CANADA RATIFIES NATO
ENLARGEMENT PROTOCOLS
March 28, 2003
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced that Canada has ratified a set
of protocols that will permit Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania,
Slovakia and Slovenia to become members of the North Atlantic Treaty
Organization (NATO).
"Canada is pleased to be the first country to ratify these agreements as
we have been among the strongest proponents for what will be the most robust
enlargement in NATO’s history. This will be an important step forward for the
Alliance," said Prime Minister Chrétien. "Collectively, these seven
countries bring to NATO additional capabilities, extended geographical reach and
greater security for the future."
Canada’s ratification follows the commitment made by NATO Heads of State at
the November 2002 Prague Summit to help these seven countries prepare for
membership. These countries will play an important role in NATO’s adaptation
to the new global security environment and in promoting stability in the
Euro-Atlantic region. At the Summit, NATO leaders stated that the door remains
open to European democracies able to assume the responsibilities of membership.
The signing ceremony took place at NATO Headquarters in
Brussels on March 26. All 19 NATO members must ratify the protocols, while the
prospective new members take the necessary legal steps to formally join the
Alliance. A NATO Summit will be held in May 2004 to welcome the seven countries
into the Alliance.
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PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555
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