ACCESSION NUMBER:00000
FILE ID:96022806.WWE
DATE:02/28/96
TITLE:28-02-96  PERRY: PFP IS PATHWAY FOR STRENGTHENING EUROPEAN SECURITY

TEXT:
(Defense secretary discusses PFP, NATO, Russia and Cuba) (570)
By Vance Phillips
USIA Staff Writer

Washington -- Defense Secretary William Perry believes the Partnership
for Peace (PFP) is the catalyst for improving security in Europe and
strengthening relations between Russia and members of North Atlantic
Treaty Organization (NATO).

Speaking at a February 28 National Press Club luncheon, he said the
partnership has "created a new zone of security and stability in
Europe," and is therefore "one of the most significant events of the
post-Cold War era."

He reminded his audience that "in 1947 George C. Marshall envisioned
peace, freedom and democracy for Europe" when he proposed what came to
be called the Marshall Plan. Western Europe adopted this vision then,
and, now, he said, we are seeing countries in East Europe following
suit.

"The Marshall Plan," said Perry, "used economic revival as a catalyst
for political stabilization and, ultimately, the development of a
modern Europe. The partnership uses security cooperation as a catalyst
for political and economic reform.

"By forging networks of people and institutions working together to
preserve freedom, promote democracy, and build free markets, the
Partnership for Peace today is a catalyst for transforming Central and
Eastern Europe, much as the Marshall Plan transformed Western Europe"
following World War II.

Perry stressed that the PFP is significant because it has allowed
Russian and NATO troops to train and work together. He noted that
during 1995, U.S., Russian and other Partnership for Peace troops
engaged in four bilateral training exercises, and there are future
plans for another PFP exercise this summer. This interaction, he said,
has helped "break down walls of suspicion and develop trust between
NATO and Russia." Perry suggested this would change Russia's view of
NATO from "that of a threat to a promoter of security in Europe." He
added that he would like to see Russia eventually assume a leadership
role in the PFP.

He also said the successful cooperation of NATO's peace implementation
force (IFOR) and Russian troops in Bosnia represents the "development
of a strong relationship." He said IFOR's mission is on schedule and
U.S. troops are scheduled to leave the area December 20.

Perry foresees some potential problems once the Bosnian refugees start
returning to their homes. Animosity between Muslim and Serb refugees
is a concern, but he said the implementation of civilian programs
should help repress any unwanted conflicts.

In addition to strengthening security in Europe, he said, the PFP has
played a role in providing political stability by promoting economic
reform, democratic control over the military and good relations
between neighboring countries. These are essential standards that must
be met by PFP countries who desire NATO membership.

Perry emphasized that Partnership For Peace countries who want to
become part of NATO have said that they will still be active in the
PFP even if they do obtain NATO membership. Perry said this is
important because it will keep the door open for other countries who
wish to become part of the PFP.

Perry condemned the downing of two small Florida-based U.S. civilian
aircraft by Cuban fighter pilots. He said that the two planes had been
clearly identified and were over international waters. He cited the
Chicago Convention which states that unarmed aircraft, even in
restricted air space, are to be warned off, not shot down. He added
that possible measures against Cuba are under "active consideration."
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