ACCESSION NUMBER:353061
FILE ID:TXT501
DATE:07/15/94
TITLE:CHRISTOPHER ON CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE (07/15/94)
TEXT:*94071501.TXT
CHRISTOPHER ON CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE
(VOA Editorial)  (290)
(Following is an editorial, broadcast by the Voice of America July 15,
reflecting the views of the U.S. government.)

In this century, weakness and instability in the heart of Europe have been
the seedbeds of two devastating world wars.  As U.S. Secretary of State
Warren Christopher said recently, "The lesson is clear....  Peace and
stability in Europe require that the nations of Central and Eastern Europe
be strong, independent, democratic and secure.  The United States," said
Christopher, "has a vital self-interest in ensuring that that goal is
achieved."  It can be achieved only if the new democracies in the heart of
Europe are integrated into the West.

Those new states can work toward full integration into Western security
institutions through NATO's Partnership for Peace.  The United States is
committed to NATO expansion.  As President Bill Clinton has said, the
question is not whether NATO will expand, but when.  The Partnership for
Peace is the pathway for that expansion.  The United States welcomes the
1ecision of 22 states to join the partnership and develop closer ties with
NATO.

Economic integration is just as essential for a more stable and prosperous
Europe.  The United States has called for negotiations between the
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and Poland, Hungary,
Slovakia and the Czech Republic.  The United States is also working to
remove limits to exports from Eastern and Central Europe, and will continue
to provide support for economic and political reforms.  As Secretary of
State Christopher said, the United States is committed to ensuring that the
benefits and obligations of the transatlantic community of democracies are
available to countries in the heart of Europe.

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