WASHINGTON -- In a meeting today with U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar (R-IN), NATO Secretary General Javier Solana called for Lugar's continued leadership in laying the groundwork for expansion of the NATO alliance and emphasized the need to develop a new strategic relationship between NATO and Russia.

Solana thanked Lugar for his efforts in the NATO expansion debate. "You have prepared so much and so well for ratification of NATO expansion. Many people look to you for guidance," Solana said to Lugar in the meeting. "The first months of this year are crucial as we approach the Yeltsin summit. While I think we will find a solution with the Russians, other countries are knocking at the door as well. Many want to be around this magnet that is NATO."

President Clinton and Russian President Boris Yeltsin have scheduled a March summit to discuss U.S.-Russian relations. In July, NATO ministers will hold a meeting to extend invitations to new countries to begin accession talks for entrance into the alliance.

"President Clinton must work now with members of the Senate to establish the two-thirds approval necessary to ratify NATO enlargement," Lugar said. "It is essential that Congress and the American people be engaged in this historic discussion and have a good understanding of what is at stake. The United States is the leader of NATO and must shape a consensus within the alliance on new members and missions."

In his meeting with Solana, Lugar, a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Intelligence Committees who has advocated NATO enlargement for over three years, outlined important issues that must be determined by NATO countries. Having recently travelled to Russia with Defense Secretary William Perry, Lugar gave Solana an impression of his meeting with members of the Russian Duma. Lugar said, "Several issues must be resolved between the United States and Russia. Russia must ratify the START II treaty, and both the U.S. and Russia have yet to ratify the Chemical Weapons Convention. The Clinton Administration should make Senate ratification of the CWC, prior to the April 29 entry into force, one of its highest priorities."

Lugar also said that the success of the NATO mission in Bosnia is important in building momentum for expanding NATO missions and members. Solana expressed his optimism, based on a trip to Bosnia last week, that things are looking up. "The impression I got from many Bosnians was very positive," said Solana. "People on the streets seemed much happier than they did one year ago, and they say it is because of IFOR."

Although some question the necessity for U.S. involvement in European affairs, Lugar argues that European stability is vital to American security and economic growth.

"Europe is in a state of change at this time. What is at stake in the region is order and stability," Lugar said. "Although NATO cannot by itself solve all of Europe's problems, it is a strong vehicle for promoting peace and democratic ideals, and will plan an integral role in European and American security. As we proceed toward an enlarged NATO, I look forward to continuing a strong working relationship with Javier Solana. His hard work and indefatigable resolve are invaluable."

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