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On 13 January in Brussels, Lithuanian and NATO negotiators deliberated political and military issues of Lithuania’s accession to the Alliance. During the first meeting of negotiators at the Headquarters of NATO, the Lithuanian delegation confirmed the country’s resolution to take on all the political and military obligations under the North Atlantic Treaty, which was signed in Washington in 1949. Lithuania also made a commitment to ensure that the principles and values protected by the Alliance – democracy, freedom, respect for human rights – should be honoured in the country. Lithuania expressed its intention of participating in NATO decision-making and resource planning processes, joining the organisations integral military structure, on-going operations, seeking consensus with the allies on all political and practical matters. During the meeting, NATO officials strongly emphasised that Lithuania had once again officially confirmed its adherence to the country’s obligations undertaken in the United Nations and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe such as settlement of international and domestic disputes by peaceful means and refraining from the threat or use of force. Head of the Lithuanian Delegation, Undersecretary of MFA and Chief Coordinator of Lithuania’s Integration into NATO Giedrius Čekuolis noted that, in his opinion, the meeting in Brussels was a success. According to the diplomat, due to Lithuania’s sustained effort in all the fields, Lithuania’s political will and capability of carrying out political and military obligations of membership did not raise any doubts to politicians and high officials of NATO member-states. At this meeting, NATO delegation was headed by Daniel V. Speckhard, Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs. In March, it is planned to sign the protocol of Lithuania’s accession to the Washington Treaty. Upon its ratification by the current NATO member-states, Lithuania will be able to ratify the Washington Treaty and become a full-fledged member of NATO, which is expected to take place in May 2004.