Domestic

APA’s correspondent covering the summit reports that the 43rd item of the 50-item document touches upon the issue of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan:
“We, the Heads of State and Government of the member countries of the North Atlantic
Alliance are concerned with the persistence of regional conflicts in the South Caucasus and
the Republic of Moldova. Our nations support the territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and the Republic of Moldova. We will continue to support efforts towards a peaceful settlement of these regional conflicts, taking into account these principles,” says the declaration.
Here is the full text of the Bucharest Summit Declaration issued by the Heads of State and Government participating in the meeting of the North Atlantic Council in Bucharest on 3 April 2008:


1. We, the Heads of State and Government of the member countries of the North Atlantic
Alliance, met today to enlarge our Alliance and further strengthen our ability to confront
the existing and emerging 21st century security threats. We reviewed the significant
progress we have made in recent years to transform NATO, agreeing that this is a
process that must continue. Recognising the enduring value of the transatlantic link and
of NATO as the essential forum for security consultations between Europe and North
America, we reaffirmed our solidarity and cohesion and our commitment to the common
vision and shared democratic values embodied in the Washington Treaty. The principle
of the indivisibility of Allied security is fundamental. A strong collective defence of our
populations, territory and forces is the core purpose of our Alliance and remains our
most important security task. We reiterate our faith in the purposes and principles of the
United Nations Charter.
2.Today, we have decided to invite Albania and Croatia to begin accession talks to join our
Alliance. We congratulate these countries on this historic achievement, earned through
years of hard work and a demonstrated commitment to our common security and
NATO’s shared values. The accession of these new members will strengthen security for
all in the Euro Atlantic area, and bring us closer to our goal of a Europe that is whole,
free, and at peace.
3.We look forward to the 60th Anniversary Summit in 2009, which will underscore the
enduring importance of the transatlantic link. We continue to transform our Alliance with
new members; better responses to security challenges, taking into account lessons
learned; more deployable capabilities; and new relationships with our partners. The
Summit will provide an opportunity to further articulate and strengthen the Alliance’s
vision of its role in meeting the evolving challenges of the 21st century and maintaining
the ability to perform the full range of its missions, collectively defending our security at
home and contributing to stability abroad. Accordingly, we request the Council in
Permanent Session to prepare a Declaration on Alliance Security for adoption at the
Summit to further set the scene for this important task.
4. We have welcomed to Bucharest a number of our partner nations; Mr. Ban Ki moon, the
Secretary General of the United Nations; and prominent representatives of other
international organisations. Many of today’s security challenges cannot be successfully
met by NATO acting alone. Meeting them can best be achieved through a broad
partnership with the wider international community, as part of a truly comprehensive
approach, based on a shared sense of openness and cooperation as well as
determination on all sides. We are resolved to promote peace and stability, and to meet
the global challenges that increasingly affect the security of all of us, by working
together.
5.The success of this common effort depends greatly on individual commitment. We pay
tribute to the professionalism and bravery of the more than sixty thousand men and
women from Allied and other nations who are involved in NATO’s missions and
operations. We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those
who have died or been injured during the course of their duties. Their sacrifices will not
be in vain.
6.Euro Atlantic and wider international security is closely tied to Afghanistan’s future as a
peaceful, democratic state, respectful of human rights and free from the threat of
terrorism. For that reason, our UN mandated International Security Assistance Force
(ISAF) mission, currently comprising 40 nations, is our top priority. Working with the
Afghans, we have made significant progress, but we recognise that remaining
challenges demand additional efforts. Neither we nor our Afghan partners will allow
extremists and terrorists to regain control of Afghanistan or use it as a base for terror
that threatens all of our people. With our ISAF partners, and with the engagement of
President Karzai, we will issue a statement on Afghanistan. This statement sets out a
clear vision guided by four principles: a firm and shared long term commitment; support
for enhanced Afghan leadership and responsibility; a comprehensive approach by the
international community, bringing together civilian and military efforts; and increased
cooperation and engagement with Afghanistan’s neighbours, especially Pakistan. We
welcome announcements by Allies and partners of new force contributions and other
forms of support as further demonstration of our resolve; and we look forward to
additional contributions. We welcome as well the appointment of Ambassador Kai Eide,
the United Nations’ Secretary General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and
Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), who will
provide added impetus and coherence to the international community’s efforts. We
welcome the upcoming Paris Conference that will review progress on and strengthen
international efforts to further implement the Afghanistan Compact.
