§ 24. Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the implications of the new accord between NATO and Russia. [2065]
§ Mr. George RobertsonThe Founding Act on Mutual Relations, Co-operation and Security between NATO and the Russian Federation was signed in Paris on 27 May by the Heads of State and Government of NATO and Russia. It provides the foundation for co-operation, openness and consultation between the North Atlantic Alliance and Russia across a wide range of security issues of common interest. The Government welcome the Act and look forward to building on that foundation.
§ 30. Caroline FlintTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress towards NATO enlargement. [2071]
§ Mr. RobertsonThe NATO Summit on 8 and 9 July will invite one or more countries of Central and Eastern Europe to begin negotiations for accession to NATO membership, and will reaffirm the Alliance's continuing willingness in future to consider taking in countries which share its principles and can contribute to European security. The Alliance will decide collectively, nearer the Summit, which countries should receive invitations.