At the special meeting of the North Atlantic Council NATO HQ, Brussels 13 June 2001

Address by Jacques Chirac, President of France Our meeting today comes at an important moment. Strategic developments at both European and regional levels demand that we take a fresh look at our security arrangements. I. First of all, this summit gives us the opportunity to welcome the new President of the United States, who is taking part in our meetings for the first time. It is also an opportunity to state once again that the Alliance is the natural and essential framework of transatlantic solidarity. France considers that this bond of security, which unites the two shores of the Atlantic, has stood the test of time. At the dawn of the 21st century it has lost none of its vitality and raison d'etre. Moves to create a European defence capability have made decisive strides over the past few years, and they will of course be pursued in perfect harmony with NATO. The progress made towards a European defence is irreversible, since it is part of a deep-seated and more general trend towards European integration. The emergence of a European Union fully taking its place on the international scene is now an historical fact of life. It is also a factor of greater stability. Yet at the same time the transatlantic bond remains essential, for it is the bedrock of the Allies' collective defence. In this context, a European defence capability is both a necessity for Europeans and an asset for NATO. II. We are also engaged today in a wider debate over the changing strategic balance. This debate began several years ago with the ending of the Cold War, and we have still by no means drawn all the conclusions from it. A more specific debate is now in progress concerning America's anti-missile project. France stands ready to participate actively in that discussion to the full. But it wishes to reiterate its belief in three fundamental principles: - first, the need to preserve the strategic balances, of which the ABM Treaty is a pillar. If we are to envisage a new framework, one that takes account of the emergence of a multipolar world, then we must ensure that it contains binding provisions designed to guarantee international stability; - second, the urgent need to step up efforts to combat proliferation, irrespective of action taken regarding the antimissile project. Concerning ballistic non-proliferation regimes in particular, we must explore new avenues, notably with a view to making the code of conduct deriving from the MTCR universally applicable. The European Union has been a consistent pioneer in the field of non-proliferation, and France has proposed that it take initiatives in this respect; - finally, I wish once more to underline France's commitment to nuclear deterrence. At a minimum level of sufficiency, and assuming the permanence of the concept of non-use, this remains the ultimate guarantor of security in the face of any threat to its vital interests. III. With regard to the Balkans, and as a French general prepares to take over command of the KFOR, I would like to mention the dangers of the crisis affecting Macedonia. Together we have fought and overcome a policy of ethnic cleansingthat put the European continent to shame. The fall of Milosevic and the advent of democracy in Belgrade have ushered in a new dynamic of peace in the Balkans. But that peace is still fragile. We must state clearly that we will not accept a new outbreak of violence and intolerance, as this would jeopardise the stability of the entire region. We must not preclude any form of action needed to thwart such developments. I propose that we discuss measures to be taken in greater detail over lunch. Secretary-General, In today's altered world, Europeans and Americans share common values and interests. They have the means to guarantee them. They will succeed in doing so only on a basis of balanced co-operation founded on dialogue and trust.