USA - Baltics sign charter of partnership

Описание: (17 Jan 1998) T/I: 10:07:33


Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia moved a step closer to joining the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization on Friday, when they signed a "charter of partnership" with the United States. Presidents Lennart Meri of Estonia, Guntis Ulmanis of Latvia and Algirdas Brazauskas of Lithuania, joined US President Bill Clinton for the signing at the White House. The charter establishes a formal dialogue between the four on military and economic cooperation, and furthers America's commitment to help them prepare for membership of the EU and NATO.


SHOWS:

WASHINGTON, USA 16/01
Three presidents plus Clinton walking to podium and pull out to ws;
SOT (English) Clinton: "This charter of partnership underscores how far your nations have come. Almost exactly seven years ago today Baltic citizens were facing down tanks in the struggle to reclaim their independence. Today your democracies have taken root. You stand among Europe's fastest growing economies. Your nations are a source of stability within your region and beyond".;
Cutaway showing Lithuanian president at podium;
SOT (English translation) President of Lithuania, Algirdas Brazauskas: "The US-Baltic charter confirms repeatedly that Lithuania is a serious candidate for accession to NATO as well as that the United States supports the Baltic states' aspirations and efforts to become members of the alliance. Lithuania values the charter first and foremost of the committment to its further role as a promoter of stability within our region and Europe as a whole, its committment to progress, economic reforms and further enhancement of defence system effectiveness and inter-operability within North Atlantic alliance";
Three presidents plus Clinton signing charter, cu of Clinton, books exchanged and pan along presidents signing;
Presidents shaking hands as audience applauds;

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