'NEW ERA' FOR NATO: FORMER COLD WAR FOES 'WELCOMED' INTO FOLD

NEW NATO MEMBERS

CZECH REPUBLIC: "'We Are At Home!'"

Jiri Hanak claimed in leftist Pravo (3/13): "The Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland have been members of the Alliance for several hours. Western debtors paid off their debts and three long-time creditors can celebrate. We hardly can doubt that in the process of accession of these three countries, the Western feelings of guilt towards these countries played an important part. It was Munich for the Czechs, plain promises to the Polish in 1939 and irresponsible American promises to Hungarians at the time of their national uprising in 1956.... The Polish president, reformed communist Alexander Kwasniewski, characterized the accession to the Alliance by the words: 'We are at home!' He could not have characterized it better."

"A Truly Fantastic Achievement"

An editorial in right-of-center Mlada Fronta DNES held (3/12): "Central Europe is becoming part and parcel of the West, and Russia is losing influence on its developments. Therefore, Russia's strong language saying that NATO is useless and Russia is a peace-loving country is nothing but mourning over the loss of the sphere of power.... Germany, in another twist of fate for central Europe, is becoming an ally of its historical enemy Poland and of its problematic partner the Czech Republic. From this viewpoint, NATO accession is a truly fantastic achievement of our foreign policy. Those who speak about March 12 as the most significant event in this country's history may exaggerate a little bit, but future generations of Czechs, Poles and Hungarians are most likely to perceive March 12 along these lines."

"About The Meaning Of The Day Of NATO Enlargement"

A commentary in centrist, intellectual Lidove Noviny noted (3/12): "Today is obviously the most important day for Czechs since November 17, 1989 (the Velvet Revolution). Both days are actually closely linked as regards their political impact.... Today, on March 12, 1999, we are joining this Alliance. Through this act, our country and our freedom get maximum security guarantees.... We received freedom and security as a gift rather than for our merits. Now, it will be entirely up to us how we'll deal with these assets.... So, the days to come are for work. Today is for celebration."

"Returning To Where We Belong"

A commentary in left-of-center Slovo maintained (3/11): "Tomorrow, on March 12, this small insignificant country in the heart of Europe will return to where it has always belonged. By becoming a NATO member, the sixty-year-long apocalypse of Czech citizens is closing down (on March 15, 1939, Hitler did away with democracy in the then Czechoslovakia).... Our membership in NATO is not only a cause for celebration, but also poses a challenge to us to do away with cultivating a 'bad mood' wherever it is not necessary, although it is true there we are still facing a lot of problems.... Accession into NATO demonstrates that we are not so badly off after all.... Admission into NATO means the (Western) world trusts in our capabilities.... We should know that what we have been undergoing now also happened in the countries with which we'll share the bonds in NATO as of tomorrow. For democracy in those countries did not mean immediate prosperity but a vigorous step towards it. This is also good to realize at the moment when the Czech Republic will finally return among its good, old friends."

HUNGARY: "On The Atlantic Road"

Pro-government Magyar Nemzet had this comment by foreign policy writer Lajos Pietsch (3/12): "After so much suffering and vicissitude, from now on, the Hungarian people once again belong to the part of the world whose values they have always claimed to be their own. The West has appreciated the efforts that the governments elected since the change of regime have made to bring about democratic progress, economic stability and modernization of the military."

"Inside The Circle"

Right-of-center Napi Magyarorszag carried this by contributor Laszlo Daroczi (3/12): "In addition to the fact that now we can count on the protective shield of the North Atlantic Alliance in case of any threat or challenge coming from whatever direction, accession is also a huge opportunity for us. First, we can demonstrate that we will be able to justify the advance trust (mostly in the military aspect), and that we do not only want to receive, but are able to give, too. Second, our membership will help us to succeed in our further [European] integration efforts. Last but not least, as a member of NATO, we can better assist our well-prepared neighbors so that they will also be able to join the North Atlantic elite club."

"Inside"

Prestigious, business Vilaggazdasag had this by contributor Hanna Szalay (3/12): "Hungary has been extremely fortunate to be able to make the first wave of NATO's eastward expansion. First, because who knows if there will ever be a second wave. Second, because for the first time, the country belongs to an alliance which is truly a defense community, does not use pressure and does not follow ideological goals. Third, because it makes the inevitable military development less expensive. Fourth, because membership is a sort of guarantee, not just for foreign investors, but for ourselves, too: It is unlikely that from here we would ever slip back to the Balkans."

