Resolutions to Aid Lithuania's Cause for NATO

Recommending the integration of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

• Whereas the Baltic countries of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are undergoing a historic process of democratic and free market transformation after emerging from decades of brutal Soviet occupation;
• Whereas each of these Baltic countries has conducted peaceful transfers of political power – in Lithuania since 1990 and in Latvia and Estonia since 1991;
• Whereas each of these Baltic countries has been exemplary and consistent in its respect for human rights and civil liberties;
• Whereas the governments of these Baltic countries have made consistent progress toward establishing civilian control of their militaries through active participation in the Partnership for Peace program and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) peace support operations;
• Whereas Lithuania is participating in the NATO-led multi-national military force in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (commonly referred to as "IFOR") and is consistently increasingly its defense budget allocations with the goal of allocating at least 2 percent of its GDP for defense by 2001;
• Whereas each of these Baltic countries has clearly demonstrated its ability to operate with the military forces of NATO nations and under NATO standards;
• Whereas former Secretary of Defense Perry stipulated five generalized standards for entrance into NATO: support for democracy, including toleration of ethnic diversity and respect for human rights; building a free market economy; civilian control of the military; promotion of good neighborly relations; and development of military interoperability with NATO; and
• Whereas each of these Baltic countries has satisfied these standards for entrance into NATO: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That it is the sense of Congress that –

Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are to be commended for their progress toward political and economic liberty and meeting the guidelines for prospective members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) set out in chapter 5 of the September 1995 Study on NATO Enlargement;

Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia would make an outstanding contribution toward furthering the goals of NATO should they become members;

Extension of full NATO membership to these Baltic countries would contribute to stability, freedom, and peace in the Baltic region; and

Upon complete satisfaction of NATO guidelines and criteria for membership, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia should be invited to become full members of NATO."

It is vital that the Senate and Congress become aware of American citizen support for these resolutions. It is also important to note that only Lithuania is up for admission into NATO at this time. Thus, it is vital that it be known that support for admitting Lithuania as a solitary country, rather than together with Latvia and Estonia, is commendable and essential. To wait until Latvia and Estonia are invited will only assuage Russia's arguments – a non-NATO country which has been displeased with Lithuania's intentions and desire for NATO membership.