    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 25 (Monday, June 26, 2000)]
    [Page 1416]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    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 Europe to ensure such forces can deploy rapidly
    when they are needed.