§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the United States Administration discussed with them the reported decision of President Clinton to visit Moscow in January for a "summit meeting" with President Yeltsin to propose to him a new "partnership" between NATO and the former Warsaw Pact states; whether they have agreed to this new "partnership" with the Yeltsin government-by-decree before the announced "elections" in December; and why the machinery of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation is being used to further security co-operation in Europe rather than that of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe.
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyNATO and the CSCE have distinct and complementary roles to play in promoting security and stability throughout Europe. Both are important elements in Europe's overall framework of security institutions, which also includes other organisations such as the Western European Union. The 10 January NATO Summit will constitute an important staging post in the Alliance's continuing development and adaptation to the new security environment. We are discussing with other Allies what the main objectives and themes for that meeting should be. Among the ideas that are under consideration are the US "Partnership for Peace" proposals. Likewise, in the CSCE context, we are working closely with Partners to prepare for the 30 November CSCE Ministerial Council.