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Statement by the Prime Minister
March 12, 1999
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today welcomed the formal accession of the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland to NATO.
"Becoming members of NATO symbolizes how far these three countries have come in making the transition to democracy and market economies. Canada believes that their membership in NATO will provide for greater stability and security in Central and Eastern Europe.
We have been a strong supporter of NATO enlargement since the early 1990s, and were the first NATO member to formally ratify the accession of the three new countries. Since the decision to invite the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland to become NATO members, Canada has worked to help its new allies fully integrate into the Alliance.
Canada also believes that the enlargement process must go forward when the time is right. And we will be working closely with our NATO partners to advance the process at the Washington Summit in April."
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