TEXT: CLINTON STATEMENT ON SENATE APPROVAL OF NATO ENLARGEMENT

(Says it demonstrates bipartisan support of US world role) (350)



Washington -- President Clinton says he is "delighted" by the Senate
vote approving the admission of Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic
into NATO.


In an April 30 statement, the President said their accession to the
alliance "will expand the zone of stability in Europe and reduce the
chances American men and women will ever again be called into Europe's
fields of battle."


He also said the overwhelming Senate vote in favor of NATO enlargement
demonstrates "a solid, bipartisan foundation for an active US role in
the world."


Following is the White House text:



(begin text)



THE WHITE HOUSE



Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

April 30, 1998



STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT



On Senate Approval of NATO Enlargement



I am delighted that the Senate voted by an overwhelming margin to
admit Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic into NATO. This vote is
a major milestone on the road to an undivided, democratic, and
peaceful Europe. The addition of these three democracies to our
alliance will strengthen NATO, expand the zone of stability in Europe
and reduce the chances American men and women will ever again be
called into Europe's fields of battle. The message this vote sends is
clear: American support for NATO is firm, our leadership for security
on both sides of the Atlantic is strong, and there is a solid,
bipartisan foundation for an active US role in the world.


I want to pay tribute to the indispensable efforts of the many leaders
from both parties who brought us to this day, starting with Majority
Leader Lott and Minority Leader Daschle. This vote stands in the
tradition of Harry Truman, George Marshall and Arthur Vandenberg and
the other giants who kept America engaged in the world after World War
II and were present at NATO's creation. Their lesson then is our
lesson tonight -- that our strength lies in a foreign policy guided by
the interests and values that unite us as Americans.


(end text)