7.Our commitment to regional security and stability throughout the Balkans remains
steadfast. We praise the prompt, impartial and effective performance by KFOR in the
face of violence, and we deplore all attacks against the UN mandated NATO led KFOR
and other international presences in Kosovo. We reiterate that KFOR will remain in
Kosovo on the basis of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1244 to
ensure a safe and secure environment, including freedom of movement, for all people in
Kosovo unless the Security Council decides otherwise.
8.In Kosovo, NATO and KFOR will continue to work with the authorities and, bearing in
mind its operational mandate, KFOR will cooperate with and assist the United Nations,
the European Union and other international actors, as appropriate, to support the
development of a stable, democratic, multi ethnic and peaceful Kosovo. We support UN
action to ensure respect for the rule of law and call on all parties to take affirmative steps
to prevent and condemn violence in Kosovo. NATO and KFOR welcome the restraint
shown thus far by the authorities in Kosovo. We expect continued full implementation of
their commitments to standards, especially those related to the rule of law and regarding
the protection of ethnic minorities and communities, as well as the protection of historical
and religious sites, and to combating crime and corruption.
9.NATO stands ready to play its part in the implementation of future security
arrangements. Recalling UNSCR 1244, we note the necessity of maintaining
international presences throughout Kosovo, whose efforts contribute to freedom of
movement and the flow of people and goods, including border monitoring. We call on all
actors of the region to engage constructively and to avoid any actions or rhetoric that
could undermine the security situation in Kosovo or in any other part of the region.
KFOR will continue close security dialogue with all parties.
10. Today’s information environment, in particular with regard to our operations in
Afghanistan and Kosovo, underlines the need for appropriate, timely, accurate and
responsive communication with local and international audiences in relation to NATO’s
policies and engagement in international operations. We welcome the progress made in
enhancing NATO’s strategic communications capability, as demonstrated by the rapid
response Media Operations Centre. We also welcome the launching at our Summit of a
new NATO TV channel on the internet which will include regular news updates and
video reports, in particular from the various regions of Afghanistan. We underscore our
commitment to support further improvement of our strategic communications by the time
of our 2009 Summit.
11.Experiences in Afghanistan and the Balkans demonstrate that the international
community needs to work more closely together and take a comprehensive approach to
address successfully the security challenges of today and tomorrow. Effective
implementation of a comprehensive approach requires the cooperation and contribution
of all major actors, including that of Non Governmental Organisations and relevant local
bodies. To this end, it is essential for all major international actors to act in a coordinated
way, and to apply a wide spectrum of civil and military instruments in a concerted effort
that takes into account their respective strengths and mandates. We have endorsed an
Action Plan comprising a set of pragmatic proposals to develop and implement NATO’s
contribution to a comprehensive approach. These proposals aim to improve the coherent
application of NATO’s own crisis management instruments and enhance practical
cooperation at all levels with other actors, wherever appropriate, including provisions for
support to stabilisation and reconstruction. They relate to areas such as planning and
conduct of operations; training and education; and enhancing cooperation with external
actors. We task the Council in Permanent Session to implement this Action Plan as a
matter of priority and to keep it under continual review, taking into account all relevant
developments as well as lessons learned.
12.We welcome over a decade of cooperation between the United Nations and NATO in
support of the work of the United Nations in maintaining international peace and security.
We have developed operational cooperation in peacekeeping through the UN mandated
NATO led operations in the Balkans and Afghanistan. These shared experiences have
demonstrated the value of effective and efficient coordination between the two
organisations. Further cooperation will significantly contribute to addressing the threats
and challenges to which the international community is called upon to respond. NATO
reaffirms its faith in the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations
including the exercise of the inherent right of individual or collective self defence
recognised by Article 51 of the UN Charter, as stated in the Washington Treaty. The
primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security rests with
the United Nations Security Council.
13.NATO is also playing its role in contributing to the implementation by nations of UNSCR
1373 and related UNSCRs in the fight against terrorism, and is lending its support to non
proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction by playing its role in contributing to the
implementation by nations of UNSCR 1540.
14.NATO EU relations cover a wide range of issues of common interest relating to security,
defence and crisis management, including the fight against terrorism, the development
of coherent and mutually reinforcing military capabilities, and civil emergency planning.
