Estonian Accession to NATO Likely: NATO Chief

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, November 30, 2001

Estonian Accession to NATO Likely: NATO Chief

Estonia is a good candidate for NATO and is highly likely to join the bloc next year, NATO Secretary-General George Robertson said Thursday in Tallinn, capital of Estonia, reports said.

Estonia is a good candidate for NATO and is highly likely to join the bloc next year, NATO Secretary-General George Robertson said Thursday in Tallinn, capital of Estonia, reports said.

Robertson made the remark after talks with Estonian Defense Minister Juri Luik on Estonia's preparation for its entry into NATO. It is the first time the NATO chief stated that NATO may accept Baltic countries next year.

Robertson applauded the Estonian government's preparation efforts for joining NATO, but said there is more for Estonia to do as nine NATO candidates prepare for entry.

The final decision on who will join the bloc will be made at a NATO summit in November 2002 in Prague, capital of the Czech Republic, Robertson added.

Robertson said the improvement in NATO-Russian ties will not affect the national security of Baltic countries.

Robertson is visiting Baltic countries following his trip to Russia last week.

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