"In NATO's Entryway"

Pro-government Magyar Nemzet carried this by Congressman Andras Kelemen (3/10): "Among his pressing worries, the Hungarian man preoccupied with daily living, cannot raise his head high enough to see that, if we did not join NATO in a few years, forces in turmoil would again pull our country to the Eastern side--or even down. Based on his experience of the Warsaw Pact, he does not believe in defense and avoids military service. He has not heard that the Washington Charter, NATO's foundation, is committed to the preservation of peace, freedom and democracy, and the countries forming the Alliance want to join forces to that purpose. Many find it hard to believe that written words mean true commitment. Democracy, prosperity, peace and security had been mentioned before, but then those words had meant something entirely different. Why should we believe that this time it will be different? Because the bipolar world has come to an end."

POLAND: "Historic Mistake"

Kazimierz Pytko wrote in center-left Zycie Warszawy (3/17): "[Russia's politicians say that] NATO enlargement is a 'historic mistake.'... Russian politicians cannot stop thinking in terms of imperial ambitions. If they continue to look at the world this way, then NATO can be really perceived as a threat because the NATO treaty will not allow Russia to rebuild its lost empire and restore its zones of influence. To Poles and other nations, [Russia's imperial ambition] is a crucial argument confirming that they are right in their efforts for NATO membership."

"Poland In NATO Or A New Map"

Tomasz Wroblewski wrote in right-of-center Zycie (3/13-14): "To a large extent, for the last five years we have worked to change the awareness of the West and break the deeply-rooted stereotypes--by saying again and again that Central Europe is not Eastern Europe. We chose to offer cartographic solutions different from those on which post-Cold War diplomacy was shaped. Of all the guarantees we have, none seems to be as important as a map every American or British will have before his eyes when he hears the name of Poland--we are in the center of the map, not on the outskirts."

"The Beginning Of The Road"

Piotr Naimski opined in centrist Rzeczpospolita (3/13-14): "NATO is a guarantor of stability and normal development for its member countries, but it also brings the offer of reconciliation and cooperation to its new neighbors. Poland must remember this mission.... It is in Poland's interest to maintain NATO's credibility.... To meet NATO standards will not be easy...but once the obstacles are overcome, Poland will become more cohesive internally and more credible externally.... Poland...will be not only one more area to defend, but also a new source of power to NATO."

"Safe Harbor"

An editorial in right-of-center Zycie maintained (3/12): "After centuries of turmoil and unrest...Poland has finally called at a safe harbor. This haven is NATO--a solid anchor, firmly linking us to the most reliable and tested system of international security.... An act of historical justice has been done.... This result has been made possible thanks to generations of Polish patriots and those men of foresight in the West--especially our friends in the United States--who correctly understood the role and the opportunity of an independent Poland.... In the past, Poles would often squander the gains of victories. They happened to win battles but lose wars. Entry into NATO is more than winning a war. It is winning peace."

"Poland Does Not Want To Be An Eastern Frontier"

Jedrzej Bielecki stressed in centrist Rzeczpospolita (3/11): "So that it will not become the 'eastern frontier of NATO,' it is important to Poland that the treaty be expanded to include Lithuania and Slovakia. The discussion over a new NATO doctrine indicates which countries of the Alliance will become the closest to Poland. It is no surprise that Poland agrees with the United States on many issues.... Groundless, however, appear the fears of some European countries, France included, that Poland will become a 'U.S. trojan horse' within the Alliance."

"A New Era"

Jan Nowak-Jezioranski opined in centrist weekly Wprost (3/10): "Occurring mainly in France, but also in some other Western European countries, is a trend to remove or reduce U.S. influence in Europe.... If NATO, however, is deprived of a U.S. military presence on the old continent--and the power of the U.S. nuclear and military protective umbrella that is there--it would lose its cohesion and [defensive] capacity.... The role of Poland within the Alliance should lie in a wise mediation between America and Europe aimed at contributing substantially to the Alliance's internal cohesion."

"Time For NATO"

Jaroslaw Gizinski quipped in centrist weekly Wprost (3/10): "The celebrations in Independence and at the NATO headquarters near Brussels are merely the beginnings of a process which is to delineate Poland's role in the Alliance and at the same time ensure Poland its place in the European security system. Poland's ambition as a new NATO member will be realized in having a significant location on the Treaty's eastern flank.... On the other hand, after being officially admitted into NATO, Poland will need to exhibit great restraint because all declarations made in the name of regional solidarity will be treated as an official view being made by a Treaty member."

EUROPE

BRITAIN: "NATO Seeks New Role As Cold War Foes Join Alliance"

The liberal Guardian commented (3/12): "The decision to accelerate the membership process so they could attend next month's 50th anniversary NATO summit in Washington was a political one. The three new members have only a limited capacity to sustain the ambitious new role which NATO plans to adopt. The shape of its new strategic doctrine--to be adopted at the Washington summit--is far from settled.... The expansion of NATO will also encourage countries so far left out, such as Romania, Bulgaria and the Baltic states, to call for a clear deadline for their membership."