Our successful cooperation in the Western Balkans, including with EU operation Althea
through the Berlin Plus arrangements, is contributing to peace and security in the region.
In the light of shared common values and strategic interests, NATO and the EU are
working side by side in key crisis management operations and will continue to do so. We
recognise the value that a stronger and more capable European defence brings,
providing capabilities to address the common challenges both NATO and the EU face.
We therefore support mutually reinforcing efforts to this end. Success in these and future
cooperative endeavours calls for enhanced commitment to ensure effective methods of
working together. We are therefore determined to improve the NATO EU strategic
partnership as agreed by our two organisations, to achieve closer cooperation and
greater efficiency, and to avoid unnecessary duplication in a spirit of transparency, and
respecting the autonomy of the two organisations. A stronger EU will further contribute to
our common security.
15.We condemn in the strongest terms all acts of terrorism, whatever their motivation or
manifestation. Our nations remain determined to fight this scourge, individually and
collectively, as long as necessary and in accordance with international law and UN
principles. Terrorists are using a variety of conventional weapons and tactics, including
asymmetric tactics, and may seek to use Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) to
threaten international peace and security. We attach great importance to the protection
of our populations, territories, infrastructure and forces against the consequences of
terrorist attacks. We will continue to develop and contribute to policies to prevent and
counter proliferation, with a view to preventing terrorist access to, and use of, WMD. We
will also continue to support our programme of work to develop advanced capabilities to
help defend against terrorist attacks, including through the continuing development of
new technologies. We remain committed to strengthening the Alliance’s ability to share
information and intelligence on terrorism, especially in support of NATO operations. Our
Alliance provides an essential transatlantic dimension to the response against terrorism
and our nations will continue to contribute to the full implementation of UNSCR 1373 and
related UNSCRs, in particular UNSCR 1540, and to the wider efforts of the international
community in this regard. Dialogue and cooperation with other international
organisations, as appropriate, and with our partners are essential, and we welcome
efforts towards revitalising the implementation of the Partnership Action Plan against
Terrorism. We reiterate our commitment to Operation Active Endeavour, our maritime
operation in the Mediterranean, which continues to make a significant contribution to the
fight against terrorism.
16.We remain deeply concerned by the continued violence and atrocities in Darfur and call
on all parties to cease hostilities. NATO remains ready, following consultation with and
the agreement of the United Nations and the African Union (AU), to support their
peacekeeping efforts in the region. At the request of the African Union, NATO has
agreed to provide support to the AU Mission in Somalia and we are prepared to consider
further requests for support to this mission. As an example of our comprehensive
approach, we welcome the direct cooperation between NATO and the AU, demonstrated
through our recently concluded support to the AU Mission in Sudan and our ongoing
support to the African Standby Force. NATO welcomes the European Union’s EUFOR
Chad / Central African Republic operation and the EU’s contribution to stability and
security in the region.
17.We reiterate the Alliance’s commitment to support the Government and people of Iraq
and to assist with the development of Iraqi Security Forces. We have responded
positively to a request by Prime Minister Al Maliki to extend the NATO Training Mission
Iraq (NTM I) through 2009. We are also favourably considering the Government of Iraq’s
request to enhance the NTM I mission in areas such as Navy and Air Force leadership
training, police training, border security, the fight against terrorism, defence reform,
defence institution building, and Small Arms and Light Weapons accountability. NTM I
continues to make an important contribution to international efforts to train and equip
Iraqi Security Forces and, to date, has trained over 10,000 members of these forces.
Complementing these efforts, NATO has also approved proposals for a structured
cooperation framework to develop NATO’s long term relationship with Iraq and continue
to develop Iraq’s capabilities to address common challenges and threats.
18.NATO’s ongoing enlargement process has been an historic success in advancing
stability and cooperation and bringing us closer to our common goal of a Europe whole
and free, united in peace, democracy and common values. NATO’s door will remain
open to European democracies willing and able to assume the responsibilities and
obligations of membership, in accordance with Article 10 of the Washington Treaty. We
reiterate that decisions on enlargement are for NATO itself to make.
19.Our invitation to Albania and Croatia to begin accession talks to join our Alliance marks
the beginning of a new chapter for the Western Balkans and shows the way forward to a
future in which a stable region is fully integrated into Euro Atlantic institutions and able to
make a major contribution to international security.
