Press Release re: Motion No. 128


April 13, 1999

On April 13, 1999, the Senate of Canada unanimously adopted Motion No. 128,
introduced by Senator Douglas Roche, without a vote. The Motion states:

"That the Senate recommend that the Government of Canada urge NATO
to begin a review of its nuclear weapons policies at the Summit Meeting of
NATO on April 23 to 25, 1999."
In speaking during the debate on the Motion in the Senate on March 23rd
Senator Roche indicated that at the upcoming NATO Summit three important
documents will be presented: a new Strategic Concept; a Communiqué that
would present NATO's policy agenda; and a vision statement on NATO's future
purpose and mission. Indisputably, "NATO is the greatest military alliance
in the history of the world and it is now about to celebrate its fiftieth
anniversary. Canada has consistently made a great contribution over the
years and thus it is perfectly appropriate for Canada, as an important
member of NATO, to press for this review."
"The point at issue is that nuclear weapons in NATO have lost their military
value and are being kept for their political value." The intention of the
Motion is that leaders will instigate a review of nuclear weapons policies
at the time of the summit.