"When The Snarling's Over"

The independent weekly Economist had this editorial (3/12): "The one-superpower world will not last.... This is why the Alliance of the democracies needs not only new members but also a new purpose. The Alliance can no longer be just a protective American arm around Europe's shoulder; it also has to be a way for Europe and America to work together in other parts of the world. And those who hope to construct a politically-united Europe should recognize that this must be done--if it can be done at all--in partnership with America, not by separating Europe from America."

"Welcome To NATO"

The conservative Daily Telegraph asserted (3/11): "We welcome wholeheartedly the accession of the Czechs, Hungarians and Poles.... The collapse of dictatorship in East Europe was a victory for democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law, values enshrined in the preamble to the North Atlantic Treaty. It created a vacuum beyond the Oder-Neisse line waiting to be filled either by NATO and the EU, or by a weakened, but still nuclear-armed, Russia. The countries situated in this vacuum have turned unanimously to the West. To have denied them access to the two Brussels-based institutions would have been cruel betrayal of the principles on which Western policy was based. American resolve to expand NATO has hastened the putting of these principles into practice."

"NATO Balancing Act In The East"

The independent Financial Times had this lead editorial (3/10): "History will be made this Friday when the Atlantic Alliance takes in three new members--Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary--even though they are far from the Atlantic.... NATO's existing 16 members have reason for satisfaction at the expansion of their Alliance, the longest-lasting military pact in modern times. Yet there is a deceptive ease about NATO enlargement that carries risks.... NATO has committed itself to keeping its door open to still more members. But there are plenty of potential pitfalls down this road. The biggest of these would be to alienate Russia when it may soon pass into the hands of someone less sympathetic to the West than Boris Yeltsin.

"Taking NATO right to the borders of Russia will not increase Western security if it also fuels Russian resentment. Moscow may one day again be strong enough to threaten the West."

FRANCE: "A New Era For The Atlantic Alliance"

Pierre Bocev judged in right-of-center Le Figaro (3/12): "The site chosen for the ceremony is highly symbolic geographically: It is in the United States, and not where the Alliance has its headquarters.... The three newly elected members are also in the ranks to become part of the EU. But, as a sign that U.S. hegemony is alive and well, those who want to become part of the European family need first to be vetted, security-wise, by the United States."

"A New Map For Europe's Defense"

Pierre Haski argued in left-of-center Liberation (3/12): "Europe's new defense map is a reversal of symbols, with the very American General Wesley Clark commanding the Polish, Hungarians and Czechs who served in a direct line under Russian command.... These changes are perceived by Russia as being close to a humiliation.... The next step for NATO's expansion remains an open question, in spite of the official 'open door' policy. The expansion question will be raised at the Washington summit in April, and [the answer] will be influenced by Kosovo in the few remaining weeks before the summit."

GERMANY: "Between Kosovo And Enlargement To The East"

Andreas Zumach front-paged this editorial in left-of-center Die Tageszeitung of Berlin (3/17): "Over the past 48 hours, two events took place in NATO's headquarters that could have hardly been more contradictory. Monday night, the 16 ambassadors of the NATO Council convened to discuss Kosovo.... And the solemn celebrations for the new members, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary, took place yesterday morning.... Flags were hoisted, parades took place...and we could hear many noble words about freedom, democracy and stability in Eastern Europe. And Secretary-General Solana and his spokespeople tried to sell NATO's actions in Kosovo as 'successful.' Hopes that the historic act of the acceptance of Eastern European nations would outshine the problems in Kosovo, at least until after the NATO summit in Washington, will not come true. All indications are that developments in Kosovo will create the most serious problems for NATO in its history. In addition, there are considerable differences of opinion regarding both NATO's future strategy and the acceptance of new members, which can hardly be resolved before the summit meeting. Instead of the planned jubilee celebrations for the 'most successful security alliance in history,' the summit in Washington could turn into a litmus test for NATO."

"Provoking The Russian Bear"

Right-of-center Koelner Stadt-Anzeiger (3/13) stated: "While Russia only used rather weak words to criticize NATO's enlargement, Foreign Minister Fischer used well-known diplomatic language to laud it. However, it will make sense to speak of a really historic step only when a wide security net has been thrown over the states in Eastern and Central Europe. But this would indeed provoke the Russian bear and would be a contradiction in itself. (Enlargement creates) a security net that creates unease."

"A Step Back To The West"

Centrist Suedkurier of Konstanz opined (3/13): "In the past, the enlargement to the East would have been a provocative danger to peace, but today it is an element of stability. Nobody knows this better than the peoples in the new member countries of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. What is a step to the East for the Western Alliance, is a great step back to the West for the three affected peoples.

