    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 15 (Monday, April 14, 2003)]
    [Pages 426-427]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Message to the Senate Transmitting the North Atlantic Treaty Protocols
    on the Accession of Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania,
    Slovakia, and Slovenia

    April 10, 2003

    To the Senate of the United States:

        I transmit herewith Protocols to the North Atlantic Treaty of 1949
    on the accession of Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania,
    Slovakia, and Slovenia. These protocols were opened for signature at
    Brussels on March 26, 2003, and signed that day on behalf of the United
    States and the other parties to the North Atlantic Treaty. I request the
    advice and consent of the Senate to the ratification of these documents.
    I also transmit for the information of the Senate a report submitted to
    me by the Secretary of State regarding this matter.
        The end of communism and the consolidation of freedom and democracy
    in Central and Eastern Europe have been among the great developments of
    human history. NATO played a vital role in defending freedom and
    promoting this peaceful change for over 50 years. I am pleased that,
    with the advice and consent of the Senate, these new democracies can
    soon join us as members of this great Alliance.
        As the threats to the Alliance have changed, NATO itself has adapted
    to face them. At the Prague Summit in November 2002, I joined the
    leaders of NATO not only in inviting these nations to join us as
    members, but also in calling for a transformation of NATO's military
    capabilities and structures to meet the threats of the 21st century.
    NATO is proceeding with that agenda. Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia,
    Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia are already making real
    contributions to the common security of the NATO Allies, including the
    United States, and I am firmly convinced that their full membership in
    NATO will strengthen our Alliance further.

    [[Page 427]]

        I ask the Senate to join me in advancing the cause of freedom and
    strengthening NATO by providing its prompt advice and consent to these
    Protocols of Accession. My Administration stands ready to assist you as
    best we can in your deliberations.
                                                    George W. Bush
     The White House,
     April 10, 2003.

    Note: This message was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    April 11.