
since we last met, to advance political, military and economic reforms.
We appreciate the results achieved, and look forward to further progress
by these countries in strengthening their democratic institutions and in
restructuring their economies and militaries. We take account of the
efforts of these aspiring members, together with a number of other
Partner countries, to improve relations with neighbours and contribute
to security and stability of the Euro-Atlantic region. We look forward
to further deepening our co-operation with aspiring countries and to
increasing their political and military involvement in the work of the
Alliance.
The Alliance expects to extend further invitations in coming years
to nations willing and able to assume the responsibilities and
obligations of membership, and as NATO determines that the inclusion of
these nations would serve the overall political and strategic interests
of the Alliance and that the inclusion would enhance overall European
security and stability. To give substance to this commitment, NATO will
maintain an active relationship with those nations that have expressed
an interest in NATO membership as well as those who may wish to seek
membership in the future. Those nations that have expressed an interest
in becoming NATO members will remain under active consideration for
future membership. No European democratic country whose admission would
fulfil the objectives of the Treaty will be excluded from consideration,
regardless of its geographic location, each being considered on its own
merits. All states have the inherent right to choose the means to ensure
their own security. Furthermore, in order to enhance overall security
and stability in Europe, further steps in the ongoing enlargement
process of the Alliance should balance the security concerns of all
Allies.
We welcome the aspirations of the nine countries currently
interested in joining the Alliance. Accordingly, we are ready to provide
advice, assistance and practical support. To this end, we approve today
a Membership Action Plan which includes the following elements:
the submission by aspiring members of individual annual national
programmes on their preparations for possible future membership,
covering political, economic, defence, resource, security and
legal aspects;
a focused and candid feedback mechanism on aspirant countries'
progress on their programmes that includes both political and
technical advice, as well as annual 19+1 meetings at Council level
to assess progress;
a clearinghouse to help co-ordinate assistance by NATO and by member
states to aspirant countries in the defence/military field;
a defence planning approach for aspirants which includes elaboration
and review of agreed planning targets.
We direct that NATO Foreign Ministers keep the enlargement process,
including the implementation of the Membership Action Plan, under
continual review and report to us. We will review the process at our
next Summit meeting which will be held no later than 2002.
8. We reaffirm our commitment to preserve the transatlantic link,
including our readiness to pursue common security objectives through the
Alliance wherever possible. We are pleased with the progress achieved
[[Page 721]]
in implementing the Berlin decisions and reaffirm our strong commitment
to pursue the process of reinforcing the European pillar of the Alliance
on the basis of our Brussels Declaration of 1994 and of the principles
agreed at Berlin in 1996. We note with satisfaction that the key
elements of the Berlin decisions are being put in place. These include
flexible options for the selection of a European NATO Commander and NATO
Headquarters for WEU-led operations, as well as specific terms of
reference for DSACEUR and an adapted CJTF concept. Close linkages
between the two organisations have been established, including planning,
exercises (in particular a joint crisis management exercise in 2000) and
consultation, as well as a framework for the release and return of
Alliance assets and capabilities.
9. We welcome the new impetus given to the strengthening of a common
European policy in security and defence by the Amsterdam Treaty and the
reflections launched since then in the WEU and--following the St. Malo
Declaration--in the EU, including the Vienna European Council
Conclusions. This is a process which has implications for all Allies. We
confirm that a stronger European role will help contribute to the
vitality of our Alliance for the 21st century, which is the foundation
of the collective defence of its members. In this regard:
a. We acknowledge the resolve of the European Union to have the
capacity for autonomous action so that it can take decisions
and approve military action where the Alliance as a whole is
not engaged;
b. As this process goes forward, NATO and the EU should ensure
the development of effective mutual consultation, co-
operation and transparency, building on the mechanisms
existing between NATO and the WEU;
c. We applaud the determination of both EU members and other
European Allies to take the necessary steps to strengthen
their defence capabilities, especially for new missions,
avoiding unnecessary duplication;
d. We attach the utmost importance to ensuring the fullest
possible involvement of non-EU European Allies in EU-led
crisis response operations, building on existing
consultation arrangements within the WEU. We also note
Canada's interest in participating in such operations under
appropriate modalities.
e. We are determined that the decisions taken in Berlin in
1996, including the concept of using separable but not
separate NATO assets and capabilities for WEU-led
operations, should be further developed.
