Emerson to chair NATO-PA committee

Jo Ann Emerson

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, who represents Missouri's Eighth District, has been elected as chairperson of the Committee on the Civil Dimension of Security in the North Atlantic Treaty Or-ganization's Parliamentary Assembly, a group composed of members from each member nation's legislative body.

"It's an honor to represent the United States in this capacity," the Cape Girardeau Republican said. "At the same time, we have a real responsibility to identify places where terrorism, military dictatorship or governmental corruption create instability and suffering -- and then to work to stop it. In the 21st century, NATO is more than a military alliance; these nations are all working together on international solutions to some of the root causes of violence in the world."

The Committee on the Civil Dimension of Security addresses works to promote public safety in NATO member nations, as well as investigating conditions in regions of the world where the security of NATO member nations is concerned -- such as the Black Sea region, North Africa, and Afghanistan. Energy security, education and counter-terrorism are just a few topics dealt with by the Committee on the Civil Dimension of Security .

"My goals as chairperson of the committee are to have serious discussions about how the NATO partnership can discourage terrorism by making it as tough as possible for radical fundamentalists to recruit individuals for violent missions. Focusing our efforts on education and nutrition is one of the best ways to win hearts and minds in parts of the world where NATO is vilified and freedom suppressed. Rever-sing those ideas on the poorest streets in the world will be difficult, but already much groundwork has been laid by NATO cooperation. I look forward to advancing the cause," Emerson said.