20.We recognise the hard work and the commitment demonstrated by the former Yugoslav
Republic of Macedonia 1 to NATO values and Alliance operations. We commend them
for their efforts to build a multi ethnic society. Within the framework of the UN, many
actors have worked hard to resolve the name issue, but the Alliance has noted with
regret that these talks have not produced a successful outcome. Therefore we agreed
that an invitation to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia will be extended as
soon as a mutually acceptable solution to the name issue has been reached. We
encourage the negotiations to be resumed without delay and expect them to be
concluded as soon as possible.
21.Admitting Albania and Croatia will enhance the Alliance’s ability to face the challenges of
today and tomorrow. These countries have demonstrated a solid commitment to the
basic principles set out in the Washington Treaty as well as their ability, and readiness,
to protect freedom and our shared values by contributing to the Alliance’s collective
defence and full range of missions.
22.We will begin talks immediately with the aim of signing Accession Protocols by the end
of July 2008 and completing the ratification process without delay. During the period
leading up to accession, NATO will involve the invited countries in Alliance activities to
the greatest extent possible, and will continue to provide support and assistance,
including through the Membership Action Plan (MAP). We look forward to receiving the
invited countries’ timetables for reform, upon which further progress will be expected
before, and after, accession in order to enhance their contribution to the Alliance.
23.NATO welcomes Ukraine’s and Georgia’s Euro Atlantic aspirations for membership in
NATO. We agreed today that these countries will become members of NATO. Both
nations have made valuable contributions to Alliance operations. We welcome the
democratic reforms in Ukraine and Georgia and look forward to free and fair
parliamentary elections in Georgia in May. MAP is the next step for Ukraine and Georgia
on their direct way to membership. Today we make clear that we support these
countries’ applications for MAP. Therefore we will now begin a period of intensive
engagement with both at a high political level to address the questions still outstanding
pertaining to their MAP applications. We have asked Foreign Ministers to make a first
assessment of progress at their December 2008 meeting. Foreign Ministers have the
authority to decide on the MAP applications of Ukraine and Georgia.
24.We remain committed to the strategically important region of the Balkans, where Euro
Atlantic integration, based on democratic values and regional cooperation, remains
necessary for lasting peace and stability. We welcome progress since the Riga Summit
in developing our cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia.
We encourage each of these three countries to use to the fullest extent possible the
opportunities for dialogue, reform and cooperation offered by the Euro Atlantic
Partnership, and we have directed the Council in Permanent Session to keep the
development of relations with each of these Partners under review.
25.We welcome Bosnia and Herzegovina’s and Montenegro’s decisions to develop an
Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP) with NATO. We look forward to ambitious and
substantive Action Plans which will further the Euro Atlantic aspirations of these
countries and we pledge our assistance to their respective reform efforts towards this
goal. To help foster and guide these efforts, we have decided to invite Bosnia and
Herzegovina and Montenegro to begin an Intensified Dialogue on the full range of
political, military, financial, and security issues relating to their aspirations to
membership, without prejudice to any eventual Alliance decision.
26.We stand ready to further develop an ambitious and substantive relationship with Serbia,
making full use of its Partnership for Peace membership, and with a view to making
more progress towards Serbia’s integration into the Euro Atlantic community. We
reiterate our willingness to deepen our cooperation with Serbia, in particular through
developing an IPAP, and we will consider an Intensified Dialogue following a request by
Serbia.
27.We expect Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina to cooperate fully with the International
Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and will closely monitor their respective
efforts in this regard.
28.We recall that the NATO Russia partnership was conceived as a strategic element in
fostering security in the Euro Atlantic area, based on core principles, values and
commitments, including democracy, civil liberties and political pluralism. Looking back at
a history of more than a decade, we have developed a political dialogue as well as
concrete projects in a broad range of international security issues where we have
common goals and interests. While we are concerned by recent Russian statements and
actions on key security issues of mutual concern, such as the Treaty on Conventional
Armed Forces in Europe (CFE), we stand ready to continue working with Russia as
equal partners in areas of common concern, as envisaged by the Rome Declaration and
the Founding Act. We should continue our common efforts in the fight against terrorism
and in the area of non proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and their means of
delivery. We urge Russia to engage actively in important cooperative offers that have
been extended. We believe that United States Russia bilateral discussions on missile
defence and CFE, among other issues, can make an important contribution in this field.
