|
Server : Apache/2.4.62 System : FreeBSD fbsdweb2.web.rcn.net 14.1-RELEASE FreeBSD 14.1-RELEASE releng/14.1-n267679-10e31f0946d8 GENERIC amd64 User : www ( 80) PHP Version : 8.3.8 Disable Function : NONE Directory : /domains/roger.dnai/97Book/ |
Upload File : |
<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//SoftQuad//DTD HoTMetaL PRO 4.0::19971010::extensions to HTML 4.0//EN"
"hmpro4.dtd">
<HTML>
<HEAD>
<META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1">
<META NAME="GENERATOR"
CONTENT="Mozilla/4.03 (Macintosh; I; 68K) [Netscape]">
<TITLE>Valdis Birkavs</TITLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" BGPROPERTIES="FIXED">
<CENTER><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000"><FONT SIZE="+3">Baltic
Security Beyond Madrid</FONT></FONT></FONT></CENTER>
<CENTER><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000"><FONT SIZE="+2">Foreign
Minister of Latvia Dr. Valdis Birkavs</FONT></FONT></FONT></CENTER>
<CENTER>
<H4><B><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000">INTRODUCTORY REMARKS</FONT></FONT></B></H4>
</CENTER>
<P><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000">In the time since the
XIIIth NATO Workshop in Warsaw, we have witnessed a number of positive
achievements in the transatlantic community. Word has it that three
countries have now been designated for membership in NATO. I hope that I
am not jumping the gun by extending my congratulations here in Prague to
the Czech people for their hard work, which is expected to bring them good
news in Madrid. The Castle in Prague, where we meet, was once home to
Rudolf II, royal craftsmen, and astronomers, and reminds us how a creative
process can be pushed forward by enlightened patrons. What a pleasure to
discuss our future security with this spirit around us!</FONT></FONT> </P>
<CENTER>
<H4><B><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000">THE FIRST WAVE OF
ENLARGEMENT</FONT></FONT></B></H4></CENTER>
<P><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000">We in Latvia support and
applaud the choices of countries to be offered NATO membership--at a
minimum Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. We do this not only out
of decency or sportsmanship but with the knowledge that our friends in
Central Europe are concerned, as we are, in the way the Madrid Summit
documents will incorporate and address Baltic concerns.</FONT></FONT> </P>
<P><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000">We feel sure that Czechs,
Hungarians, and Poles are interested in the fate of Latvians, Estonians,
and Lithuanians. We believe they share our concerns about living in an
undefined security space. Because we all have experienced what can happen
in a divided and improperly integrated Europe, we believe that in Brussels
the three new Allies will be natural advocates for the Baltic States. As I
see it, at least three new members will be part of the first step toward
building an undivided Europe, a step to be later taken by three Baltic
States.</FONT></FONT> </P>
<CENTER>
<H4><B><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000">THE BALTIC CASE</FONT></FONT></B></H4></CENTER>
<P><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000">There are three points
relating to Latvia that I would like to discuss: first, the unequivocal
European orientation of Latvia's foreign and security policy; second,
regional cooperation; and third, the way forward after Madrid.</FONT></FONT>
</P>
<P><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000">With the full backing of
parliament, Latvia has agreed to make the supreme aim of our country the
realization of full-fledged membership in the European Union and NATO.
During my tenure as a Latvian leader, I have strived to realize these
goals. But if I thought that going the distance would be like Zeno's
paradox--or "moving the goal posts"--then I would not be
advising this course for my country. I am convinced, however, from what
you, my colleagues in the Alliance, have told me in confidence, that these
goals are within reach and that the goal posts are securely fastened. I am
certain that forthcoming Latvian governments will also continue to pursue
Euro-Atlantic integration with strong support from the electorate.</FONT></FONT>
</P>
<CENTER>
<H4><B><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000">Regional Cooperation</FONT></FONT></B></H4></CENTER>
<P><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000">The deepest and tightest
cooperation and the most animated dialogue among the Baltic States is on
questions of security in the broader Baltic region. Solidarity among the
Baltic States is an imperative resulting from our common history and our
common geostrategic and geopolitical situation. Three successful projects
that have fostered regional cooperation in the field of security are the
Baltic peacekeeping battalion, BALTBAT, located in Latvia; the Baltic
Naval Squadron, BALTRON, based in Estonia; and BALTNET, the regional
airspace initiative, headquartered in Lithuania. The responsibilities for
these projects have been equally divided among our countries.</FONT></FONT>
</P>
<P><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000">Despite our solidarity,
however, it is reasonable that our respective levels of preparedness to
participate in the work of international organizations might be judged on
the basis of our individual merits. We do not see anything detrimental in
this approach. But it does mean that the doors to the North Atlantic
Alliance must remain open until we have all successfully completed the
requisite rites of passage and are invited to cross the threshold.</FONT></FONT>
</P>
<P><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000">We welcome NATO's presence
as it moves deeper into the Baltic region via Poland's accession. Poland's
membership will definitely facilitate the Baltic States' integration into
the Alliance because its cares and concerns are those of a neighbor. This
is not only an issue of increasing NATO's geographic proximity to the
Baltic States, it is also one of increasing its psychological proximity.