10. On the basis of the above principles and building on the Berlin
decisions, we therefore stand ready to define and adopt the necessary
arrangements for ready access by the European Union to the collective
assets and capabilities of the Alliance, for operations in which the
Alliance as a whole is not engaged militarily as an Alliance. The
Council in Permanent Session will approve these arrangements, which will
respect the requirements of NATO operations and the coherence of its
command structure, and should address:
a. Assured EU access to NATO planning capabilities able to
contribute to military planning for EU-led operations;
b. The presumption of availability to the EU of pre-identified
NATO capabilities and common assets for use in EU-led
operations;
c. Identification of a range of European command options for
EU-led operations, further developing the role of DSACEUR in
order for him to assume fully and effectively his European
responsibilities;
d. The further adaptation of NATO's defence planning system to
incorporate more comprehensively the availability of forces
for EU-led operations.
We task the Council in Permanent Session to address these measures
on an ongoing basis, taking into account the evolution of relevant
arrangements in the EU. The Council will make recommendations to the
next Ministerial meeting for its consideration.
[[Page 722]]
11. We have launched a Defence Capabilities Initiative to improve
the defence capabilities of the Alliance to ensure the effectiveness of
future multinational operations across the full spectrum of Alliance
missions in the present and foreseeable security environment with a
special focus on improving interoperability among Alliance forces (and
where applicable also between Alliance and Partner forces). Defence
capabilities will be increased through improvements in the deployability
and mobility of Alliance forces, their sustainability and logistics,
their survivability and effective engagement capability, and command and
control and information systems. In this connection, we endorse the
Council decision to begin implementing the Multinational Joint Logistics
Centre concept by the end of 1999, and to develop the C3 system
architecture by 2002 to form a basis for an integrated Alliance core
capability allowing interoperability with national systems. We have
established a temporary High-Level Steering Group to oversee the
implementation of the Defence Capabilities Initiative and to meet the
requirement of co-ordination and harmonisation among relevant planning
disciplines, including for Allies concerned force planning, with the aim
of achieving lasting effects on improvements in capabilities and
interoperability. Improvements in interoperability and critical
capabilities should also strengthen the European pillar in NATO.
12. We reaffirm our commitment to the 1995 Peace Agreement,
negotiated in Dayton and signed in Paris, which established Bosnia and
Herzegovina as a single, democratic and multi-ethnic state, and to the
full implementation of the Peace Agreement. We reiterate our readiness
to work constructively with all Parties that support the Peace Agreement
and seek to implement it.
13. The Madrid Peace Implementation Council meeting in December 1998
confirmed that the next two years would be vital in strengthening the
peace process in Bosnia and Herzegovina and recognised that SFOR's
presence remains essential, both to keep the peace and to provide the
secure environment and support for civilian implementation. Return of
refugees to areas in which they are a minority will remain vital for
political stability and reconciliation. We will support efforts to take
this process forward.
14. SFOR will continue to work closely and effectively with the High
Representative, whose role we support, the International Criminal
Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, the OSCE and other major
international organisations, the UN International Police Task Force and
other agencies implementing the civilian aspects of the Peace Agreement.
We commend the crucial contribution of men and women of both NATO and
Partner countries serving in SFOR, who are helping to bring peace to
Bosnia and Herzegovina.
15. SFOR's presence cannot, however, be maintained indefinitely.
SFOR is being streamlined through efficiency measures. We note that the
Council in Permanent Session is examining options on the future size and
structure of SFOR.
16. The continuing crisis in and around Kosovo threatens to further
destabilise areas beyond the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY). The
potential for wider instability underscores the need for a comprehensive
approach to the stabilisation of the crisis region in South-Eastern
Europe. We recognise and endorse the crucial importance of making South-
Eastern Europe a region free from violence and instability. A new level
of international engagement is thus needed to build security, prosperity
and democratic civil society, leading in time to full integration into
the wider European family.
