NATO :: The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO

Introduction: The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a US-oriented defense alliance that was formed on August 24, 1949 through a treaty, which was signed on April 4, 1949 by Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the UK and the USA. The basic aim of this alliance was to protect European states from the possible aggression by USSR, which after the Second War looked determined to expand her frontiers. Later on the membership increased when Greece and Turkey joined in 1952, West Germany in 1955 and Spain in I982. France detached itself from the military command structure in 1966. The dismemberment of the USSR in December 1991 and the emergence of new independent republic in Europe changed the character and role of NAT0. The collapse of socialism in Europe and dissolution of Soviet Union removed the threat from communist states. According to the treaty all the member are committed to help one another in case of any milit ary attack against one or more nations. In addition the member countries use peaceful means to settle their disputes. The Treaty: The treaty of NATO consists of the following 14 articles: Article 1. The parties undertake, as set forth in the charter of the United Nations, to settle any 1nternational disputes in which they may be involved by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security and justice, are not endangered and to refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of forces in any manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations.. Article 2: The patties will contribute towards the further development of peaceful and friendly international relations by strengthening their free institutions by bringing about a better understanding of the principles upon which these institutions are founded and by promoting conditions of stability and well being. They will seek to eliminate conflict and will encourage economic collaboration among them. Article 3: In order to achieve more effectively the objectives of this treaty, the parties separately and jointly, by means of continuous and effective self-help and mutual aid, will maintain and develop their individual and collective capacity to resist armed attack. Article 4. The parties will consult together whenever, in opinion of any of them, the territorial integrity, political independence or security of any of the parties is threatened. Article 5: The parties agree that an armed attack against one or more