§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Prime Minister how he intends to mark the accession to NATO membership of(a) Poland, (b) Hungary and (c) the Czech Republic. [70423]
§ The Prime MinisterThe three invited countries will join NATO simultaneously in early to mid-March. The precise date is not yet decided. Their accession will be marked by ceremonies at NATO Headquarters in Brussels and in Washington. The Heads of State and government of the invited countries will be welcomed by existing Allies as they take their places alongside their colleagues in the Alliance at NATO's 50th anniversary Summit in Washington on 23–25 April.