PRESS RELEASE

24 April 1999

Comments on the Draft Summit Communique

The draft communique refers to the UN Charter. French President Chirac briefed that NATO ‘cannot and will not act without the acquiescence of the UN’. Dutch Prime Minister Kok said that NATO actions would ‘based on the general principles of the UN charter’ and that NATO would be ‘subject to UN mandate.’

Para 2

"new missions including contributing to effective conflict prevention and and engaging actively in crisis management, including crisis response operations." "throughout the Euro-Atlantic region."

The US did not want any limits on regions NATO would act in – it appears to have lost on this.

Para 4

Even as NATO leaders are briefing at 3.00pm , the ESDI language was still under debate – presumably because Turkey objects to giving the EU military capabilities.

Para 5 & 6

On the Strategic Concept

Again limits region to Euro-Atlantic area, again refers to "crisis response operations".

Para 7

Romania and Slovenia are first tier "recognize and welcome the continuing efforts and progress"

2^nd - Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania "also" and then above

3^rd - Bulgaria – since Madrid Summit, "note and welcome positive developments"

4^th – Slovakia – "also" then above

This represents a step up for Bulgaria, as before it was thought to be lumped with Slovakia in the third tier. This is presumably a result of Bulgarian cooperation in Kosovo

In brackets – Macedonia and Albania, therefore no consensus.

Para 8

Large bracketed section on ESDI – one vague with no mention of EU, one very detailed description giving "assured EU access" to NATO planning capabilities and "presumption of availability to the EU of pre-identified NATO capabilities and common assets for use in EU-led operations."

Again, the presumption is that Turkey still objects to giving the EU military capabilities.

Para 11

On Defense Capabilities Initiative

No mention of developing "out of area" capabilities in this section, despite US pressure for this type of initiative.

Para 18

As of the morning, still brackets over whether to formalize talks with Southeast Europe by establishing a forum or a dialogue, or what other steps to take.

Germany is supporting a strong program, US probably supporting, unclear who is opposing.

Para 19

Also could not agree as of this morning on security cooperation programs for Bosnia and Croatia – the US had been pushing for such an arrangement.

Para 32

Arms Control and Disarmament

The first time NATO has outlined a section on AC & D since 1989. Asks Ambassadors to bring a report to Foreign Ministers to lay out options for CSBMS, verification, arms control and disarmament of both conventional and non-conventional weapons.

There is a list of treaties central to disarmament and non-proliferation, including the NPT, the BWC, and the CWC.

Also supports "deepening cooperation with Russia" on the PJC and with Ukraine.

Para 34

Strong support for early entry-into-force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, sending a message to those states, including the US, in favor of the treaty.

Para 35

In a concession to its Allies, the US allowed a call for implementation of the Ottowa Convention on eliminating landmines. The US continues to oppose the treaty and is one of the only Western countries not to sign the treaty.

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