August 2, 1999
Web posted at: 6:18 p.m. EDT (2218 GMT)

BRUSSELS, Belgium -- Ambassadors from 16 of the 19 members of NATO gave British Defense Secretary George Robertson their backing Monday to be the alliance's next secretary-general.

Diplomats at NATO headquarters said that three small nations had not yet received instructions from their capitals, but that all 19 were expected to support Robertson's nomination to succeed Javier Solana.

Robertson, who was nominated for the post by British Prime Minister Tony Blair on Friday, impressed allied governments with his colorful statements and strong stances during the air war against Yugoslavia.

Informal discussions on the nomination were taking place Monday, with a formal meeting and vote expected Wednesday.

Solana has accepted the European Union's top foreign policy post, and is expected to step down in October. His four-year term would have expired in December.

In Scotland on Sunday, Robertson said he was "very honored and pleased" to be nominated.

"I started out in politics wanting to create a safer world for future generations," he said.

Robertson's challenge as secretary-general will be to oversee the organization's continued expansion into eastern Europe and its growth as a more effective European defense network.

The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.