10 X In Favor Nato
Publisher: Center for Euro-Atlantic Studies – CEAS
Volume: 6 pages, pdf
Description
The initial provision of the North-Atlantic Agreement defines the principles, conditions and standards that countries aspiring for membership need to achieve in order to become a NATO member. Among others things, prospective members are expected to be "determined to safeguard the freedom, common heritage and civilization of their peoples, founded on the principles of democracy, individual freedoms and rights, that they want to promote stability and prosperity in the north Atlantic area," and that they "contribute to the further development of peaceful and friendly international relations by strengthening their free institutions, by promoting a better understanding of the principles upon which these institutions are founded, stability and prosperity“. NATO member states, as well as partners, undertake a number of far-reaching political commitments, such as: to protect the democratic character of society, to support and uphold the principles of international law, the fulfillment of the obligations under the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Helsinki Final Act and international agreements on disarmament and arms control. Furthermore, the state is obliged to: refrain from threats or use of force against other states, respect existing borders and settle disputes by peaceful means.