HC Deb 09 February 1998 vol 306 cc67-8W
19. Mr. Donald Anderson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the application of Slovenia to join NATO. [26113]

Mr. George Robertson

NATO has undertaken to review the process of its enlargement in 1999; the considerations set forth in NATO's 1995 Enlargement Study will continue to apply with regard to all aspirants. The UK views Slovenia as a strong candidate for any future enlargement of NATO. The priority for now is to ensure the successful military and political integration of the Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary into NATO.

26. Mr. Gardiner

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress towards NATO enlargement. [26122]

Mr. George Robertson

The protocols for the accession of Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic to NATO were signed in December by NATO Foreign Ministers: all Allies now need to ratify them. NATO is continuing its work with the invited countries to ensure their effective military and political integration into the Alliance. The UK is also providing bilateral defence assistance to facilitate this process.