"However, they will have arrived back in their cultural home only when they have become members of the civil Europe, the EU."

"The Bigger Alliance"

Berthold Kohler argued in a front-page editorial in right-of-center Frankfurter Allgemeine (3/12): "The nightmare for the three reformist countries, now that they are new members of NATO, is over..... With its plan to have several enlargement rounds, NATO has gained time, but, still remains under time pressure. As long as the Alliance is to provide security, as it has been doing for the past 50 years, it will not be able to accept all countries wishing to join. The transformation of NATO into a kind of second OSCE is not in the interest of Europe. This is why NATO will have to make tough decisions sooner rather than later."

"The Two Faces Of Europe"

Rolf Paasch had this to say in left-of-center Frankfurter Rundschau (3/12): "In the space of a few days, Europe will show its two faces. On March 12, it will show the incredible success story of the countries of the former Warsaw Pact. On March 15, at the Kosovo talks in Paris, it will show its incredible failure to stop the outbreak of wars. As long as the...Alliance is unable to prevent a European state in the Balkans from killing its own people, there is little for NATO to celebrate at its anniversary."

"Historic Day"

Georg Gafron noted in an editorial in mass-circulation, right-of-center Bild Zeitung of Hamburg (3/12): "The uprising in Hungary in 1956, the Prague Spring in Czechoslovakia in 1968, and the Solidarnocz trade union movement in Poland in 1981, were all peace movements that were crushed. For the majority of people in the West, this is only history, but the Hungarians, Czechs, and Poles will never forget these tragedies. This is why their accession to NATO today is a great day for them. After the bitter experience of the past decades, they are finally now members of the community of free nations. This was their aim--and it has now finally been accomplished. Nobody should be afraid of NATO enlargement. On the contrary, the world has become a bit more stable as of today."

ITALY: "A Dialogue Of Equals With Russia"

Aldo Rizzo's front-page editorial in centrist, influential La Stampa read (3/13): "NATO's historic expansion to include three former Soviet bloc countries...has a dual meaning. On one side, it marks an historic turn--the collapse of the USSR and Communism and the success of the Western Alliance. On the other side, it raises very serious questions on what the reaction will be, in the medium term, of another great, vital country like Russia.... Was it right to defy it, and for what reason? In reality, enlargement was inevitable for two basic reasons: because we could not ignore the demand for security from three young democracies...and because we could not cede to Russia the right to veto NATO decisions.... And, realistically, we should add America's desire to keep under its control Europe's geo-political evolution after the collapse of Communism. But this does not mean that we should ignore the feelings of a huge nation, Russia, currently faced with a serious crisis.... We have to help Russia emerge from its chaos and dispel the nightmare of its frustrated nationalism, by means of a dialogue among equals that will regularly involve it in peace processes and development. This means, of course, maximum caution in further expanding the area of NATO, a caution which is in the interest of the West that today celebrates its own unquestionable success."

"NATO Of The Year 2000"

Left-leaning, influential La Repubblica claimed (3/12): "It took almost ten years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, but the turn has finally occurred.... Problems of 'growth,' however, are not over for NATO. First of all, there is the issue of possible additional expansion to include countries like Romania and Slovenia.... Italy aims at expanding NATO more and more, to the point of including countries that could create a better stability in the whole Balkan area and in the southeastern part of the Mediterranean. This evolution appears fairly uncertain at the present time: the other partners, mainly the Americans and the Germans, continue to be undecided over the real need for additional expansion."

RUSSIA: "Russia Is No Threat"

Leonid Chirkov declared in official parliamentary Parlamentskaya Gazeta (3/16): "Plans for the 21st century's NATO are having their first test in the Balkans. The future of NATO, as Europe's principal peacemaker, and its relations with Russia depend on how things turn out in Kosovo.... Many Western analysts confess that Russia will pose no threat in the years ahead, so the Alliance's advance to its borders is premature, at best, and may ruin the Russia-NATO Founding Act, at worst."

"Nobody To Fall For NATO's Peace Rhetoric"

Vyacheslav Tetekin asserted in nationalist, opposition Sovetskaya Rossiya (3/13): "Nobody will fall for NATO's 'peace' rhetoric. The money spent to brainwash the Russian public is money wasted: All sections of Russian society are strongly opposed to the hostile military bloc moving to our borders. That which the United States and its Allies are doing in Iraq and Yugoslavia totally belie their painting the Alliance as a bulwark of peace and stability. Russia's resistance to NATO's aggression will grow. The latest political changes in this country indicate that patriotism is coming back to take an honored place in the national ideology."