17. NATO is determined to play its full part in this process by
contributing to the building of a more secure and co-operative
relationship with and between the countries of the region. Given the
differences in economic development and the diversity and complexity of
the problems of each country in the region, international efforts to
develop and stabilise the region must be comprehensive, coherent and
well co-ordinated. To achieve these ends, NATO, the WEU, the EU, the
OSCE and the UN must work closely together. The international financial
institutions also have a crucial role to play. The Alliance's efforts to
enhance regional security and stability in South-Eastern Europe and to
help resolve humanitarian problems, and the efforts by other
international organi-
[[Page 723]]
sations, as well as those by the countries of the region, should be
mutually reinforcing.
18. We will be meeting with colleagues from the countries of South-
Eastern Europe tomorrow. We intend to build on that meeting by
maintaining NATO's consultations with the countries of the region.
Accordingly, we will propose to them a consultative forum on security
matters which brings together all NATO members and countries of the
region at an appropriate level.
19. We direct the Council in Permanent Session, building on, as
appropriate, the existing EAPC and PfP framework, to give substance to
this proposal, inter alia, in the following areas:
19+1 consultations where appropriate;
the promotion of regional co-operation in the framework of an EAPC
co-operative mechanism, taking into account other regional
initiatives;
targeted NATO security co-operation programmes for the countries in
the region, as appropriate;
regionally focused PfP activities and exercises;
better targeting and co-ordination of Allies' and Partners'
bilateral assistance to the region.
20. The Alliance's efforts to enhance regional security in South-
Eastern Europe complement those by other international organisations, as
well as those by the countries of the region. We welcome the forthcoming
European Union conference on a Stability Pact for South-Eastern Europe
on 27th May 1999, and the South-Eastern Europe Co-operation process, as
well as other regional efforts. Coherence and co-ordination between the
various initiatives will be of great importance.
21. The security of the Balkan region is essential to achieving
lasting stability throughout the Euro-Atlantic area. Our goal is to see
the integration of the countries of the region into the Euro-Atlantic
community. We want all the countries and peoples of South-Eastern Europe
to enjoy peace and security and establish normal relations with one
another, based on respect of human rights, democracy, individual liberty
and the rule of law.
22. We reaffirm our commitment to consultation, partnership and
practical co-operation through the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council and
the Partnership for Peace. We commit ourselves today to build an
enhanced and more operational relationship with Partners for the 21st
century that strengthens stability, mutual confidence, and security
throughout the Euro-Atlantic area. The EAPC and the PfP have transformed
political-military relations across the continent and have become the
instruments of choice when the Alliance and its Partners consult and act
together in the pursuit of peace and security. We look forward to
consulting with our Partners at tomorrow's EAPC Summit meeting.
23. The EAPC, founded in 1997, contributes substantially to stronger
political consultation and practical co-operation between the Alliance
and its Partners, for solutions to security issues. We applaud this
expanded dimension of political consultations, which has enhanced
transparency and confidence among all EAPC members. The Alliance and its
Partners have consulted regularly on regional security issues, such as
on Bosnia and Herzegovina and on Kosovo. We have also developed new
areas of co-operation such as peacekeeping, humanitarian de-mining,
control over transfer of small arms, and the co-ordination of disaster
relief and humanitarian assistance.
24. We welcome the successful fulfilment by the Alliance and its
Partners of five years of Partnership for Peace and the full
implementation of PfP enhancements launched in 1997. Enhanced PfP has
ensured that NATO-Partner co-operation contributes concretely to Euro-
Atlantic stability and security. The participation of 15 PfP Partners in
IFOR/SFOR demonstrates the real-life benefits of PfP's focus on
interoperability and provides valuable lessons for future Alliance-
Partner co-operation. The presence of Partner officers in an
international capacity in NATO military headquarters enables Partners to
participate in planning for NATO-PfP exercises and NATO-led PfP
operations. Enhanced PfP has also permitted NATO to take action to
assist Albania and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia with their
unique security concerns.
