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<TITLE>Dimitrios Apostolakis</TITLE>
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<CENTER><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000"><FONT SIZE="+3">NATO
Enlargement and European Security</FONT></FONT></FONT></CENTER>
<CENTER><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000"><FONT SIZE="+2">Deputy
Minister for National Defense Dimitrios Apostolakis</FONT></FONT></FONT>
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<P><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000">As we stand on the
threshold of the 21st century, we are witnessing among NATO members a
period of intensive realignment of various political and military
cooperation structures in Europe. This realignment is especially intensive
concerning security issues, since Cold War-era arrangements are unable to
cope with the new reality that resulted from the collapse of the Communist
system in Central and Eastern Europe. Topics such as NATO's new structure,
its enlargement, and its new relationship with Russia as well as with
Partnership for Peace and OSCE countries are being discussed daily.</FONT></FONT>
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<P><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000">NATO's enlargement will
result in radical changes in Europe. For one, accepting new members will
help to remove one of the perennial sources of instability on our
continent. The relationship between the Alliance and Russia will also have
a profound and positive effect on the goal of building a secure, stable,
and cooperative Europe.</FONT></FONT> </P>
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<H4><B><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000">INCLUDING BULGARIA
AND ROMANIA IN ENLARGEMENT</FONT></FONT></B></H4></CENTER>
<P><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000">The right of Central and
Eastern European countries to seek membership in NATO is undeniable,
provided, of course, that they abide by the principles of democracy,
individual liberty, and the rule of law. Under this framework, Poland,
Hungary, and the Czech Republic appear to be at the top of the short list
of prospective member-states. It may be argued, then, that the first phase
of enlargement will extend NATO security guarantees to Central European
states that need them least, leaving out those that may need them most.
Even though I share the concerns of this argument, I am also mindful that
NATO's enlargement on a selective basis risks introducing a new dividing
line on our continent, which would further undermine the axiom of
indivisibility of security in Europe and result in a great clamor from
those left out, creating a "new Yalta" situation. For these
reasons, and for their direct proximity to areas of instability, something
unknown to the rest of Europe, I deeply believe that the Balkan countries
of Bulgaria and Romania have their place in enlargement.</FONT></FONT>
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<H4><B><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000">THE ADAPTATION OF
NATO</FONT></FONT></B></H4></CENTER>
<P><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000">As NATO adjusts itself to
the new global reality, it is adjusting its operations. NATO
administration and NATO force structure are now being reorganized to
improve capabilities in crisis management and peace-support operations.
This is to ensure that NATO can provide adequate safeguards for the
security of all member-states against any kind of threat concerning their
territorial integrity or sovereign rights, and do so through a global,
non-selective application of the Article 5 provisions.</FONT></FONT> </P>
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<H4><B><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000">WEU AND OSCE</FONT></FONT></B></H4></CENTER>
<P><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000">While NATO procedures and
perspectives are of the utmost importance, we must also concern ourselves
with other defense and security organizations in Europe, such as the
Western European Union and the Organization for Security and Cooperation.
WEU's main concern remains its integration into the European Union;
however, WEU must continue to cooperate with NATO as it did during our
common operation in the former Yugoslavia. OSCE will also continue to have
an important role in developing stability and democracy in Europe and in
ensuring the implementation of the Helsinki Final Act and the Charter of
Paris by preventing conflicts.</FONT></FONT> </P>
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<H4><B><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000">CONCLUDING REMARKS</FONT></FONT></B></H4></CENTER>
<P><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000">All of the undertakings I
have mentioned cannot be achieved in one day. Differing views must be
taken into account and considering them will be a time-consuming
procedure. However, a consensus has already been reached on some issues
and I believe that we will soon have significant changes that will prove
beneficial to all of Europe.</FONT></FONT> </P>
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