DATE=4/23/98
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
NUMBER=2-230123
TITLE=SENATE-NATO EXPANSION (L-ONLY)
BYLINE=DAVID SWAN
DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL
CONTENT=
VOICED AT: 

INTRO: OPPONENTS OF NATO EXPANSION HAVE LAUNCHED A LAST-DITCH 
CAMPAIGN TO BLOCK THE PROPOSAL IN THE U-S SENATE, WHERE A CRUCIAL
RATIFICATION VOTE COULD COME NEXT WEEK.  V-O-A'S DAVID SWAN 
REPORTS THE ANTI-ENLARGEMENT FACTION CLAIMS TO BE GAINING GROUND.

TEXT: THOSE WHO OPPOSE OR HAVE DOUBTS ABOUT THE PLAN HAVE FORMED 
AN UNLIKELY COALITION WHICH INCLUDES SOME OF THE SENATE'S MOST 
CONSERVATIVE REPUBLICANS AND LIBERAL DEMOCRATS.  THEY ARGUE THERE
IS NO COMPELLING REASON TO EXPAND THE ALLIANCE NOW, ESPECIALLY 
WHEN THE MOVE WOULD SET BACK RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA AND STRENGTHEN
THE HAND OF THAT COUNTRY'S ULTRANATIONALISTS.

NEW HAMPSHIRE SENATOR BOB SMITH, ONE OF THE CONSERVATIVES WHO 
OPPOSES EXPANSION, SAYS THIS IS THE REAL DANGER FOR NATO'S 
PROSPECTIVE NEW MEMBERS.

                         // SMITH ACT //

         THE GREATEST THREAT TO THESE NATIONS IS, IS THE 
         SITUATION THAT WOULD DEVELOP IN THE FUTURE WHERE RUSSIA 
         AND THE UNITED STATES ARE NOT ALLIES.  THAT IS THE RISK.

                          // END ACT //

THE OPPONENTS ALSO CHARGE EXPANSION WOULD BRING AN UNFAIR BURDEN 
ON AMERICAN TAXPAYERS.  DEMOCRATIC SENATOR TOM HARKIN SAYS THE 
WHITE HOUSE HAS BADLY UNDERESTIMATED THE COST OF TAKING IN 
POLAND, THE CZECH REPUBLIC AND HUNGARY.

                        // HARKIN ACT //

         THE 400-MILLION DOLLARS DOES  NOT  INCLUDE U-S 
         CONTRIBUTIONS THAT ENABLE THE NEW NATIONS TO UPGRADE AND
         MODERNIZE THEIR AIRCRAFT, TANKS AND OTHER WEAPONS. AS 
         FAR AS I'M CONCERNED, THE (CLINTON) ADMINISTRATION COST 
         ESTIMATES SHOULD HAVE A BIG WARNING LABEL -- "WEAPONS 
         NOT INCLUDED."

                          // END ACT //

THE ANTI-ENLARGEMENT GROUP SAYS IT HAS GROWN IN THE LAST FEW 
WEEKS, WITH A NUMBER OF SENATORS WHO ONCE FAVORED EXPANSION NOW 
UNDECIDED OR EXPRESSING DOUBTS.  HOWEVER, THE COALITION IS NOT 
SAYING HOW MANY VOTES IT MAY HAVE LINED UP. THE OPPONENTS NEED 34
VOTES TO STOP THE TREATY FROM WINNING THE NEEDED TWO-THIRDS 
MAJORITY.  LEADERS OF BOTH PARTIES SAY THEY STILL EXPECT NATO 
EXPANSION TO PASS. (SIGNED)

NEB/DS/KL

23-Apr-98 1:41 PM EDT (1741 UTC)
NNNN

Source: Voice of America
.