[[Page 724]]
25. We welcome and take special note of the initiatives designed to
make the Partnership more operational and ensure greater Partner
involvement in appropriate decision-making and planning, as we had
envisioned in our Madrid Declaration. These steps will ensure that the
Partnership will be better able to address its objectives, and will
provide a solid foundation for its continuing evolution as the core of a
co-operative security network between NATO and its Partners for the 21st
century. To further this goal, we have today approved the following
comprehensive package. We have:
approved a Political-Military Framework for NATO-led PfP operations,
which will enhance Partners' roles in political guidance and
oversight, planning, and command arrangements for such operations;
endorsed the expanded and adapted Planning and Review Process, which
will further enhance interoperability of Partner forces declared
available for PfP activities, and will allow for more focused and
increased Partner contributions of valuable forces and
capabilities for future NATO-led PfP operations;
endorsed the outline Operational Capabilities Concept for NATO-led
PfP operations, which will provide for deeper military co-
operation between the Alliance and Partners with the goal of
improving the ability of Partner forces and capabilities to
operate with the Alliance in NATO-led PfP operations and directed
the Council in Permanent Session to pursue its further
development;
endorsed the outline programme on enhancing PfP training and
education to optimise and harmonise NATO and national PfP
activities in order to meet the current and future demands of an
enhanced and more operational PfP. The outline programme includes
the role of three new PfP tools--a PfP Consortium of Defence
Academies and Security Studies Institutes, a PfP Exercise
Simulation Network and PfP Training Centres. We directed the
Council in Permanent Session to develop a PfP Training and
Education Enhancement Programme.
26. We remain firmly committed to our partnership with Russia under
the NATO-Russia Founding Act. NATO and Russia have a common objective in
strengthening security and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area.
Throughout the Kosovo crisis, NATO and Russia have shared the common
goals of the international community: to halt the violence, to avert a
humanitarian catastrophe, and to create the conditions for a political
solution. These goals remain valid. Consultation and dialogue are even
more important in times of crisis. NATO and its member countries are
determined to build on the areas of common ground with Russia concerning
the international response to the crisis in Kosovo and remain ready to
resume consultations and co-operation in the framework of the Founding
Act.
27. Close relations between NATO and Russia are of great importance
to stability and security in the Euro-Atlantic area. Since the
conclusion of the Founding Act in May 1997, considerable and encouraging
progress has been made in intensifying consultation and co-operation
with Russia. The NATO-Russia Permanent Joint Council has developed into
an important venue to consult, to promote transparency and confidence-
building, and to foster co-operation. Russia's participation in the
implementation of the peace agreement for Bosnia and Herzegovina was a
significant step towards a new co-operative relationship. We have
developed an extensive dialogue on such matters as disarmament and arms
control, including the adaptation of the CFE Treaty; peacekeeping and
nuclear weapons issues. Strategy, defence policy and doctrines, budgets
and infrastructure development programmes, and non-proliferation, are
further examples of this increasing co-operation.
28. We attach great importance to a strong, enduring and distinctive
partnership between NATO and Ukraine. Ukraine has an important role to
play in enhancing security and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area and
in particular in Central and Eastern Europe. We are pleased with the
progress reached since the signing of the NATO-Ukraine Charter in
Madrid, and will continue to strengthen our distinctive partnership. We
continue to support Ukrainian sovereignty
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and independence, territorial integrity, democratic development,
economic prosperity and Ukraine's status as a non-nuclear weapons state
as key factors of stability and security in Europe. We encourage Ukraine
to carry forward its democratic and economic transformation, including
its defence reform, and reaffirm NATO's support for Ukraine's efforts to
this end. We applaud the progress made in the Joint Working Group on
Defence Reform. We welcome the establishment of a NATO Liaison Office in
Kyiv to further enhance Ukraine's role as a distinctive Partner. We also
look forward to today's inaugural Summit meeting of the NATO-Ukraine
Commission.
29. The Mediterranean Dialogue is an integral part of the Alliance's
co-operative approach to security since security in the whole of Europe
is closely linked to security and stability in the Mediterranean. We are
pleased with the development of our Mediterranean Dialogue. The Dialogue
is progressive in nature and we welcome the progress towards developing
broader and deeper co-operation and dialogue with the countries in the
Mediterranean region. We endorse the enhancements to the political and
practical co-operation of the Mediterranean Dialogue agreed by the
Council in Permanent Session and direct it to pursue their early
implementation. We encourage Allied nations and Mediterranean Dialogue
countries to organise events such as the Rome Conference in 1997 and the
Valencia Conference in 1999 as positive steps to strengthen mutual
regional understanding. We look forward to further opportunities to
strengthen co-operation in areas where NATO can add value, particularly
in the military field, and where Dialogue countries have expressed
interest. The Dialogue and other international efforts, including the EU
Barcelona process, are complementary and mutually reinforcing and thus
contribute to transparency and building confidence in the region.