The psychological component is strategically significant.</FONT></FONT>
</P>
<P><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000">It should be noted that
the Baltic States share an interest in promoting the strength of
democratic institutions in Ukraine. The affinities and mutual interests of
our countries were underlined in the Declaration of the Presidents of the
Baltic States, Poland, and Ukraine in Tallinn on 27 May 1997, the same day
the Founding Act was signed. Baltic membership in European institutions
would also help tie Ukraine closer to Europe. These forms of regional
cooperation, however, are of course not meant as substitutes for
membership in NATO.</FONT></FONT> </P>
<CENTER>
<H4><B><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000">Madrid and the Way
Ahead</FONT></FONT></B></H4></CENTER>
<P><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000">The Summit in Madrid will
name those Partners who will be invited to commence accession negotiations
first. The Summit communiqué should also recognize the aspirations
of those candidate countries that do not receive an invitation. For these
aspirants, more effective mechanisms should be created for achieving
membership on a fast track.</FONT></FONT> </P>
<P><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000">To NATO's leadership I say
the following: Provide us with the certainty that an invitation will
follow a successful effort at preparation; that is how to make the
open-door policy a reality. When I seek domestic backing for increasing
Latvia's participation in peacekeeping missions, for improving facilities
for crisis management and border control, for acquiring vehicles and
communication equipment for our soldiers, let NATO Allies help me in this
work. In addition to encouraging words, they could offer clearer prospects
for Baltic accession.</FONT></FONT> </P>
<P><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000">Because the Madrid Summit
is only one step in the establishment of a new European and transatlantic
security structure, other actions must follow. Latvia proposes that NATO
take a series of steps after the Madrid Summit.</FONT></FONT> </P>
<UL>
<LI><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000">NATO should initiate
enlargement consultations between Partner states and NATO; this would be
a welcome sign that our concerns are being taken into account. To better
focus these consultations, NATO should assess each applicant's
performance, identifying the areas for additional work. Progress should
be reviewed regularly at NAC meetings.</FONT></FONT></LI>
<LI><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000">Alliance offices should
be established in the capitals of aspirant countries that are willing to
receive them. Latvia is ready today to act as host for such an office.
We are ready to help to locate and fund premises and assist with support
staff and technical equipment.</FONT></FONT></LI>
<LI><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000">NATO should structure
PFP activities so that they allow aspiring Partners to prepare for
membership. Areas of special capability should be favorably recognized,
for example, by an agreement to open certain areas of cooperation for
further enhancement of overall NATO expertise.</FONT></FONT></LI>
</UL>
<P><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000">I should note, however,
that it is the results of PFP participation, not the process, that we are
after. PFP activities are stepping stones on the path to NATO membership.
Membership is the result. PFP is the process.</FONT></FONT> </P>
<UL>
<LI><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000">NATO should broaden
Partners' roles in the planning and execution of PFP exercises and
operations, including opportunities to contribute to such operations'
political guidance and oversight. Latvia supports the formation of
Partner Staff Elements inside appropriate headquarters where Partner
officers could participate in "more than liaison but less than
integration." Involvement of Latvian officers in the work of the
prospective Joint Subregional Command Northeast would strengthen our
ability to contribute to NATO's new missions.</FONT></FONT></LI>
</UL>
<P><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000">Latvia welcomes the new
level of dialogue mentioned in the Russia-NATO Founding Act. We also
understand that cooperation between NATO and Russia can dispel past
misunderstandings and forestall the creation of new ones. In this context
it is important that the Alliance explicitly reject attempts to limit the
scope of future enlargement.</FONT></FONT> </P>
<P><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000">I would also like to
stress that Latvia has good-neighbor relations with Russia. For example,
we have agreed on the Russian-Latvian territorial border and have
developed a peaceful, conflict-free, democratic society during the last
six years. For these reasons, Latvia neither threatens the interests of
Russia now, nor would do so as a member of the Alliance.</FONT></FONT>
</P>
<CENTER>
<H4><B><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000">LATVIA'S GOALS</FONT></FONT></B></H4></CENTER>
<P><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000">The Madrid Summit should
give the Baltic States and other aspirants clear prospects for achieving
their goals of membership. Without us, Europe will never be whole. We also
eagerly await the day when the Allies can act together to welcome new
European members that deserve to be on board. Russia's voice at NATO is
positive in that it ensures a wider perspective. However, Baltic State
membership in NATO should never be used as a bargaining chip for greater
cooperation with Russia.</FONT></FONT> </P>
<P><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000">Latvia's clear and
repeatedly expressed commitment to Euro-Atlantic integration has not been
enough to prepare us for accession during the first phase of enlargement.
We do, however, expect to be part of the next phase. The commitment to
Europe voiced so often by Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia has created an
international moral and political debate that we anticipate will put an
end to our state of limbo.</FONT></FONT> </P>
<P><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000">At the 13th NATO Workshop,
I began my speech remarking on those countries whose fate regarding NATO
had not yet been decided. I called such countries "the undecideds."
Undecideds can go one way or another. But for Latvia, beyond Madrid, there
is only one way we want to go. And that is toward full-fledged membership
in the European Union and NATO.</FONT></FONT> </P>
<P><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000"><A HREF="BIRKAV.HTM">Go
to top of Page</A></FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000"><A HREF="workshop97.htm">Return
to Prague '97</A></FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT FACE="Palatino"><FONT COLOR="#000000"><A HREF="../index.html">Return
to Home Page</A></FONT></FONT> </P>
</BODY>
</HTML>