NELSON JOINS SENATE BALTIC FREEDOM CAUCUS

WASHINGTON, DC – Nebraska’s U.S. Senator Ben Nelson joined the Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus to show his continued support for U.S.-Baltic relations. The Caucus is composed of eleven Senators who take an active interest in issues related to the Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

“The new democracies of the Baltic region and the United States have built a solid relationship,” said Nelson. “The Baltic Freedom Caucus is committed to reinforcing those ties and helping these young democracies grow stronger.”

Senator Nelson was asked to join the Caucus during a recent meeting with Baltic-American community leaders in Omaha.

Senator Nelson has previously met with the Presidents of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in July to discuss the ramifications of NATO expansion for both current member nations and other European allies, including Russia.

“The expansion of NATO will create greater resistance to worldwide terrorism,” Nelson said. “These three countries understand that NATO is a partnership of mutual defense and are working to make the contributions necessary for membership.”

Other members of the caucus include the Chairmen, Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Gordon Smith (R-OR), as well as Senators Joseph Lieberman (D-CT), Diane Feinstein (D-CA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), George Voinovich (R-OH), Peter Fitzgerald (R-IL), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), George Allen (R-VA), and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).

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	Press Release	August 13, 2002
NELSON JOINS SENATE BALTIC FREEDOM CAUCUS WASHINGTON, DC – Nebraska’s U.S. Senator Ben Nelson joined the Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus to show his continued support for U.S.-Baltic relations. The Caucus is composed of eleven Senators who take an active interest in issues related to the Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. “The new democracies of the Baltic region and the United States have built a solid relationship,” said Nelson. “The Baltic Freedom Caucus is committed to reinforcing those ties and helping these young democracies grow stronger.” Senator Nelson was asked to join the Caucus during a recent meeting with Baltic-American community leaders in Omaha. Senator Nelson has previously met with the Presidents of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in July to discuss the ramifications of NATO expansion for both current member nations and other European allies, including Russia. “The expansion of NATO will create greater resistance to worldwide terrorism,” Nelson said. “These three countries understand that NATO is a partnership of mutual defense and are working to make the contributions necessary for membership.” Other members of the caucus include the Chairmen, Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Gordon Smith (R-OR), as well as Senators Joseph Lieberman (D-CT), Diane Feinstein (D-CA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), George Voinovich (R-OH), Peter Fitzgerald (R-IL), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), George Allen (R-VA), and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). -30- ###