We believe the potential of the NATO Russia Council is not fully realised and we remain
ready to identify and pursue opportunities for joint actions at 27, while recalling the
principle of independence of decision making and actions by NATO or Russia. We
reaffirm to Russia that NATO’s Open Door policy and current, as well as any future,
NATO Missile Defence efforts are intended to better address the security challenges we
all face, and reiterate that, far from posing a threat to our relationship, they offer
opportunities to deepen levels of cooperation and stability.
29.We note Russia’s ratification of the Partnership for Peace Status of Forces Agreement,
and hope that it will facilitate further practical cooperation. We appreciate Russia’s
readiness to support NATO’s ISAF mission in Afghanistan by facilitating transit through
Russian territory. We would welcome deepened NATO Russia cooperation in support of,
and agreed by, the Government of Afghanistan, and look forward to building on the solid
work already achieved in training Afghan and Central Asian counter narcotics officers.
Our continued cooperation under our Cooperative Airspace Initiative and Russia’s
support to Operation Active Endeavour in the Mediterranean contribute to our common
fight against terrorism. We also welcome our cooperation on military interoperability,
theatre missile defence, search and rescue at sea, and civil emergency planning.
30.We reaffirm that NATO’s policy of outreach through partnerships, dialogue, and
cooperation is an essential part of the Alliance’s purpose and tasks. The Alliance’s
partnerships across the globe have an enduring value, contributing to stability and
security in the Euro Atlantic area and beyond. With this in mind, we welcome progress
made since our last Summit in Riga in strengthening NATO’s policy of partnerships and
cooperation, and reaffirm our commitment to undertake further efforts in this regard.
31.We value highly the contributions that our partners are making to NATO’s missions and
operations. Seventeen nations outside the Alliance are contributing forces to our
operations and missions and many others provide different forms of support. We will
continue to strive to promote greater interoperability between our forces and those of
partner nations; to further enhance information sharing and consultations with nations
contributing to NATO led operations; and to offer partner countries NATO’s advice on,
and assistance with, the defence and security related aspects of reform.
32.We welcome our Euro Atlantic Partners at the Bucharest Summit and reiterate the
enduring value of the Euro Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) and the Partnership for
Peace (PfP) programme. We remain committed to substantive political discussions and
effective cooperation within these frameworks. We welcome Malta’s return to the PfP
and look forward to its active engagement in the EAPC. We welcome the strengthening
of political dialogue through the EAPC Security Forum. We will give priority to several
new practical initiatives, which include building integrity in defence institutions and the
important role of women in conflict resolution as outlined in UNSCR 1325. We value the
Euro Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre’s successes over the past ten
years in coordinating NATO and partner countries’ contributions to disaster relief. We will
continue to make full use of the NATO/PfP Trust Funds and of their opening to other
partner countries. We welcome and will continue to support the engagement of all
interested Partners across the Euro Atlantic area in programmes to support defence and
broader reforms, including the Individual Partnership Action Plan. Recalling our Istanbul
Summit decision, we are committed to engage our Partners in the strategically important
regions of the Caucasus and Central Asia, including by strengthening liaison
arrangements in these regions, and will continue dialogue with our Central Asian
Partners on Afghanistan. We appreciate the significant contributions provided by our
EAPC Partners to Alliance operations and look forward to working with them to address
the security challenges of the 21st century.
33.We are pleased to note the significant progress achieved in the framework of our
Mediterranean Dialogue since the Istanbul and Riga Summits. Political consultations
with our Mediterranean Dialogue partners have gained both in frequency and substance,
and the meeting held between our Foreign Ministers and their seven Mediterranean
Dialogue partners last December contributed to a further deepening of our partnership.