30. The proliferation of nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC)
weapons and their means of delivery can pose a direct military threat to
Allies' populations, territory, and forces and therefore continues to be
a matter of serious concern for the Alliance. The principal non-
proliferation goal of the Alliance and its members is to prevent
proliferation from occurring, or, should it occur, to reverse it through
diplomatic means. We reiterate our full support for the international
non-proliferation regimes and their strengthening. We recognise progress
made in this regard. In order to respond to the risks to Alliance
security posed by the spread of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and
their delivery means, we have launched an Initiative that builds upon
work since the Brussels Summit to improve overall Alliance political and
military efforts in this area.
31. The WMD Initiative will: ensure a more vigorous, structured
debate at NATO leading to strengthened common understanding among Allies
on WMD issues and how to respond to them; improve the quality and
quantity of intelligence and information-sharing among Allies on
proliferation issues; support the development of a public information
strategy by Allies to increase awareness of proliferation issues and
Allies' efforts to support non-proliferation efforts; enhance existing
Allied programmes which increase military readiness to operate in a WMD
environment and to counter WMD threats; strengthen the process of
information exchange about Allies' national programmes of bilateral WMD
destruction and assistance; enhance the possibilities for Allies to
assist one another in the protection of their civil populations against
WMD risks; and create a WMD Centre within the International Staff at
NATO to support these efforts. The WMD initiative will integrate
political and military aspects of Alliance work in responding to
proliferation.
32. Arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation will continue to
play a major role in the achievement of the Alliance's security
objectives. NATO has a long-standing commitment in this area. Allied
forces, both conventional and nuclear, have been significantly reduced
since the end of the Cold War as part of the changed security
environment. All Allies are States Parties to the central treaties
related to disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass
destruction, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, the Biological and
Toxin Weapons Convention and the Chemical Weapons Convention, and are
committed to the full implementation of
[[Page 726]]
these treaties. NATO is a defensive Alliance seeking to enhance security
and stability at the minimum level of forces consistent with the
requirements for the full range of Alliance missions. As part of its
broad approach to security, NATO actively supports arms control and
disarmament, both conventional and nuclear, and pursues its approach
against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their
delivery means. In the light of overall strategic developments and the
reduced salience of nuclear weapons, the Alliance will consider options
for confidence and security building measures, verification, non-
proliferation and arms control and disarmament. The Council in Permanent
Session will propose a process to Ministers in December for considering
such options. The responsible NATO bodies would accomplish this. We
support deepening consultations with Russia in these and other areas in
the Permanent Joint Council as well as with Ukraine in the NATO-Ukraine
Commission and with other Partners in the EAPC.
33. The CFE Treaty is a cornerstone of European security. We
reaffirm our commitment to the successful adaptation of the Treaty
reflecting the new security environment and paving the way to greater
conventional security and stability in Europe. In the course of the
negotiations so far, Members of the Alliance have already declared their
intention to undertake reductions in their equipment entitlements or
holdings, and we strongly encourage others to follow suit with similar
substantial reductions. In this context, we are pleased that agreement
has been reached by CFE States Parties in Vienna in March 1999 on the
key outstanding issues, permitting drafting work to proceed without
delay. Allies will do their utmost to complete an adapted Treaty for
signature by the time of the OSCE Istanbul Summit in November 1999.
Until the adaptation process is completed, the continued full
implementation of the existing Treaty and its associated documents will
remain crucial.
34. We call on Russia to ratify the START II Treaty without delay.
This would pave the way for considerable reductions of nuclear arsenals
and would allow negotiations on a START III Treaty aiming at further
far-reaching reductions. We remain committed to an early entry into
force of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, and call upon all countries
to accede to and implement the Treaty in due course. We support the
early commencement of negotiations on a Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty.
35. We are determined to achieve progress on a legally binding
protocol including effective verification measures to enhance compliance
and promote transparency that strengthens the implementation of the
Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention. We re-emphasise the importance
of universal adherence to, and effective implementation of, the Chemical
Weapons Convention. We support de-mining efforts in Bosnia, the
development of practical initiatives under the auspices of the EAPC,
and--for signatories--activities to meet obligations under the Ottawa
Convention.