"No More Cold War Rhetoric"

Vladimir Lapsky of official government Rossiyskaya Gazeta (3/12) commented on the acceptance of new NATO members: "We are not going to dramatize this event and see it as war-mongering.... We maintain correct working relations with Brussels.... The Founding Act, signed by Russia and NATO, has a considerable potential for cooperation, so using it effectively will help even out relations between Russia and NATO and between Russia and the United States."

"NATO Is No Threat"

Georgy Bovt judged in reformist Segodnya (3/12): "Russia has virtually resigned itself to NATO enlargement. It has no choice. All its previous rhetoric about 'unacceptance' and 'adequate countermeasures' was hot air. It was myopic. The Russian political elite knows that NATO enlargement does not really pose any threat to Russia in the short term. But many Russian politicians, while accusing the West of old thinking, have been unable to shed their old view of NATO as a foe. They will not give up anti-NATO rhetoric, just as they will not acknowledge that, for the Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary, joining NATO is a socio-cultural act, not a military-political one. Doing that would be especially painful because then they would have to acknowledge that they, the post-Soviet elite, regrettably, do not measure up to 'European standards.'"

"Updated NATO Is a Grave Threat"

Dmitry Gornostayev contended in centrist Nezavisimaya Gazeta (3/12): "Updated and with a new concept, NATO is a grave threat to a weakened Russia.... Sadly, Russia will have to live with what it has been resisting so much over the past seven years.... The Alliance has set dangerous precedents. Its coming near our borders and plans to use force against a sovereign country, in disregard of the UN, are too much. This looks like attempting to change the existing world order. A multipolar world concept has been suffering one defeat after another. It needs to be rescued before it is too late."

"Further Enlargement Not Inevitable"

Gennady Sysoyev observed in reformist, business-oriented Kommersant Daily (3/12): "Moscow is fretful that NATO might go further eastward. But that is not at all inevitable. NATO's further moves will depend on Moscow's behavior."

BELGIUM: "Is The Continent's Security More Assured Now?"

Robert Falony commented in socialist Le Matin (3/13): "What is obvious, as far as the three adhesions are concerned, is that the Atlantic Alliance remains dominated by the United States, which by the way ultimately decided who would become member and who would not, at least for the time being. On the occasion of NATO's 50th anniversary in early April, the debate on the 'European pillar' should take shape, for want of a clearly formulated claim for a militarily independent Europe. The three former Soviet block countries' admission is conditioned on the modernization of their armies, which provides an opportunity for lucrative contracts for American businesses.... The size of the Polish army is far from negligible, but will the continent's collective security therefore be more assured? Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary have become almost ethnically homogeneous countries, which is important when one witnesses all the conflicts which NATO is unable to resolve...in Bosnia [and]...in Kosovo.... And further to the East, the Alliance proves unable to find a solution to the conflicts involving Greece and Turkey or to the Cyprus problem. This means that the cheerful military music around enlargement is not stirring for everyone."

"NATO, At Turning Point, Receives Three New Members"

Foreign affairs writer Francis Van den Berghe pointed out in independent Catholic De Standaard (3/12): "Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic will enter NATO in a festive mood today. They become members of an Alliance which is rapidly changing now that the Russian bogeyman has disappeared. The Alliance wants to act more outside its treaty area for tasks like 'crisis control' and 'peacekeeping'--with Bosnia and Kosovo as major tests. That is one of the main reasons why its Eastward enlargement is alarming Russia.... Collective defense remains an objective, but the emphasis lies on 'export of security.'... The new concept has also caused controversy inside NATO."

BULGARIA: "Hungary, Czech Republic And Poland Enter NATO"

Mass-circulation Trud (3/12) commented: "The risk that the enlargement to the East holds for NATO is that the Alliance is a fast-changing organization and it is not clear whether the new members will be able to keep up with the speed of reforms. It is quite clear that the accession of the new members was a purely political decision. It proves that Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary have always been a part of West European civilization. It is also a kind of reward for their defiance against the Soviet system and culture. The new members' gain will be, most importantly, the revival of their arms industry: their NATO membership will provide them with rich Western business partners."

CROATIA: "Proof Of Vitality"

Mass-circulation, pro-government Vecernji List ran a commentary by Frane Plancic (3/13): "NATO's expansion into the territory of the one-time line separating Europe's West from East, is, above all, a significant political act. It is proof of the vitality of the transatlantic Alliance in democracy, economy and finance, of the viability of the military and security treaty from 1949, and of the purposefulness of the strategy of measured intervention into the territory of the former enemy."

DENMARK: "Home To Europe"

Center-left Politiken opined (3/12): "The three countries that join NATO today are coming home to Europe. They feel that a great geopolitical burden is being lifted from their shoulders.... Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic will press to keep NATO's door open because they do not want to stand alone on the Eastern front if things go wrong with Russia."

