§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their view of proposals that Russia and/or other members of the Commonwealth of Independent States should become members of NATO, and what meaning do they attach to this possibility.
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (The Earl of Caithness)We do not believe that there is an early prospect of NATO membership for Russia or the other members of the Commonwealth of Independent States. But the development of NATO's relations with those countries in practical ways can play an important part in our efforts to increase security and stability in Europe. We look forward to welcoming the members of the CIS into the North Atlantic Co-operation Council. The NACC was established by NATO at the Rome Summit in November 1991, and brings together NATO countries and those of central and eastern Europe. It provides a forum for the discussion of security issues of common concern.