Mike Levin: “I will support the accession of Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic into NATO. I do so with the realization that…”

“I will support the accession of Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic into NATO. I do so with the realization that this represents, in its most basic meaning, a serious commitment by the United States to treat an armed attack on any of these nations as an attack on the United States. NATO has been called the most successful alliance in the history of the world. It successfully deterred an attack by the former Soviet Union and also, very importantly, it helped to keep the peace among the nations of Western Europe. I am convinced that the accession of Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic to NATO will help ensure long-term stability and peace in Europe and will demonstrate our continuing engagement and leadership in transatlantic affairs. The inclusion of these three nations that are willing and able to defend the common interests will strengthen the alliance. Each of these nations provided forces to the United States-led coalition during the Persian Gulf war. Their troops are serving with the NATO-led stabilization force in Bosnia. Hungary provides a staging and training base for U.S. forces in Bosnia. All three are prepared to contribute forces to the United States-led force presently deployed in the gulf, if that proves necessary. They have, thus, already demonstrated their commitment to burdensharing and to be not just consumers of security but also contributors to a more secure Europe.”