We therefore plan to pursue this momentum through deepening our liaison
arrangements, on a voluntary basis, with the region. Our practical cooperation has
grown in several areas, and new opportunities have been created especially in training
and education. We welcome the progress made in the implementation activities of the
NATO Training Cooperation Initiative, in the spirit of joint ownership and in the view of
launching the NATO Regional Cooperation Course at the NATO Defense College, where
two pilot courses were successfully conducted. We encourage our Mediterranean
Dialogue partners to work with us to develop this Initiative further. The conclusion of
Individual Cooperation Programmes (ICP) with Egypt and Israel will help in establishing
long term, structured and effective cooperation with those countries. We encourage our
other Mediterranean Dialogue partners to develop their own ICP in the near future. We
welcome the implementation of the first ever Mediterranean Dialogue Trust Fund project
to assist Jordan with the disposal of unexploded ordnance and ammunitions, and the
launching of the feasibility study for the Trust Fund project to assist Mauritania with the
disposal of ammunitions. We thank our Mediterranean Dialogue partners for their
various contributions to our operations and missions.
34.We welcome the response of four countries in the Gulf region to our offer of cooperation
in the framework of the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) and encourage other
countries of the region to take up that offer. To that end, we plan to develop our liaison
arrangements, on a voluntary basis, with this region. We are pleased to see their
increased interest and participation in NATO training and education activities, and stand
ready to enhance our cooperation in this and other fields. We welcome the progress
made in the implementation activities of the NATO Training Cooperation Initiative, in the
spirit of joint ownership and in the view of launching the NATO Regional Cooperation
Course at the NATO Defense College, where two pilot courses were successfully
conducted. We encourage our ICI partners to work with us to develop this Initiative
further. We encourage our ICI partners to develop an ICP with a view to better
structuring our cooperation. We very much appreciate the support provided by our ICI
partners to Alliance operations and missions.
35.The Alliance places a high value on its expanding and varied relationships with other
partners across the globe. Our objectives in these relationships include support for
operations, security cooperation, and enhanced common understanding to advance
shared security interests and democratic values. We have made substantial progress in
building political dialogue and developing individual Tailored Cooperation Packages with
a number of these countries. We particularly welcome the significant contribution by
Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore to NATO led efforts in Afghanistan. We
also welcome the valuable contributions by the Republic of Korea to efforts which
support the NATO led mission in Afghanistan. Recognising that each of these countries
wishes to pursue a unique degree of relations with NATO, and that other countries may
wish to pursue dialogue and cooperation with NATO as well, we reiterate our willingness
to further develop existing, and openness to new, individual relationships, subject to the
approval of the North Atlantic Council, and at a pace that respects mutual interests in so
doing.
36.We reaffirm the continued importance of the Black Sea region for Euro Atlantic security.
In this regard, we welcome the progress in consolidation of regional ownership, through
effective use of existing initiatives and mechanisms. The Alliance will continue to
support, as appropriate, these efforts guided by regional priorities and based on
transparency, complementarity and inclusiveness, in order to develop dialogue and
cooperation among the Black Sea states and with the Alliance.
37.Ballistic missile proliferation poses an increasing threat to Allies’ forces, territory and
populations. Missile defence forms part of a broader response to counter this threat. We
therefore recognise the substantial contribution to the protection of Allies from long
range ballistic missiles to be provided by the planned deployment of European based
United States missile defence assets. We are exploring ways to link this capability with
current NATO missile defence efforts as a way to ensure that it would be an integral part
of any future NATO wide missile defence architecture. Bearing in mind the principle of
the indivisibility of Allied security as well as NATO solidarity, we task the Council in
Permanent Session to develop options for a comprehensive missile defence architecture
to extend coverage to all Allied territory and populations not otherwise covered by the
United States system for review at our 2009 Summit, to inform any future political
decision.
38.We also commend the work already underway to strengthen NATO Russia missile
defence cooperation. We are committed to maximum transparency and reciprocal
confidence building measures to allay any concerns. We encourage the Russian
Federation to take advantage of United States missile defence cooperation proposals
and we are ready to explore the potential for linking United States, NATO and Russian
missile defence systems at an appropriate time.
49. We reaffirm that arms control, disarmament and non proliferation will continue to make
an important contribution to peace, security, and stability and, in this regard, to
preventing the spread and use of Weapons of Mass Destruction and their means of
delivery. We took note of the report prepared for us on raising NATO’s profile in this
field. As part of a broader response to security issues, NATO should continue
contributing to international efforts in the area of arms control, disarmament and non
proliferation, and we task the Council in Permanent Session to keep these issues under
active review.
