Version of paragraph
8 (page 9) on the European Security and Defence Identity which was not
adopted:
ESDI
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[The Alliance, which is the foundation
of the collective defence of its members and through which common security
objectives will be pursued wherever possible, remains committed to a balanced
and dynamic transatlantic partnership. The European Allies have taken decisions
to enable them to assume greater responsibilities in the security and defence
field in order to enhance the peace and stability of the Euro-Atlantic
area and thus the security of all Allies. On the basis of decisions taken
by the Alliance, in Berlin in 1996 and subsequently, the European Security
and Defence Identity will continue to be developed within NATO. This process
will require close co-operation between NATO, the WEU and, if and when
appropriate, the European Union. It will enable all European Allies to
make a more coherent and effective contribution to the missions and activities
of the Alliance as an expression of our shared responsibilities; it will
reinforce the transatlantic partnership; and it will assist the European
Allies to act by themselves as required through the readiness of the Alliance,
on a case-by-case basis and by consensus, to make its assets and capabilities
available for operations in which the Alliance is not engaged militarily
under the political control and strategic direction of the WEU or as otherwise
agreed, taking into account the full participation of all European Allies
if they were so to choose.]
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