VZCZCXRO3977
OO RUEHIK RUEHPOD RUEHYG
DE RUEHNO #0242 1921644
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 101644Z JUL 08
FM USMISSION USNATO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 2066
INFO RUEHZG/NATO EU COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE
RUEHKV/AMEMBASSY KYIV IMMEDIATE 0127
RUEHMO/AMEMBASSY MOSCOW IMMEDIATE 6004
RUEHVJ/AMEMBASSY SARAJEVO IMMEDIATE 0143
RUEHSQ/AMEMBASSY SKOPJE IMMEDIATE 3398
RUEHSI/AMEMBASSY TBILISI IMMEDIATE 5621
RUEHTI/AMEMBASSY TIRANA IMMEDIATE 4528
RUEHVB/AMEMBASSY ZAGREB IMMEDIATE 5510
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC IMMEDIATE
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC IMMEDIATE
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC IMMEDIATE
RUEHNO/USDELMC BRUSSELS BE IMMEDIATE
RHMFIUU/USNMR SHAPE BE IMMEDIATE
UNCLAS USNATO 000242
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL MARR NATO AL HR
SUBJECT: NATO, ALBANIA AND CROATIA SIGN ACCESSION PROTOCOLS
1. (U) In a brief ceremony on July 9, Albania, Croatia, and
the NATO Allies signed the Protocols of Accession for the two
countries to become part of NATO (Note: The original
Protocols will be hand carried to the Department. End note).
SYG Jaap de Hoop Scheffer described the day as a historic one
for the entire Euro-Atlantic community, praised both
countries for their hard work in reforms, and commended them
to vigorously continue these efforts during the ratification
process and beyond. The SYG also reiterated that NATO's door
will remain open and hoped that this round of enlargement
should be seen as encouragement for all those counties that
wish to foster a closer link with NATO.
2. (U) The Danish PermRep, speaking as Dean on behalf of all
Allies, welcomed Albania and Croatia to the "NATO family,"
encouraged them to continue reforms, and called on them to
assume their new roles in a NATO that safeguards peace
through mutual defense. He also reiterated that there is
"more room at the NAC table" and that "the door is open" to
future NATO members.
3. (U) Albanian FM Lulzim Basha spoke of his profound sense
of honor and privilege in addressing the Allies on such a
historic day. He said Albania's journey from a history of
isolation had taken hard work, perseverance, unwavering
commitment, and help from good friends. He expressed
gratitude to all those that helped his country reach this
goal. He pledged that Albania would fulfill all the
obligations and responsibilities of membership.
4. (U) Croatian FM Gordan Jandrokovic began his remarks with
gratitude for the support his country received in preparing
for accession. He hoped the ratification process in Allied
capitals would proceed swiftly enough to allow for Croatia to
attend the Strasbourg-Kehl summit in April 2009. Jandrokovic
said Croatia's reforms had been an investment in its future
and pledged Croatia would share its experience with any of
the countries in the region that hope to someday walk the
same path. He also pledged Croatian support for operations
as a sign of its continued commitment to meeting its
membership obligations.
OLSON