DATE=3/2/98
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
NUMBER=2-227489
TITLE=SENATE NATO ONITER (S-ONLY)
BYLINE=DAVID SWAN
DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL
CONTENT=
VOICED AT: 

INTRO:  THE EASTWARD EXPANSION OF NATO IS FACING ITS FIRST TEST 
IN THE U-S SENATE (TUESDAY), AS A KEY COMMITTEE VOTES ON WHETHER 
THE ALLIANCE SHOULD ACCEPT THREE NEW MEMBERS.  V-O-A'S DAVID SWAN
HAS DETAILS.

TEXT:  THE FOREIGN RELATIONS PANEL IS EXPECTED TO APPROVE NATO'S 
PLAN TO TAKE IN POLAND, THE CZECH REPUBLIC AND HUNGARY.  THAT 
WOULD SET THE STAGE FOR RATIFICATION BY THE FULL SENATE. MAJORITY
LEADER TRENT LOTT SAYS THAT VOTE SHOULD TAKE PLACE THIS MONTH, 
BUT NOT WITHOUT DEBATE.

                           /// LOTT ACT ///

         THERE ARE SOME SENATORS THAT HAVE SOME LEGITIMATE 
         CONCERNS.  I PERSONALLY AM FOR NATO ENLARGEMENT.  I 
         THINK WE SHOULD PASS IT AND DO IT IN REASONABLE TIME. 
         BUT YOU'VE GOT TO ALLOW SENATORS A CHANCE TO BE HEARD ON
         IT.

                           /// END ACT ///

THE CONCERNS INCLUDE THE FINANCIAL BURDEN AND THE POSSIBLE USE OF
U-S TROOPS IN FUTURE EUROPEAN CONFLICTS. ONE SENATOR (JOHN 
WARNER) PLANS TO BRING UP A RESOLUTION, PLACING A THREE-YEAR HOLD
ON ANY SECOND PHASE OF EXPANSION. BUT THE SENATE IS STILL 
CONSIDERED LIKELY TO APPROVE THE FIRST ROUND.(SIGNED)



NEB/DS/WDC/PT

02-Mar-98 6:27 PM EST (2327 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.