PORTUGAL ON NATO ENLARGEMENT: STEPS FROM

C O N F I D E N T I A L LISBON 002637 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/08/2018 TAGS: KTIA PARM MARR PREL PO AL HR SUBJECT: PORTUGAL ON NATO ENLARGEMENT: STEPS FROM INVITATION TO ACCESSION REF: SECSTATE 106321 Classified By: DEPUTY POL/ECON COUNSELOR TROY FITRELL FOR REASONS 1.4 ( b, d) (C) The Portuguese MFA's Deputy Director for Security and Defense Paulo Teles da Gama told us they have prepared the legislation for Albanian and Croatian accession to NATO. Before the draft legislation is submitted to parliament, however, they need the approval of the National Defense Council (NDC). A date for that body to meet, he said, had not been identified. Upon approval of the NDC and ratification by parliament, the bill will go to the President of the Republic for signature. Teles da Gama did not foresee any obstacles in this process and promised to keep us informed as each step is completed. STEPHENSON