40.The Alliance has reduced both its conventional forces significantly from Cold War levels
and has reduced nuclear weapons assigned to NATO by over 90%. Allies have also
reduced their nuclear arsenals. France has reduced the types of its nuclear systems to
two, the number of its nuclear delivery vehicles by over half, and has announced it will
reduce the number of its nuclear warheads to fewer than 300, with no other weapons
beside those in its operational stockpile. The United Kingdom has reduced to one
nuclear system, and has reduced the explosive power of its nuclear stockpile by 75%,
and its number of operationally available nuclear warheads to fewer than 160. The
United States has reduced its nuclear weapon stockpile to less than 25% of its size at
the height of the Cold War, and decreased tactical nuclear weapons assigned to NATO
by nearly 90%.
41. We remain deeply concerned about the proliferation risks of the Iranian nuclear and
ballistic missile programmes. We call on Iran to fully comply with UNSCRs 1696, 1737,
1747 and 1803. We are also deeply concerned by the proliferation activities of the
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and call on it to fully comply with UNSCR 1718.
Allies reaffirm their support for existing multi lateral non proliferation agreements, such
as the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty, and call for universal compliance with the
Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty and universal adherence to the Additional Protocol to
the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Safeguard Agreement and full
compliance with UNSCR 1540. Allies agree to redouble their efforts to fully implement
the non proliferation agreements and relevant UNSCRs to which Allies reaffirm their
support and by which they are bound.
42.We fully endorse the statement of the North Atlantic Council of 28 March 2008 and
reaffirm the Alliance’s commitment to the CFE Treaty Regime, as expressed in the
Alliance’s position contained in paragraph 42 of the 2006 Riga Summit Declaration, the
final statement by Allies at the CFE Extraordinary Conference in Vienna and Alliance
statements reflecting subsequent developments. We place the highest value on the CFE
Treaty regime with all its elements and underscore the strategic importance of the CFE
Treaty, including its flank regime, as a cornerstone of Euro Atlantic Security. We are
deeply concerned that the Russian Federation has continued its unilateral “suspension”
of its legal obligations under the CFE Treaty. This action does not contribute to our
common objective of preserving the long-term viability of the CFE regime and we urge
the Russian Federation to resume its implementation. The current situation, where
NATO CFE Allies implement the Treaty while Russia does not, cannot last indefinitely.
We have offered a set of constructive and forward looking proposals for parallel actions
on key issues, including steps by NATO Allies on ratification of the Adapted CFE Treaty
and by the Russian Federation on outstanding commitments related to Georgia and the
Republic of Moldova. We believe these proposals address all of Russia’s stated
concerns. We encourage Russian authorities to work cooperatively with us and other
concerned CFE States Parties to reach agreement on the basis of the parallel actions
package so that together we can preserve the benefits of this landmark regime.
43. We are concerned with the persistence of regional conflicts in the South Caucasus and
the Republic of Moldova. Our nations support the territorial integrity, independence and
sovereignty of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and the Republic of Moldova. We will
continue to support efforts towards a peaceful settlement of these regional conflicts,
taking into account these principles.
44.We have already done much to transform our forces and capabilities in line with our
political objectives, in particular the priorities laid out in the Comprehensive Political
Guidance, and our operational experience. We will continue this process to ensure the
Alliance remains able to meet its operational commitments and perform the full range of
its missions. Our operations highlight the need to develop and field modern,
interoperable, flexible and sustainable forces. These forces must be able to conduct,
upon decision by the Council, collective defence and crisis response operations on and
beyond Alliance territory, on its periphery, and at strategic distance, with little or no host
nation support. We will also ensure that we have the right kind of capabilities to meet the
evolving security challenges of the 21st century, and to do so, we will transform, adapt
and reform as necessary.
45.Transformation is a continual process and demands constant and active attention. We
therefore support our Defence Ministers’ efforts as they oversee the management of the
defence aspects of transformation to ensure NATO remains effective and efficient,
especially by pursuing ongoing efforts in the following areas:
- We must ensure that we provide the forces required for our operations and other
commitments. To that end we will continue efforts to be able to deploy and
sustain more forces. We are committed to support the NATO Response Force by
providing the necessary forces, and to improving the availability of operational
and strategic reserve forces for our operations. We will seek greater domestic
support for our operations, including through improved public diplomacy efforts.
