On the recordJune 11, 1997
I want to stress again what this legislation intends. It is about achieving two of our vital national objectives, enlarging NATO and defending our Nation against the risk of ballistic missile attack in a way that does not upset our relations with Russia. With regard to NATO enlargement, we are especially concerned that no emerging democracies in central and eastern Europe be left in a security vacuum, and the Baltic states in particular must be regarded as strong contenders for NATO membership. For this reason, our legislation designates these countries as being eligible to receive transition assistance within the NATO Participation Act. I urge our colleagues to support the measure.
Source
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