It can be achieved only if the new democracies in the heart of Europe are integrated into the West. Those new states can work toward full integration into Western security institutions through NATO's Partnership for Peace. The United States is committed to NATO expansion. As President Bill Clinton has said, the question is not whether NATO will expand, but when. The Partnership for Peace is the pathway for that expansion.
Economic integration is just as essential for a more stable and prosperous Europe.
The United States has called for negotiations between the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. The United States is also working to remove limits to exports from Eastern and Central Europe, and will continue to provide support for economic and political reforms. As Secretary of State Christopher said, the United States is committed to ensuring that the benefits and obligations of the transatlantic community of democracies are available to countries in the heart of Europe.