Unit 2. International organizations

SECTION A

I

Read the article and look up the meaning of the underlined words and phrases in the dictionary.

The end of the Cold War has brought a clear turning point for NATO. First, the nature of risks and potential threats has changed radically. Second, NATO has been going through a process of adaptation, adding to its traditional common defense functions new c ollective security functions.

It is clear that the alliance's transition process is far from over yet, and a key step forward will have to be made with the adoption of a new strategic concept.

The principles of basic human rights, international law and multilateral action, in the spirit of the United Nations, must be combined to make NATO a collective force of stability and security.

Give Russian equivalents of the following words and phrases.

Basic human rights; a transition process (period); common defense; a turning point; a multilateral action; a concept; collective security; a threat; an adoption.

Give English equivalents of the following words and phrases. Reproduce the sentences from the article with them.

Концепция; поворотный момент; переходный период; основные права человека; совместная оборона; совместные операции; коллективная безопасность; принятие (концепции); угроза.

Answer the questions using the active vocabulary.

1. What did the end of the Cold War bring to NATO?
2. What has changed in the world that makes NATO go through a process of adaptation?
3. What new functions does NATO have to add?
4. What principles should NATO be based on to make itself a collective force of stability and security?

II

Read the article and look up the meaning of the underlined words and phrases in the dictionary.

New EU line on Russia urged

The European Union had to adopt a strategy towards democratic and institutional reform in Russia, said Germany's foreign minister yesterday.

Speaking after the meeting with the Russian foreign minister, he said that the «main point» of a fresh EU strategy towards Moscow would be «the development of long-term, lasting structures».

He also said that the EU would play an increasing role in helping develop democratic structures in Russia, as well as helping with building infrastructure, and in areas such as the development of legal systems.

The Russian foreign minister described the EU's plans as a «strong political signal».

He promised that Moscow would help drive forward the initiative.