"NATO's Open Door"

Center-right Berlingske Tidende editorialized (3/12): "It is unlikely that the next Russian leader will be as kindly disposed to the West as Boris Yeltsin has been. However, this is no reason to halt the process of enlargement. NATO's open door policy must be confirmed and strengthened [at the NATO summit in D.C.]."

KAZAKHSTAN: "The Dream Of Trans-Oceanic Militarists"

Independent NTK TV News suggested (3/12): "The dream of [American] trans-oceanic militarists has been realized. Today NATO military forces came to the Russian borders.... And today former brothers--Ukraine, Baltic and Balkan countries--continue to look forward to NATO membership."

"It's A Guarantee Against Foreign Intervention"

Official Khabar TV News (3/12) opined: " All three states think they have received a guarantee that they will never [again] become helpless victims of the foreign intervention.... But Western countries worry now that the neighbor states [of the new NATO members] could begin to create a [new] anti-NATO alliance. "

NORWAY: "NATO Expands Today"

Conservative Aftenposten commented (3/12) "The NATO expansion means more security for the three new members, but also more responsibility. NATO's core principle is mutuality, although nobody questions the fact that the Alliance primarily provides close connections with the United States--the world's most potent military power. Therefore, an expansion of NATO is also an expansion of the U.S.' role in Europe. For the first time, the Americans will have close Allies in Eastern Europe, in what was once Russia's backyard.... NATO expansion is one of many positive signs indicating that NATO can change and adapt to a world that doesn't stand still."

"NATO Faces Difficult Choices"

Researchers Bjorn Olav Knutsen and Finn Aagaard of the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs maintained in conservative Aftenposten (3/12): "Russia is the largest security variable when discussing future NATO expansion. By its geographic size and large military capacity alone, Russia still poses a challenge to the security interests of some NATO countries--Norway included....

"The United States uses NATO expansion as a political instrument to gain even more influence in Europe."

ROMANIA: "A NATO Neighbor"

Bazil Stefan's editorial in pro-government Romania Libera (3/15): "The extension of the Alliance toward the East is indeed an historical moment of great significance not only for the three new member countries but for every country in Europe.... What was actually consummated on March 12 was the fact that the 'Era of Yalta' has come to an end."

"NATO--Romania's Best Neighbor"

Leading, independent Adevarul carried an editorial by deputy chief editor Bogdan Chirieac (3/13): "It is a very positive thing that the United States is currently open to Romania. Even if they do not want us as part of NATO, they are ready to offer significant political, economic and military support to our country. The relationships between states are democratic within the EU and NATO.... For Romania, not only the road to NATO is over the horizon, but also the one to the EU. This is why a bilateral or multilateral treaty between Romania and one or several European powers...which would guarantee the borders of our country...would offer a substantial guarantee to Romania.... Until then, it would be a great mistake to consider NATO an enemy of Romania. On the contrary, NATO is now one of our best neighbors."

SPAIN: "NATO Heads East"

Barcelona's centrist La Vanguardia judged (3/13): "The selection of Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic was more a reflection of internal American politics than an analysis of Europe's geopolitical situation. Congress was hostile to the idea of any expansion for financial reasons. Finally, the door was opened to only those countries in the best situation politically and militarily. Be all that as it may, the map of Europe--Moscow's objections notwithstanding--no longer reflects the Cold War."

"Historic Justice"

Conservative ABC reasoned (3/13): "Inevitably, Russia has protested NATO's expansion, not because NATO has reached its borders, but because it has encroached on its area of influence. Instead of raising the ghosts of old antagonisms, however, Russia should try to evolve in the direction of those values which have attracted its neighbors to NATO. In 1997 Russia signed a bilateral cooperation agreement with NATO, as did Ukraine, which constitutes a solid basis for such an evolution. If this were to occur, then the common European home would indeed reach to the Urals."

SWEDEN: "While NATO Is Expanding"

Conservative Svenska Dagbladet stressed (3/14): "Since last Friday Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic are members of NATO, the organization which has been most important for preserving peace and stability in Europe, for warding off Communism, and for maintaining transatlantic ties during the entire post war period.... Therefore it is deeply gratifying that three formerly suffering, now liberated states, join an Alliance that is prepared to defend common values such as democracy, human rights and the rule of law."

TURKEY: "As NATO Expands"

Zafer Atay commented in economics/politics Dunya (3/17): "The new members' military forces will not make a big contribution to NATO's military power. However, the new members will play an important role in fulfilling Europe's security requirements.