36. We call on Belarus, Russia and Ukraine to ratify the Open Skies
Treaty without delay.
37. We will seek to intensify on a mutually reinforcing basis the
Alliance's contacts and co-operation with other international
organisations with a role to play in consolidating democracy and
preserving peace in the Euro-Atlantic Area.
38. As stated in the Washington Treaty, we recognise the primary
responsibility of the United Nations Security Council for the
maintenance of international peace and security. The Alliance and the UN
have worked together effectively in implementing the Peace Agreement in
Bosnia and Herzegovina. We look forward to developing further contact
and exchanges of information with the United Nations, in the context of
co-operation in conflict prevention, crisis management, crisis response
operations, including peacekeeping, and humanitarian assistance. In the
crisis in Kosovo, the Alliance is using its civil and military
capabilities to work with the UNHCR, the lead agency in the field of
refugee relief, and other relevant international organisations, in
providing humanitarian assistance and refugee relief. The Alliance will
consider on a case-by-case basis future co-operation of this kind.
39. Co-operation and co-ordination between the Alliance and the
Organisation for
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Security and Co-operation in Europe has expanded considerably in the
light of the support we have provided to the OSCE-led Kosovo
Verification Missions. We hope to make use of these important bridges
between our two organisations to work together in conflict prevention,
peacekeeping, crisis management and post-conflict rehabilitation, in the
spirit of the OSCE's Common Concept for the Development of Co-operation
between Mutually Reinforcing Institutions. We continue to support the
efforts of the OSCE to develop a Document-Charter on European Security,
worthy of adoption at the OSCE Istanbul Summit in November 1999.
40. The Alliance and the European Union share common strategic
interests. Our respective efforts in building peace in the former
Yugoslavia are complementary. Both organisations make decisive
contributions to peace and stability on the European continent. Co-
operation between the two organisations on topics of common concern, to
be decided on a case-by-case basis, could be developed when it enhances
the effectiveness of action by NATO and the EU.
41. The Alliance, in order to adapt its structures to better prepare
it to meet future challenges, launched a comprehensive programme
including the continuing adaptation of NATO's command structure.
Accordingly, Allies welcome the activation decision of the
implementation phase of the Alliance's new command structure. This will
ensure NATO's ability to carry out the whole range of its missions more
effectively and flexibly; support an enlarged Alliance and our more
operational relationship with Partners; and provide, as part of the
development of the ESDI within NATO, for European command arrangements
able to prepare, support, command and conduct WEU-led operations. After
successful trials, we have embarked on the full implementation of the
CJTF concept, giving us an important new tool for crisis management in
the next century. Allies also welcome the full integration of Spain into
NATO's military structure from January this year, another significant
milestone for the Alliance.
42. Terrorism constitutes a serious threat to peace, security and
stability that can threaten the territorial integrity of States. We
reiterate our condemnation of terrorism and reaffirm our determination
to combat it in accordance with our international commitments and
national legislation. The terrorist threat against deployed NATO forces
and NATO installations requires the consideration and development of
appropriate measures for their continued protection, taking full account
of host nation responsibilities.
43. NATO Heads of State and Government believe that a key to the
future success of the North Atlantic Alliance is the efficient
production and availability of advanced weapons and technology in
support of security for all its members. We also believe that viable
defence industries on both sides of the Atlantic are critical to the
efficient functioning of NATO military forces. To that end, we welcome
continued transatlantic defence industrial co-operation to help ensure
interoperability, economies of scale, competition and innovation. We
will seek to ensure that NATO's armament activities meet the Alliance's
evolving military needs.
44. We welcome the presence in Washington of the President and other
representatives of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NPA). The NPA plays
a significant role in complementing NATO's efforts to project stability
throughout Europe. We therefore attach great importance to enhancing our
relations with the NPA in areas of common concern. We also appreciate
the contribution made by the Atlantic Treaty Association in promoting
better understanding of the Alliance and its objectives among our
publics.
45. We express our deep appreciation for the gracious hospitality
extended to us by the Government of the United States on the occasion of
the 50th anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty.
Note: The joint statement was issued by the heads of state and
government participating in the meeting of the North Atlantic Council in
Washington, DC, April 24. It was made available by the Office of the
Press Secretary but was not issued as a White House press release. An
original was not available for verification of the content of this joint
statement.
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