East calls on Nato to open ranks

BRUSSELS - East European countries told Nato yesterday they wanted a stronger commitment from the alliance that it would admit new members, writes Andrew Marshall.

They believe too much attention has been paid to Russian concerns, and not enough to their fears. One Eastern European diplomat spoke of a 'second Yalta' in the making.

Poland led the charge at a meeting of foreign ministers of the 38- member North Atlantic Co-operation Council, the body that brings together the alliance and former Warsaw Pact members. It received some support from Germany, though even Bonn's enthusiasm for the idea has faded, diplomats said. The United States and Britain pointed to existing plans for taking the alliance a step closer to Central and Eastern Europe.

Partnerships for Peace, the US initiative that would build stronger military and political links with Central and Eastern Europe, is broadly welcomed by all the NACC members. It would give them some right to representation in Nato's military and political structures, co-operation on peace- keeping and joint exercises. But, concerned by the security vacuum in the region, they want more.

In particular, Poland, Hungary and the Czech republic want the scheme to be certified as a path to membership. They want a firm commitment from Nato at the January summit to open its doors; they want the right of consultation with Nato to be equal to the right provided to alliance members; and they want to know what the criteria for membership are.

Central European diplomats said that Russia pushed for a freer hand in peace-keeping activities within the borders of the former Soviet Union. Baltic diplomats in particular were keen to stress that this should not include them.

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