ACCESSION NUMBER:370452
FILE ID:TXT402
DATE:12/08/94
TITLE:CHRISTOPHER ON NATO (12/08/94)
TEXT:*94120802.TXT
CHRISTOPHER ON NATO
(VOA Editorial)  (240)
(Following is an editorial, broadcast by the Voice of America December 8,
expressing the policies of the U.S. government.)

NATO foreign ministers met earlier this month to discuss the future of the
alliance.  As U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher said, NATO
provided "the foundation on which our nations built the greatest community
of peace and prosperity the world has ever seen.  It cemented close
relations among former adversaries in Western Europe.  It formed the core
1f our transatlantic community."

But the end of the Cold War has brought new challenges that will require an
expansion of NATO.  Last January, NATO committed itself to strengthening
ties among Europe's democracies through the Partnership for Peace
initiative.  Already 23 nations have joined the partnership, and Belarus
has announced its intention to join.

NATO members agreed that over the next year they would deliberate about the
requirements and implications of expansion and contact interested partners.
 Christopher stressed that the expansion of NATO will not dilute the
alliance.  Over time, he said, NATO must be ready to include nations whose
membership would advance the goals of the alliance.

NATO is prepared to take up the challenges of the post-Cold War era.  And
the United States will continue to do its part.  As Secretary of State
Christopher said, the U.S. commitment to the security, prosperity and
freedom of Europe remains unshakable.

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