03.30.12

Durbin and Kirk Statement on Passage of Resolution Supporting NATO's Upcoming Chicago Summit

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) released the following statement today after the Senate passed by voice vote a resolution supporting the upcoming North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit in Chicago:

 

“The upcoming Chicago Summit is an opportunity to showcase Illinois and this great city to the world,” said Durbin. “Thousands of visitors will get the chance to experience our world-class city—the birthplace of the modern skyscraper and the elevated railway. Global leaders will be able to enjoy the contributions of generations of immigrants—including many from NATO member countries—that have made Chicago and our entire state what they are today. I am glad that the Senate has recognized this important moment for both NATO and Illinois.”

 

"The NATO security alliance remains the greatest combined force for good in world history, defending our freedom and democracy around the globe," a Kirk spokesperson said. "We know Chicagoans will warmly welcome our NATO allies in May and foster an environment for a successful summit."

 

NATO’s Chicago Summit will take place on May 20th and 21st and will be the first summit held in the United States since 1999. More than 7,500 people from 60 national delegations are expected to attend the event, which is the first NATO summit in the United States held outside of Washington, DC. Area residents can visit http://chicagonato.org for updates and information on the summit.

 

NATO is an alliance of 28 member countries from North America and Europe that aims to maintain democratic peace in the North Atlantic region and protect the freedom and security of its members. Member countries consult and cooperate in security and defense, providing a unique transatlantic link for political and security cooperation.