U.S. Department of State
96/06/04 Remarks to North Atlantic Cooperation Council, Berlin, Germany
Office of the Spokesman



                           U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE 
                            Office of the Spokesman 
 
                              (Berlin, Germany) 
 
____________________________________________________________________
As Prepared for Delivery                                June 4, 1996 
 
 
                                 REMARKS BY 
                SECRETARY OF STATE WARREN CHRISTOPHER 
              TO THE NORTH ATLANTIC COOPERATION COUNCIL 
 
                          Intercontinental Hotel 
                             Berlin, Germany 
                              June 4, 1996 
 
 
Mr. Secretary-General, distinguished colleagues.  It is a pleasure to 
address this 10th meeting of the North Atlantic Cooperation Council -- 
the NACC -- here in Berlin.  For three decades, Berlin symbolized the 
division of Europe.  Today, Berlin stands as the symbol of a Europe 
undivided and indivisible.  
 
When we last met, I said that we had an unprecedented opportunity not 
only to bring peace to Bosnia, but to fulfill the hopes of Europeans and 
North Americans for a secure transatlantic community.  Today we mark 
important progress.  We have built a historic coalition in IFOR  to 
secure the peace in Bosnia.  NATO's outreach to the east is promoting 
our goal of an undivided Europe.  The Partnership for Peace has become a 
key part of Europe's security structures in its own right.  And we are 
moving forward with the steady, transparent process of opening NATO to 
new members.  Let me discuss each briefly. 
 
Partners and Allies together have mounted the largest military operation 
Europe has seen in fifty years -- and are demonstrating outstanding 
skill and professionalism every day in Bosnia.  Holding free and fair 
elections is the next crucial step.  Yesterday in Geneva, the Balkan 
leaders joined to call for elections in Bosnia by September 14, the 
deadline set at Dayton. 
 
The contributions of the Partner Countries to IFOR have been 
indispensable.  Poland and the Czech Republic have contributed troops at 
the same per capita level as many Allies.  The success of Russian and 
American soldiers patrolling together is an encouraging precedent.  
Albania and Slovenia have arranged for transit and basing of land and 
air forces in support of IFOR.  Without this assistance, and 
particularly without Hungary's role as a staging-ground for U.S. troops, 
IFOR could not have deployed as quickly and effectively. 
   
Now our IFOR experience is allowing us to mount more complex joint 
exercises.  This year, there will be at least 15 major Partnership for 
Peace exercises as well as a welcome increase in exercises held in the 
spirit of the Partnership. 
 
We have made important progress toward implementing the five measures to 
strengthen the NACC and the Partnership that the NAC adopted last 
December.  But as I told the NAC yesterday, both Allies and Partners 
must do more to bring these commitments fully to life. 
 
Yesterday I also proposed new steps to develop the Partnership further.  
First, Partners and Allies should conduct a joint study on IFOR, to 
apply the lessons we have learned on the ground to our future activities 
and exercises.  Second, we should consider expanding the Planning and 
Review Process beyond its current peacekeeping, humanitarian and search 
and rescue tasks.  Finally, I am pleased that the NAC agreed to involve 
Partners in CJTF planning with NATO committees for activities in which 
they would be eligible to participate.   
 
For every Partner, these proposals can lead to a deeper long-term 
relationship with NATO.  They will also help prepare some Partners to 
share the full responsibilities and benefits of membership. 
 
NATO is on track to fulfill its commitment to take in new members.  We 
will decide on next steps in December, based on the results of intensive 
consultations with interested Partners. 
 
Already our comprehensive strategy has changed the face of Europe for 
the better.  The Baltic States have made important progress in defusing 
disputes over their maritime borders.  Several Central Asian states are 
taking steps to form a joint peacekeeping force.  And Poland has 
established military cooperation with Lithuania and is planning a joint 
peacekeeping battalion with Ukraine.  These developments are 
contributing to stability and confidence among prospective members and 
all their neighbors, building a Europe where no country's gains in 
security come at another's expense. 
 
Ukraine's strong role in IFOR and efforts to build close ties with all 
its neighbors are also enhancing the security of the whole region.  We 
value Ukraine's participation in the Partnership for Peace, and we want 
NATO and Ukraine to build a strong relationship. 
 
NATO is also committed to strengthening its relationship with Russia, 
building on our excellent cooperation in IFOR.  We welcome Russia's 
participation in Partnership and other joint exercises.  I look forward 
to more intensive cooperation with Russia in the Partnership for Peace 
and encourage Russia to respond positively to NATO's proposals for 
permanent consultative arrangements. 
 
Let me conclude by expressing my pleasure at seeing so much activity 
through the Partnership and the NACC.  We can be immensely proud of the 
progress we have made together toward securing peace in Bosnia and 
ensuring lasting peace across an undivided Europe.