Clinton in hot waters

NATO’s Eastern expansion, influential foreign policy experts argue, poses a threat to the 16-member alliance’s security and could disturb Europe’s stability precisely the opposite of what Clinton would like to achieve by allowing new members in.

And now that US opponents of NATO expansion have voiced their opposition, Clinton faces another phalanx of critics on the issue.

American media had already informed the US public that Clinton’s stance triggered frustration in some European capitals over his arrogant attitude when he made his views known — seemingly without considering the wishes of France and other NATO partners.

More than 40 former US Senators, Cabinet Secretaries, Ambassadors and arms control and foreign policy experts used an open letter to address their fears to Clinton.

They want to avoid the creation of a new line of division in Europe between the `ins’ and `outs’ of a new NATO, because they believe this could foster instability and ultimately diminish the security of those countries which are not included.

The open letter bears the signatures of people like Ronald Reagan’s chief arms control negotiator Paul Nitze, and ex-secretary of defense Robert Mcnamara, who served under John F Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson.

Russia does not now pose a threat to its Western neighbours and the nations of Central and Eastern Europe are not in danger, the critics say, arguing that any further expansion be postponed.