Yes, the above is the U.S. official position. However, the thrust of the language is meant for all aspirants, not just the Baltics. For example, the most frequent target of U.S. officials is Slovakia and the possibility that former authoritarian strongman Meciar may be voted back into power. Despite the admonitions, I expect Slovakia to be one of the five or seven countries to receive invitations (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovenia, Slovakia - and Romania and Bulgaria). Note that these are ONLY invitations - they will have conditions attached. Then member parliaments will ratify changes in the NATO treaty - expecting the US Senate to be first. If the US Senate does not come up with over 67 votes, the Balts will be in serious trouble. There are other aspects that would make this too long a comment. But Russia is NOT an issue. VE