No question over NATO

Lithuania is bracing itself for Nov. 2002, the decision date for an invitation to join NATO. For Lithuania as well as Latvia and Estonia this is a major turning point. Either they proceed with integration into the West or be left floating in uncertainty, which may push them into a sense of alienation and sociological as well as psychological ills.

The breakout from the Soviet Union was predicated on intent of returning to the West, to which we Balts belong through cultural and historical background and by political choice.

We see the Western heritage as our birthright, the same one as other European nations. To be left in the lurch with unfulfilled expectations may generate problems similar to those in the Balkans.

It will certainly give power to that minority in the Baltics that opposed and criticized the separation from Soviet Union.

The Baltic people, who see themselves as Europeans and Westerners, may lose credibility and confidence in the rest of the West. It may also have the suggestion of a policy that Russia will be allowed to have a sphere of influence within which it and its former (forcibly incorporated) territories will remain outside of a unified Western community.

Some Western leaders may ask, "Why this urgency now when there is no clear and present danger from your neighbors, who have the best intentions?" Our answer: "Why then delay? We know how quickly intentions can change with capabilities and political expediency."

Therein lies the sense of danger and insecurity. It is also true that the consciousness of danger diminishes with distance from the location of that danger.

Lithuania and the other Baltic states have done what they had to do to qualify for NATO requirements. They have implemented democratic governments and a free market economy, guaranteed human rights for minorities, instituted civilian control of the military and eliminated friction along their borders.

All three Baltic states interact with NATO countries and contribute to peacekeeping operations and will continue to do so.

Our armed forces are making great progress in developing into modern forces. There is no need to count the battalions or military equipment.

There is also no reason to say we would weaken NATO militarily or otherwise. On the contrary, the Lithuanians, Latvians and Estonians would Westernize the Baltic rim more completely and add to its stability and economic clout as fully fledged Europeans, together, instead of becoming a floating alienated and uncertain entity in the middle of the European land mass, subject to the influences of surrounding powers.

So, one can say: "You Balts would like to be part of the most powerful military alliance in the history of Europe. What would NATO gain from having you in the alliance besides an obligation and responsibility, and possibly displeasure from those whose friendship is important in the war against terrorism?"

First, militarily speaking, as part of NATO, we would be a discouraging factor for the use of the Baltic states as a strategic springboard into Europe by a would-be aggressor.

The inclusion of the Baltic countries would shorten the line of NATO protection and present a unified front against a potentially unstable neighboring state. Also, it can be argued that such a move may encourage the democratization of Belarus.

Second, there would be a more complete Europe by having the Baltic people on their team. The Baltic Sea basin will continue to thrive as it once did under the creative trade-enhancing influence of the Hanseatic League.

Third, as a collateral benefit the Baltic coastline will be a secure entry platform into the vast markets of Eastern Europe and beyond, not just for the Baltic states but for all of the European Union.

Fourth, NATO membership for the Baltics may be good for Russia and Belarus because the Baltic seaports would be developed by willing, diligent and energetic people, who by their own initiative would work for common good rather than by compulsion. Membership in the alliance would be a contributor to stability in the region in line with NATO intentions.

Fifth, "keeping the NATO gates open" but not letting the Baltic peoples in would hurt Europe more in the long run economically, politically, psychologically and ultimately militarily than admitting them. It would be too much temptation for potential troublemakers.

The most important reason, however, for inviting Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia into NATO is a moral one. It will help to keep the moral high ground for NATO without which NATO has no destiny.

Algirdas. V. Kanauka is a defense consultant living in Palos Verdes Estates, California. He is also a consultant for the Lithuanian Military Academy and the Semiconductor Physics Institute in Vilnius, and director of the Baltic Institute, Vilnius.