Chris Smith: “I commend Chairman Gilman for his leadership in ensuring the timely consideration of H.R. 3564, the NATO Enlargement…”

“I commend Chairman Gilman for his leadership in ensuring the timely consideration of H.R. 3564, the NATO Enlargement Facilitation Act of 1996. As an original cosponsor of this legislation, a strong advocate of NATO enlargement, and Chairman of the Helsinki Commission, I have consistently emphasized the importance of human rights in the expansion process. In addition, I am keenly interested in encouraging states interested in NATO membership to take concrete steps to strengthen civilian democratic control of the military. As a result, Mr. Speaker, the bill before us today includes an unqualified statement that the protection and promotion of fundamental freedoms and human rights are integral aspects of genuine security. The legislation also makes clear that the human rights records of emerging democracies in Central and Eastern Europe interested in joining NATO should be evaluated in light of the obligations and commitments of these countries under the U.N. Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the Helsinki Final Act.”