21 Febr 2002

Lord Robertson continues visit of candidate countries As part of his tour of Partner countries aspiring to membership of the Alliance, NATO Secretary General, Lord Robertson, travelled to Latvia on 21 February and Lithuania on 22 February 2002. During his visit to these two Baltic countries, he underlined that criteria for NATO membership was not limited to military aspects only and that support for NATO membership should be widespread among all sectors of their societies. In Riga, Latvia, he met President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Prime Minister Andris Berzins, Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins and Defence Minister Girst Valdis Kristovskis. He also met with the Speaker of the Parliament, as well as members of the Parliament. In Vilnius, Lithuania, he met President Valdas Adamkus, Prime Minister Antanas Valionis, Defence Minister Linas Linkevicius and the Chairman of the Parliament, together with members of Parliament. Lord Robertson will be travelling to Bulgaria shortly and will then have completed his visits to all participants in NATO's Membership Action Plan, which comprises nine Partner countries. Additional information: NATO Press Release (2002)023: NATO Secretary General to visit Latvia and Lithuania - 20 February 2002