On 8 May 2003, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved (96-0) the Protocols to the Washington Treaty on the accession of the seven countries - Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia - invited to join the North Atlantic Alliance at last year's Prague Summit.

Latvia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs applauds the decision taken by the U.S. legislators. The U.S. Senate has set in law that from now on, Latvia's security will be inseparably linked with that of the United States. The overwhelming vote of support by the Senate demonstrates confidence in Latvia as a secure and responsible ally. The vote is renewed testimony to the special ties existing between the United States and Latvia and is in logical continuity with the policy of non-recognition of the occupation of the Baltic States and the special cooperation undertaken within the framework of the U.S.-Baltic Charter. Latvia will do its utmost to justify the trust placed in it by the Alliance

Remarks of H.E. Sandra Kalniete, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia The Metropolitan Club, Washington DC, May 8, 2003

The speach of US President Bush at the meeting of the seven Foreign Ministers of invited countries

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