[19980414]97-477F_北约扩大与俄罗斯.pdf

97-477 FUpdated April 14, 1998NATO Enlargement and RussiaSteven WoehrelSpecialist in European AffairsForeign Affairs and National Defense DivisionSummaryIn March 1998, the Senate began consideration of a resolution giving the Senatesadvice and consent to protocols to the North Atlantic Treaty admitting Poland, Hungaryand the Czech Republic to NATO. The Senate is expected to resume consideration ofthe resolution in April 1998. A prominent issue in the Congressional debate has been theimpact of enlargement on relations with Russia. In an effort to assuage Russian concernsover enlargement, on May 27, 1997, Russian President Boris Yeltsin, President Clintonand leaders of other NATO countries signed a “Founding Act” on Russia-NATOrelations. The accord sets up a Russia-NATO consultative council and reiterates NATOassurances that nuclear weapons and significant numbers of new troops will not bedeployed to new NATO member states. Many Members of Congress have expressedsupport for the Founding Act, but some are concerned that the pact could dilute NATOif it is badly implemented. Others feel that NATO enlargement may push Russia into anirrational confrontation with its neighbors or the West.