BBC News Online: World

Nato: 'Leaner and meaner'

	Analysis: Commemoration not celebration
	Rude awakening for new members
	History: Alliance's Cold War roots
	Fast facts: Nato: Who, what, why

The crisis in Kosovo inevitably overshadowed the agenda for the second day of the meeting, but the 19 allied leaders were still able to set out a new blueprint for the organisation.

The first update to its mission statement since the end of the Cold War in 1991 gives Nato a broader role than just defending its own borders.

It allows for intervention beyond its territory to halt regional crises and to meet other threats to its members' security.

The initiative also aims to make Nato forces more mobile and increase the accuracy of their weapons systems.

BBC Political Correspondent Jon Sopel says Nato is seeking to become a leaner and meaner fighting force, moving away from its original conception as a defensive organisation.

US President Bill Clinton said the alliance could now "advance security and freedom for another 50 years".

He said the new role would include:

• Enhancing Nato's capacity to address conflicts beyond its borders
• Protecting its citizens from terrorism and weapons of mass destruction
• Deepening its partnerships with other nations
• Helping new members enter through "Nato's open doors"

Security guarantee

Nato Secretary-General Javier Solana said a stronger alliance had been created, which would guarantee security in Europe and uphold democratic values.

He welcomed the membership of Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic, saying enlargement of the alliance remained a priority.

"Nato is committed to keep its door open. The three new members which have celebrated here will not be the last," he said.

French praise

The Nato agreement also stressed the "primary responsibility" of the United Nations Security Council for world peace, without giving it an explicit veto on Nato action.

French President Jacques Chirac hailed this, saying it meant "Nato cannot and will not be able to act without the authorisation of this international organisation".

After overcoming Turkish objections, leaders also approved a statement recognising the European Union's role in security and defence policy and its right to approve military action where the alliance as a whole was not engaged.

Relevant Stories

Nato birthday for reflection not celebration (21 Apr 99 | World)

Internet Links

Nato's 50th anniversary site

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

In this section

Microsoft trial mediator appointed (From Business)
Violence greets Clinton visit
Taxman scoops a million (From Entertainment)
Safety chief deplores crash speculation
Hurricane Lenny abates
Bush calls for 'American internationalism'
EU fraud: a billion dollar bill
Russian forces pound Grozny
Senate passes US budget
Boy held after US school shooting
Cardinal may face loan-shark charges
Sudan power struggle denied
Sharif: I'm innocent
Vodafone takeover battle heats up (From Business)
India's malnutrition 'crisis'
Next steps for peace
Homeless suffer as quake toll rises
Dam builders charged in bribery scandal
Burundi camps 'too dire' to help
DiCaprio film trial begins
Memorial for bonfire dead
Spy allegations bug South Africa
Senate leader's dismissal 'a good omen'
Tamil rebels consolidate gains
New constitution for Venezuela
Hurricane pounds Caribbean
Millennium sect heads for the hills
South African gays take centre stage
Lockerbie trial judges named