NATO needs more than army reform, says Colston

Colston said, however, that NATO’s Riga Summit last November sent two clear messages to countries who aspire to join the NATO Alliance: a message of encouragement and support; and a message that NATO’s process of enlargement will continue to be based on performance. The alliance commended candidate countries, including Albania, for their contributions to international security and to regional cooperation. The Alliance leaders stated that, at their Summit meeting in 2008, they intend to extend further invitations to those countries who meet NATO’s performance based standards and are able to contribute to Euro-Atlantic security and stability. What this means is that it is now up to the aspirant nations to demonstrate substantial progress by the time of the Summit in 2008. It also means that the period between now and the next Summit will see an unprecedented degree of scrutiny by the Allies of the performance of the aspirant nations.
“Let me be clear: this is not the time to sit back and relax. To the contrary, now is the time to push ahead and continue to make further concrete progress. No decisions have been taken, and decisions will depend on Albania’s performance. Allies will expect to see that the process is irreversible. And they will expect to see more than putting in place the necessary legislation – they will be looking for implementation,” he said. Albania should use the Membership Action Plan vigorously in the key period ahead and NATO will continue to fully support you in that effort, he said. Albania has made significant progress in the area of defense reform. “The Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces are on the right course. But it is not only the Ministry of Defense which would be joining NATO, but it is the entire country, with all of its institutionsŠWhat binds the Allies together is first and foremost the common values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law which they uphold and defend. Allies expect the aspirants to embrace these principles as well.” Colston said that “we fully share the OSCE observation mission’s preliminary assessment that the elections demonstrated a missed opportunity for the political parties to work together to ensure that the elections were conducted to the highest international standards.” Sustained efforts to combat corruption and organized crime, and ensure judicial reform and the development of the police are also vital. Albania’s contribution to international security is warmly welcomed by the Allies. The NATO Allies also appreciate Albania’s moderate and constructive stance in regional affairs and we expect you to continue to play this positive role especially as we enter the final stages of a settlement of Kosovo’s status. The cooperation you have developed within the Adriatic Charter Initiative is very valuable.
“The timing of the invitation to Albania to join will be a political decision for all the Allies. I cannot say today when that decision may come. But I can say that it will not come without the full commitment of the Government and Parliament alike to delivering progress,” he said.
“Albania plays a responsible, moderating role in its home region,” added U.S. Ambassador to Tirana Marcie B. Ries, adding that “NATO membership, however, requires more than popular support and military reforms.” Good governance, reduction of corruption, tackling organized crime, and strengthening the system of justice benefits all citizens in a democracy, she said.