U.S. Senate endorses admission to NATO of five more members

WASHINGTON, TIRANA, March 18 – Albanian defense ministry hailed the decision, expressing the gratitude to the American people and their representatives at the Senate.
The U.S. Senate approved legislation to endorse the enlargement of NATO to include the admission of Albania, Croatia, Georgia, Macedonia, and Ukraine. That was approved Thursday last week voice vote following a similar bill approved by the House on March 6. After minor differences between the two versions are worked out and both chambers give final approval to the amended bill, it will become law with President George W. Bush’s signature.
“The Defense Ministry and the armed forces consider that not only an evaluation for our achievements but a further obligation and serious commitment to realize on time the transformation and development of the force toward standards of the northern alliance,” said a statement.
Albania expects to become a full NATO member next year.
Sen. Richard Lugar, the top Republican member on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said eventual membership for the five countries “would be a success for Europe, NATO, and the United States by continuing to extend the zone of peace and security.” He said Albania, Croatia, and Macedonia have been making progress on reforms through their participation in the NATO Membership Action Plan since 2002.
Albania, Croatia and Macedonia signed a U.S.-backed agreement four years ago _ called the Adriatic Charter _ outlining a common military strategy and promoting regional cooperation. They hope to be able to join NATO by 2008.
“Unfortunately, Georgia and Ukraine have not yet been granted a Membership Action Plan but nevertheless have made remarkable progress,” Lugar added. “This legislation will provide important incentives and assistance to the countries to continue the implementation of democratic, defense, and economic reforms.”
The Albanian army is undergoing a new structure to adapt to the NATO standards. Albania has troops in Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Albania is negotiating sending another army unit in Lebanon.