SEN. OBAMA JOINS SENS. BIDEN, LUGAR TO APPLAUD SENATE'S UNANIMOUS PASSAGE OF RESOLUTION SUPPORTING UKRAINE, GEORGIA ADMISSION TO NATO

The office of Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., issued the following news release:

Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Joseph R. Biden, Jr. (D- DE) and Ranking Member Richard G. Lugar (R-IN) applauded the Senate's unanimous passage of their resolution expressing strong support for NATO's statement at the recent Bucharest Summit that the Alliance welcomes the eventual membership of Ukraine and Georgia. The resolution (S. Res 523), which passed last night, is co-sponsored by Senators Hillary Clinton (D-NY), John McCain (R-AZ), Barack Obama (D-IL), Jim DeMint (R-SC), Gordon Smith (R-OR), George V. Voinovich (R-OH) and Saxby Chambliss (R-GA).

"This resolution sends a strong message that America supports Ukraine and Georgia eventually joining NATO and with all three candidates for the presidency leading the way, that our support is bi-partisan, consistent, and enduring," said Senator Biden. "The decision to join NATO rests with the people of both countries and their elected governments, and of course with NATO itself. But it is important to make clear that NATO's door is open and that NATO is prepared to help Georgia, Ukraine and any other countries ready to meet the responsibilities of membership walk through that door."

"This is a time for the trans-Atlantic community to show unity and commitment. We support and encourage the Administration to seek the offer Membership Action Plans to Georgia and Ukraine at the next NATO meeting in December. We also encourage a strong commitment from our NATO allies," Senator Lugar said.

"For more than half a century, NATO has remained a vital asset in our nation's efforts to support democracy and stability in Europe and to defend our interests and values throughout the world," said Senator Obama. "I welcome the desire of Ukraine and Georgia to seek closer ties with NATO, and I hope that NATO responds favorably to their requests, consistent with its criteria for membership. Whether Ukraine and Georgia ultimately join NATO will be a decision for the members of the Alliance and the citizens of those countries, after a period of open and democratic debate. But they should receive our help and encouragement as they continue to develop ties to Atlantic and European institutions."