Frequently Asked Questions

Why Invite Lithuania to NATO in 2002?

Inviting Lithuania to NATO would help to make Europe more secure and more stable.

Joining NATO would strengthen the coalition against terrorism.

Lithuania is well on its way to satisfy the requirements for NATO membership, including military preparedness. It is ready to be invited to join NATO.

Lithuania has been a responsible member of the international community of nations. It is cooperating closely with Poland, Latvia, Estonia and other countries in NATO peacekeeping and supports campaign against terrorism.

Lithuania is committed by its own legislation to spend the equivalent of two percent of its GNP for defense by 2002. This level of spending is in keeping with NATO membership requirements.

Lithuania would be expected to be a net contributor to the Alliance, and not be a net consumer of security.

Lithuania has excellent relations with all its neighbors, including Russia. Lithuania does not pose any danger to Russia. In addition, Russia does not oppose the widening of the Atlantic alliance.

If Lithuania is the only Baltic country to be invited into NATO in 2002, it would give confidence to the whole Baltic region. Entry of even one Baltic applicant would set a precedent that Russian threats would not be accepted.

Why Invite Baltic Countries to NATO in 2002?

Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia are working democracies with the rule of law and free market economies. They share the same traditions and principles as the existing NATO members.

Baltic countries strongly aspire to join NATO and they have worked hard to comply with Membership Action Plan requirements.

Baltic aspirants should be invited to NATO membership as it would strengthen the coalition against terrorism.

Baltic countries have already been aiding NATO by participating in peacekeeping missions and supporting the USA in the current fight against terrorism.

By inviting Baltic countries the Atlantic alliance would widen its base and help to consolidate peace and stability in Europe.

 

Why is an Enlarged NATO Important to U.S. Security?

The struggle against terrorism shows that it is necessary and reasonable to enlarge NATO. It contributes to the security of the U.S., Europe and the whole world by expanding the alliance against terrorism.

The security of United States rests on the security of Europe. NATO was successful in helping to win the Cold War and it is still needed to preserve peace, stability and security in Europe.

The partnership between the United States and Europe is crucial to American security. NATO is the only effective defense alliance uniting North American and European democracies.

An enlarged NATO will result in an enlarged zone of peace and stability in Europe to the benefit of all countries, including Russia.

 

Why Should NATO Be Enlarged in 2002?

Admission of additional new members who meet requirements would further increase the resources available to NATO.

It will help NATO to make a more effective contribution in the campaign against terrorism.

Admission of new members would enable NATO to better discharge its peacekeeping duties and maintain peace and stability in Europe.

Postponement of NATO expansion in 2002 will only delay making Europe whole, free, secure and prosperous. Any delay will make enlargement harder to bring about in the future.