Canada has become the first nation to ratify expansion of the NATO defense alliance, which Latvia and six other nations have been invited to join

The ratification took place March 26 at NATO headquarters in Belgium, according to a press release from Prime Minister Jean Chretien's office. "Collectively, these seven countries bring to NATO additional capabilities, extended geographical reach and greater security for the future," Chretien said. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it welcomes Canada's speedy ratification. All 19 current members of NATO must ratify the set of protocols or agreements before Latvia -- as well as Bulgaria, Estonia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia -- may join. In the United States, hearings in the Senate have begun to assess the candidate countries' readiness to join NATO. President George W. Bush has said he will call for a vote on NATO expansion this spring. A NATO summit is scheduled in May 2004 to welcome the new members to the alliance.