Even as the United States moves forward with its Western Allies on NATO enlargement, we must press them to reach out to Central Europe through trade and investment. From the point of view of the United States, I have already mentioned this century s three major European wars and their links to developments in Central and Eastern Europe. All three were America s wars as well. Washington, no less than London or Paris, ignores the East to its peril. NATO enlargement reflects this simple strategic fact.
Enlargement enhances stability in Central Europe.
That stability in turn improves general security in Europe. And security in Europe is a vital American national interest. Some say that by enlarging NATO, we commit ourselves to intervening in a future Bosnia-type situation in Central Europe. Nothing could be further from the truth. By enhancing stability, NATO enlargement will help guarantee that similar situations do not develop in Central Europe.