"European borders...will be strengthened with the new member's participation in the 2000s.... It is also likely, however, that the new members will bring about some problems. The Hungarian, Czech and Polish armies have been trained in the Soviet military system. NATO's common language is English, but very few officers of the new members speak English. And the new members' air force capacity is made up of Russian-made MIG airplanes, which are serviced and controlled by Russian technicians. These problems are still waiting to be resolved."

UKRAINE: "We Welcome The Accession Of Our Neighbors"

Pro-administration Nezavisimost ran this article (3/10) by Ivan Zayets, people's deputy (MP) of Ukraine: "We need, first of all, to submit an application for NATO membership. It is time to conduct negotiations concerning Ukraine's joining the political structures of NATO, even if we are not ready to join the military structures of the Alliance. We have to welcome the acceptance of our neighbors Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary as members to NATO, because our objective is to establish a zone of peace and stability around Ukraine."

EAST ASIA

JAPAN: "NATO Must Review Its Enlargement Strategy"

Liberal Tokyo Shimbun maintained (3/16): "European nations believe European security cannot be ensured without paying due attention to a weakened yet nuclear-powerful Russia. Under such circumstances, shouldn't NATO come up with a new eastward expansion strategy designed to give Russia membership in the future? NATO's raison d'etre would be lost if its eastward enlargement inversely endangered the security of Europe."

CHINA: "What Do Poland, Hungary And Czech Republic Bring To NATO?"

Yang Lei said in Beijing Youth Daily (Beijing Qingnianbao, 3/15): "Though the accession of Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic to NATO is expected to help the United States realize its 'new security concept of NATO,' it will perhaps lead to bickering between the United States and EU over the leadership role in European security. With NATO expansion, the prospect of U.S.-Russian relations will become even more uncertain.... As both sides sharply differ over the eastward enlargement of NATO, a new division line will likely occur on the European map, posing threats to European peace and stability."

AUSTRALIA: "A World Policeman's Lot Is Not A Happy One"

The liberal Melbourne Age (3/16) commented: "A decade after the fall of the Berlin Wall and at the moment of a historic expansion to include the military forces of countries that were its Cold War enemies, the world's greatest military Alliance faces the prospect of getting involved in a dirty little war which its mere existence is supposed to prevent.... As it celebrates the symbolic triumph of expanding to include three former Warsaw Pact nations in its membership, NATO is facing a fundamental test of its post-Cold War role and its credibility [in Kosovo]."

INDONESIA: "Three Countries And The New European Security Order"

Leading, independent Kompas held (3/16): "On Friday, Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic officially joined NATO, the importance of which...is clear from the viewpoint of each new member.... For NATO's part, as U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said, the admission of the three countries means they will no longer be 'shuffled like cards on a gambling table.' ... Russia, which had previously objected to NATO's eastward expansion, certainly feels like the losing party. It is precisely for this reason that NATO must avoid making Russia feel like a humiliated loser. Provoking the strength of a nuclear world power during a serious economic crisis would be very risky."

SOUTH KOREA: "NATO Expansion And A New European Order"

Business-oriented Joong-Ang Ilbo (3/16) editorialized: "With Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungry becoming new NATO members, a new European map in political and military terms has been drawn.... Russia, of course, is the one most concerned about NATO expansion, fearing that it will mean further isolation.... How to adjust to differences regarding its future role remains the central challenge for NATO.... With the Alliance expanded, Europe is now free from the fear of going to war and can truly look forward to a better future. Stability in the region will have a positive impact on the Korean Peninsula directly and indirectly."

VIETNAM: "A Suspicious New Border"

Army's Party Committee and Ministry of National Defense Quan Doi Nhan Dan said (3/15): "NATO enlargement is creating a new situation in Europe. It is the 'NATOization of Europe' which elevates the United States and other Western powers to the most powerful and influential position. It steals from Russia its traditional space of strategic defense. This also means that Russia is being cornered, or even sidelined in European issues. Thus, it can be said that in Europe, a new border which resembles that of the Cold War is being formed. When the Warsaw Treaty bloc dispersed and the Soviet Union collapsed, NATO should have discontinued its existence. But...Washington saw the period as an 'historic opportunity' to establish a new world order under the U.S. command stick with NATO as the most important tool. NATO's eastward expansion may create new tensions in Russian-NATO and Russian-U.S. relations.... The event can also be the cause for the formation of new axes. Examples are the warming up of Sino-Russian relations and the Russian prime minister's suggestion that a strategic Indo-Russian-Sino triangle be established."

SOUTH ASIA

INDIA: "Eastward Ho!"

