*EPF211 06/29/2004
NATO Communique Supports PSI, Other Nonproliferation Regimes
(Document urges NATO partners to adapt similar measures as well) (360)

Istanbul, Turkey --- The year-old Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) was among the nonproliferation measures commended by NATO members at the conclusion of a two-day summit.

The PSI was one of nearly four-dozen separate topics agreed to by the membership and listed in NATO's Istanbul Summit Communique, issued June 28. Along with PSI, the document points to the ongoing importance of arms control, disarmament and nonproliferation in achieving NATO security objectives. NATO members were urged to join all applicable nonproliferation regimes.

NATO voiced strong support for PSI, along with PSI's Statement of Interdiction Principles, as offering a more coordinated and effective basis to prevent or seize shipments of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), their delivery systems and related materials to and from states and non-state actors of proliferation concern. NATO urged its 20 Partnership for Peace associates to support and implement the PSI's objectives.

NATO commented favorably on Libya's effort to carry out its December 2003 decision to dismantle its WMD programs under international supervision; however, the alliance also urged Libya to respect fundamental human rights.

NATO emphasized support for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention, the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Hague Code of Conduct against the Proliferation of Ballistic Missiles. The alliance "strongly supported" U.N. Security Council Resolution 1540, which calls for effective national export controls to end illicit trafficking in WMD, and the criminalization of nuclear proliferation.

The Group of Eight's recent adoption of an action plan on nonproliferation, and the discovery and ongoing investigation of the A.Q. Khan nuclear proliferation network also drew NATO's favorable comment.

The communiqué reiterated the alliance's support for the Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty, and reaffirms the need for early entry into force of the CFE Adapted Treaty.

The communiqué noted progress made by Russia's withdrawal of military forces from the Republic of Moldova in 2003, but expressed regret that the progress did not continue in 2004.

Finally, the alliance also urged "a swift resolution" of the outstanding issues between Georgia and Russia and a resumption of negotiations.

(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

Return to Public File Main Page

Return to Public Table of Contents