Meek Appointed to NATO Parliamentary Assembly

Washington, DC – U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek was appointed by Speaker Nancy Pelosi to serve as a member of the United States Group of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, an inter-parliamentary organization of legislators representing NATO Members and associate countries.

“I look forward to strengthening the ties that bind the transatlantic relationship between North America and Europe.  The attacks of September 11th prove that cooperation between allies is vital if we are to successfully prevent terror attacks and defeat our enemies.  This forum for legislative leaders will only result in improved dialogue,” Meek said.

“I also serve on the House Armed Services Committee and am deeply invested in working with our allies to help bring order and stability to Afghanistan.  NATO is heavily engaged there through the UN-mandated International Security Assistance Force and open communication between the U.S. and our NATO-allies is vital, especially now that the Taliban is regaining strength in Afghanistan.”

Meek is one of only twelve members of Congress to represent the U.S. on the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.

Established in 1955, the NATO Parliamentary Assembly is an important forum for legislators from member and associate countries to convene and discuss issues of mutual interest and concern.

The Secretary General of NATO is Jaap de Hoop Scheffer from the Netherlands.  NATO is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.

Congressman Kendrick B. Meek represents the 17th Congressional District of Florida, which includes parts of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.  He serves as the lone Floridian on the Ways and Means Committee, and also sits on the Armed Services Committee.  Congressman Meek was appointed in December 2006 to the Democratic Policy and Steering Committee.

-30-