- We will further develop the capabilities required to conduct the full range of our
missions and to remedy specific shortfalls. We will work particularly at improving
strategic lift and intra-theatre airlift, especially mission-capable helicopters and
welcome national initiatives in support of this work, as well as addressing
multinational logistics. We will further strengthen information superiority through
networked capabilities, including an integrated air command and control system;
increased maritime situational awareness; and timely delivery of the Alliance Ground Surveillance capability. We will continue to enhance the capability and interoperability of our special operations forces. Supported by the defence planning processes, we will enhance our efforts to develop and field the right capabilities and forces, with the greatest practicable interoperability and standardisation. This will be furthered by improving trans-Atlantic defence industrial cooperation.
- We are committed to develop policies and capabilities to deal with emerging challenges and threats. This includes the development of a comprehensive policy
for preventing the proliferation of WMD and defending against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats.
- We are pursuing the adaptation and reform of the Alliance’s structures and
processes. In this context we are reviewing the peacetime establishment of the
NATO Command Structure to make it leaner, more effective and efficient, and
reforming defence planning processes in order to promote timely delivery of the
capabilities sought by the Comprehensive Political Guidance.
46. Transformation is not possible without sufficient, properly prioritised resources. We are
committed to continuing to provide, individually and collectively, the resources necessary
for our Alliance to perform the tasks we demand from it. Therefore we encourage nations
whose defence spending is declining to halt that decline and to aim to increase defence
spending in real terms.
47.NATO remains committed to strengthening key Alliance information systems against
cyber attacks. We have recently adopted a Policy on Cyber Defence, and are developing
the structures and authorities to carry it out. Our Policy on Cyber Defence emphasises
the need for NATO and nations to protect key information systems in accordance with
their respective responsibilities; share best practices; and provide a capability to assist
Allied nations, upon request, to counter a cyber attack. We look forward to continuing the
development of NATO’s cyber defence capabilities and strengthening the linkages
between NATO and national authorities.
48.We have noted a report “NATO’s Role in Energy Security”, prepared in response to the
tasking of the Riga Summit. Allies have identified principles which will govern NATO’s
approach in this field, and outlined options and recommendations for further activities.
Based on these principles, NATO will engage in the following fields: information and
intelligence fusion and sharing; projecting stability; advancing international and regional
cooperation; supporting consequence management; and supporting the protection of
critical energy infrastructure. The Alliance will continue to consult on the most immediate
risks in the field of energy security. We will ensure that NATO’s endeavours add value
and are fully coordinated and embedded within those of the international community,
which features a number of organisations that are specialised in energy security. We
have tasked the Council in Permanent Session to prepare a consolidated report on the
progress achieved in the area of energy security for our consideration at the 2009
Summit.
49.Demands on our Alliance have grown in complexity in the last twenty years, as the
security environment has changed and both the scope of our missions and operations
and our membership have expanded. This requires continual adaptation and reform of
NATO Headquarters’ structures and processes. We note the progress that has been
made in this field, as part of NATO’s overall transformation; but more remains to be
done, including to get full benefit from our move to a new Headquarters building. In
evaluating where we need to change, we need to make fuller use of lessons drawn from
our experience in delivering our core functions, including meeting operational, capability
development, partnership and strategic communications requirements. Building on our
Defence Ministers’ work to take forward the defence aspects of transformation, Allies will
also need to consider how to achieve the fastest and most coherent flow of sound political, military and resource advice to support our consensual decision making, and to enhance our responsiveness to time sensitive operational needs, including those of NATO Commanders. We have requested the Secretary General to chart a path forward, in time for the 2009 Summit, on how to meet these objectives.
50. We express our sincere appreciation for the gracious hospitality extended to us by the
Government of Romania. The city of Bucharest has been the venue of NATO’s largest ever Summit meeting, highlighting the Alliance’s determination to work closely with the International Community as well as its own unique contribution to promoting security and
stability in a fast changing strategic environment. At our meeting we have taken decisions and given further direction for NATO’s own ongoing adaptation to that environment, through its missions and operations, the modernisation of its structures and capabilities, closer engagement of other nations and organisations, as well as its continuing openness to the inclusion of additional member states. We have strengthened our dialogue and cooperation with countries and organisations vital to our security. We will meet again next year in Strasbourg and Kehl to celebrate NATO’s 60th anniversary, take stock of its adaptation, and give further direction for the modernization of our Alliance to meet the security challenges of the 21st century.

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