Latvian delegation at the Prague Summit 21 -22 November 2002
On 21 November 2002 during the Prague Summit seven NATO aspirants Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Rumania, Slovakia and Slovenia were invited to join the Alliance. This decision has initiated a new stage of Latvias way to NATO. The NATO Secretary General Lord Robertson when announcing the decision said this has been a hugely significant decision, for NATO, for these seven countries that we have just invited to start accession talks, and for the Euro-Atlantic Community.
The Summit of the Heads of State and Government of NATO Member countries in Prague is considered to be the Summit of Transformation apart from the significant enlargement issue the decisions were made on the New Capacities and the strengthened Partnerships.
New Capacities - In order to meet the new threats and the challenges of the 21st Century NATO leaders made a couple of decisions on establishment of the NATO Response Force, on restructuring of the NATO military command and on the commitments and capabilities of each member country. The Alliance agreed on a military concept for defence against terrorism. Additionally, five specific initiatives in the area of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons defence were endorsed to enhance the Alliances defence capabilities against weapons of mass destruction. NATO issued a statement on Iraq where it expresses its full support for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1441 and call on Iraq to comply fully and immediately with this and all relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Strengthened Partnerships The new quality of co-operation among the partners were introduced at the Prague Summit. Particularly the partnership for more active fight against terrorism was emphasized. Consequently, the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council approved Partnership Action Plan Against Terrorism.
Other events
