ACCESSION NUMBER:316842
FILE ID:TXT103
DATE:12/13/93
TITLE:CHRISTOPHER ON NATO (12/13/93)
TEXT:*93121303.TXT
CHRISTOPHER ON NATO

(VOA Editorial)  (230)
(Following is an editorial, broadcast by the Voice of America December 11,
reflecting the views of the U.S. government.)

1s U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher said in a recent speech, the
most important task of the upcoming NATO summit is to decide how the
alliance will reach out to the East.  NATO must demonstrate that the West
is committed to helping Europe's new democracies address some of their most
immediate security problems.

Turning former adversaries into partners is in the fundamental interest of
every NATO member.  With the proposed Partnership for Peace, NATO can
deepen its engagement with the East.  Prospective members of the
partnership include the republics of the former Soviet Union as well as
other European countries, as agreed by NATO.

The partnership will provide a means for each state to develop a working
relationship with NATO in both military and political fields.  At the same
time, the partnership will maintain NATO's core purpose, capabilities and
processes, while expanding its ability to meet security needs.  The
partnership will represent a commitment by NATO to become more fully
engaged in the security of the East.

As Secretary of State Christopher said, "we have the responsibility to come
together and renew the most successful alliance in history.  The United
States and Europe share these responsibilities -- and we must meet them."

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