Political Quotes

“Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania lie on the northwestern border of Russia. These three tiny Baltic nations have historically served as a crossroads as bargaining chips between great powers. As a result, they have been invaded and dominated by foreign countries throughout their history. The Baltics were occupied and oppressed by the Soviet Union during all of the cold war, but are now on a quick path to full democracy and free market economies. As we meet in Madrid this July with our NATO partners to discuss expansion of the alliance, we should also consider extending an invitation to our friends in the Baltics. Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have all made significant progress toward the NATO requirements of irreversible democracy, free market economies, and civilian-controlled militaries. They have participated in NATO's Partnership for Peace initiative by supplying troops to NATO peacekeeping efforts. The Baltic nations have requested, and deserve, consideration for full NATO membership. That is why I am introducing legislation today recommending the integration of Estonia, Lativa, and Lithuania into NATO at the earliest possible date.”