At the EAPC Defence Ministers Meeting Brussels 3 Dec. 1997

Speaking notes of Mr. eslovas Stankeviius Lithuanian Minister of National Defence Mr. Secretary General, Ministers, Ladies and Gentlemen Lithuania as the aspiring member of the Alliance greatly values yesterday's Defence Ministers' statement that NATO remains open to new members. The continuation of the intensified dialogue is of key importance in this respect. The enhanced PfP has been successfully started and brings members states and the interested Partners closer both in political and practical military co-operation. We value very much the principle of Partners self-differentiation which is a part of the EAPC concept. This principle will help every Partner to develop as close relationship with the Alliance as they wish. On the practical level Lithuania is making considerable efforts in the development of interoperability of its armed forces with those of NATO. The implementation of Interoperability Objectives that were agreed between Lithuania and NATO within the PARP process runs quite well. Thus, our ability to contribute to NATO-led operations will significantly increase in the nearest future. In this regard we are interested in starting the implementation of new elements of the enhanced PARP during the second cycle, including introduction of the Partnership Goals. In Lithuania we met with great interest the recommendation of the enhanced PfP on the establishment of Partner Staff Elements at various levels' NATO Command Headquarters. In this regard we welcome the decision to establish the first PSEs at the International Military Staff and first two levels of the command structure. We think that it would significantly contribute to the enhancement of our co-operation. At the same time, we do hope that the possibility to have our officers at the sub-regional level would be offered in the nearest future. We reiterate our interest to take part in day-to-day practical intense activities at the headquarters located in the Northeast area. I am convinced that this EAPC meeting will serve the enhancement of links between NATO and Partners. Thank you for your attention.