George Voinovich: “In the resolution, they note: ``We believe that NATO is the backbone of the transatlantic community and has been an…”

“In the resolution, they note: ``We believe that NATO is the backbone of the transatlantic community and has been an effective bulwark in the defense of freedom, democracy and human rights. We further believe that a strong involvement of the United States in Europe serves the vital interest of the United States.'' I strongly support that message, and I share the sentiments expressed by President Bush in remarks he delivered in Poland last June, when he said that as the NATO Summit in Prague approaches, ``We should not calculate how little we can get away with, but how much we can do to advance the cause of freedom.'' During the cold war, as a public official in the State of Ohio, I remained a strong supporter of the captive nations, who were for so many years denied the right of self-determination by the former Soviet Union. When I was mayor of Cleveland during the 1980s, we celebrated the independence days of the captive nations at city hall--flying their flags, singing their songs and praying that one day the people in those countries would know freedom. In August 1991, as communism's grip loosened, I wrote a letter to then-President George H.W. Bush urging him to recognize the independence of the Baltic nations. Now, these countries are among those being considered for membership in the NATO alliance.”