The Party of the European Left supports the suspension of the decision. We refuse not only the extension of the NATO because this would have a non-predictable implication of global stability, but the NATO altogether. Especially the European relations with Russia would suffer. The European Left disapproves the decision to push the expansion on the Balkans forward because this would pave the way to transform every corner of Europe into a NATO base.

The existence of the NATO hasn’t been justified for almost twenty years now. The Treaty of Warsaw was dissolved and the same should have happendend to its Western counterpart.The European Left stands for a peaceful Europe. In contrast to our position, the NATO is leading a war against Afghanistan and promotes an expanding militarism all across Europe. Even if the new Afghanistan-strategy is taking into consideration the hesitation of the most convinced supporters who are forced to think over an exit strategy for ISAF; they keep track on further  military build-up. We reject this: it does not make any sense and will be another step in the wrong direction.

The majority of the population in the memberstates is opposing the military alliance. The European Left will continue to show the negative effects that the policy of the NATO is having in consequence. The call for its dissolution is prevalent and will not die down.

The European Left opposes the policy of solving conflicts by the using military force and calls for a Europe without a NATO. The only viable prospect for the 21st century is one defined by peace. We support the strenghtening of the UN in order to allow global security that is suited for the challenges of our time.

Lothar Bisky, Berlin 4th April 2008