The nationalist Hindustan Times had this editorial (3/16): "Despite Russia's ire over NATO's decision to extend its umbrella to what used to be the frontline countries of the erstwhile Eastern Bloc, the U.S.-led military alliance is going ahead with its expansion plans as per schedule. At a signing ceremony in the United States last Friday, Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic formally became members of the Western Alliance.... That by itself would mark the most important change in the strategic map of Europe since NATO was born almost 50 years ago. Next on other list in NATO's eastward march are Romania and Slovakia.... That would be getting too close for Moscow's comfort, but all these countries...now see their future linked to Western Europe. Membership in NATO not only gives them a greater sense of security in a military sense, it also marks an important step in the process of their European integration with the hope of eventual admission into the Common Market. If NATO has chosen to ignore Russia's protest, it is because it knows that Moscow is in no position to force the issue."

PAKISTAN: "The Eastward March Of NATO"

An op-ed column by Tanvir Ahmad Khan in Karachi-based independent, national Dawn judged (3/15): "The present prospect of integration into the EU and NATO has already exercised a salutary influence on several potential conflicts in the region. It has deepened the rapprochement between Germany and Poland. Hungary has acted with restraint with both Romania and Slovakia with regard to Hungarian minorities left behind by the deeply flawed arrangements made in the wake of the WWI. Poland seeks better ties with the Baltic States by sidestepping the historical residue from its own troubled past.... The United States is likely to negotiate the transition to a new world order with a unified Europe, Japan and China--with Russia struggling hard against the danger of being left out in the cold....

"As NATO expands and also casts its ever growing net of Partnership for Peace on countries that are not very far from our own region, we will have to develop the ability to deal with a larger spectrum of international relations."

MIDDLE EAST

ISRAEL: "Welcomed Expansion"

Popular, pluralist Maariv opined (3/14): "Fifty years after President Truman created NATO to defend the West against the Soviet threat...three former Warsaw Pact nations have been admitted to the Western club. Moscow is grumbling but there is not much the Russians can do. In fact, Russia has nothing to fear.... More important, the NATO membership assures Poland, Czechoslovakia and Hungary that if ever Russia reverts to a less democratic regime, no Russian tanks will roam the streets of Budapest, Prague and Warsaw."

WESTERN HEMISPHERE

ARGENTINA: "Expanded NATO's Challenges"

An editorial in leading Clarin read (3/18) "With the inclusion of Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic in NATO, another chapter of the international order established at Yalta after the end of WWII is closed. A 50-year-cycle has finished.... The collapse of the Soviet Union placed NATO in front of the challenge to redefine its goals and strategies.... While the armies of the enemies were dismantled, other threats to the international security tested NATO's raison d'etre. It was the war in Bosnia which caused NATO's first military intervention.... Therefore, NATO changed its own nature in a few years from a deterring strategic-defensive alliance... to a key and operational tool of the international security. For the three republics of the old Eastern Europe, which have recovered their center-European condition, the advantage is clear--within NATO they remain protected from Russia's instability.... Meanwhile, Kosovo's threat is again testing (NATO)'s role as the main multinational armed force."

"A Passport To Prosperity"

Oscar Raul Cardoso, leading Clarin's international analyst, opined (3/13): "Even though it is the largest enlargement in NATO's 50 years of history, the important issue here is that the idea of an 'Eastern Europe'--a true geo-political result of the Cold War--vanishes...finally leading to peaceful occupation by the West of an important portion of the former enemy.... NATO's enlargement supposes, above all, the formal expansion--particularly in terms of its security interests--of its key partner: the United States.... Accession to NATO is, for Polish, Hungarians and Czechs, like a passport which enables them to join the EU and enjoy the prosperity the Western world promises."

CANADA: "Testing NATO's Mettle"

John Bierman commented on NATO's dilemma in Kosovo in the new conservative National Post (3/16): "It's surely a fine irony that brings the most powerful military Alliance in history face-to-face with its moment of truth [in Kosovo] at this particular point...just a week after NATO registered its symbolic crowning achievement, ceremonially receiving into membership Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic.... How the Western Alliance shapes up to the defining moment [in Kosovo] between now and [the 50th anniversary commemoration] might well determine whether NATO, so undecided about its role since there's no longer been a Soviet threat to focus on, has much of a future at all."

CUBA: "NATO: In Search of An Enemy"

Arsenio Rodríguez had this op-ed piece in Communist Party organ Granma (3/12): "Half a century after its creation, and with the disappearance of its main reason for existence, NATO is now trying to increase its power and expand to new territories, seeking 'potential enemies' that--looking around the globe and after excluding its Allies--are only to be found in the nations of the so-called Third World. It is noteworthy that the 'birthday' of NATO will be celebrated with a summit in Washington. The owner of the house will surely define the main objectives of the organization for the new millennium.... Apart from that, the North Atlantic arsenals may have all kinds of weapons to spare, but they lack the reasons to justify their existence."

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3/18/99

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