[Senate Treaty Document 110-20] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] 110th Congress 2d Session SENATE Treaty Doc. 110-20 _______________________________________________________________________ PROTOCOLS TO THE NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY OF 1949 ON ACCESSION OF ALBANIA AND CROATIA __________ MESSAGE from THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES transmitting PROTOCOLS TO THE NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY OF 1949 ON THE ACCESSION OF THE REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA AND THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA ADOPTED AT BRUSSELS ON JULY 9, 2008, AND SIGNED THAT DAY ON BEHALF OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE OTHER PARTIES TO THE NORTH ATLANTIC TREATYJuly 23, 2008.--Treaty was read the first time, and together with the accompanying papers, referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations and ordered to be printed for the use of the Senate LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL ---------- To the Senate of the United States: I transmit herewith, for Senate advice and consent to ratification, Protocols to the North Atlantic Treaty of 1949 on the Accession of the Republic of Albania and the Republic of Croatia. These Protocols were adopted at Brussels on July 9, 2008, and signed that day on behalf of the United States and the other Parties to the North Atlantic Treaty. Also transmitted for the information of the Senate is the report of the Department of State, which includes an overview of the Protocols. NATO enlargement remains an historic success in advancing freedom, stability, and democracy in the Euro-Atlantic area. Albania and Croatia serve as two more examples of countries motivated by the prospect of NATO membership to advance significant and difficult political, economic, and military reforms. Their efforts and success demonstrate to other countries in the Balkans and beyond that NATO's door remains open to nations willing to shoulder the responsibilities of membership. I am pleased that, with the advice and consent of the Senate, these new democracies can soon join us as members of this great Alliance. I ask the Senate to join me in advancing the cause of freedom and strengthening NATO by providing its prompt advice and consent to ratification of these Protocols of Accession. My Administration stands ready to assist you in any way we can in your deliberations. George W. Bush. The White House, July 23, 2008. LETTER OF SUBMITTAL ---------- Department of State, Washington, July 16, 2008. The President, The White House. The President: I have the honor to submit to you, with a view to their transmission to the Senate for advice and consent to ratification, Protocols to the North Atlantic Treaty of 1949 on the accession of the Republic of Albania and the Republic of Croatia. These Protocols were opened for signature at Brussels on July 9, 2008, and were signed on that day on behalf of the United States of America and the other parties to the North Atlantic Treaty. The Protocols propose adding the Republic of Albania and the Republic of Croatia to NATO as members, with all the privileges and responsibilities that apply to current Allies. The core commitment to these states will be embodied in the existing text of the North Atlantic Treaty of 1949, including the central collective defense provision in Article 5. I believe these countries merit this commitment on our part and that they share our common commitment to democratic values and are prepared to act as responsible Allies. The U.S. decision to pursue the enlargement of NATO has had bipartisan support across several administrations. I am therefore confident that the Senate will grant its advice and consent to ratification of these Protocols, after due deliberation, without hesitation. These two countries have made the difficult decisions needed to advance reforms and become vibrant democracies with vigorous market economies. Their accession to the Alliance will be a major step toward realizing your vision of a Europe whole, free, and at peace. Respectfully submitted. Condoleezza Rice. Overview The Protocols are identical in structure and composed of three Articles. Article I provides that, once the Protocol has entered into force, the Secretary General of NATO shall extend an invitation to the named state to accede to the North Atlantic Treaty, and that, in accordance with Article 10 of the Treaty, the state shall become a Party to the Treaty on the date it deposits its instrument of accession with the Government of the United States of America. Article II provides that the Protocol shall enter into force when each of the parties to the North Atlantic Treaty has notified the Government of the United States of America of its acceptance of the Protocol. Article III provides that the English and French texts shall be equally authentic, and calls for deposit of the Protocol in the Archives of the Government of the United States of America, the depositary state for the North Atlantic Treaty.
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