NATO summit in Chicago: The big parties, exclusive details

By Lynn Sweet

The May NATO summit in Chicago is bringing delegations from some 40 countries–leaders from NATO countries and nations who are contributing troops to the Afghanistan conflict–a major topic of discussion at the summit. Presidents or Prime Ministers, Defense Secretaries and Secretaries of State or Foreign Ministers will be feted at a series of dinners on May 20.

Last month, the White House announced President Obama will host what is being billed as a “working dinner” with the NATO heads of state on May 20 at Soldier Field, not far from the McCormick Place complex which is the headquarters for the the summit.

First Lady Michelle Obama will also be throwing a spouse dinner that night–with one possible location the Symphony Center complex associated with the Chicago Symphony.

The Sun-Times has learned exclusive details about more NATO Chicago entertaining the NATO Chicago Host Committee is organizing:

*Also on May 20, a dinner will be held at the Field Museum for the national leaders whose troops are part of the NATO force in Afghanistan–but whose countries are not members of NATO. This group is known as ISAF–International Security Assistance Force.

*Also on May 20, a reception will be held at Navy Pier for diplomats who are not at the ISAF or heads of state dinner.

*On May 21, after the NATO Summit has wrapped up, the Chicago NATO Host Committee is sponsoring a press party–possibly at the Lucky Strike bowling alley downtown.

The NATO/ISAF countries

Albania

Armenia

Australia

Austria

Azerbaijan

Bahrain

Belgium

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bulgaria

Canada

Croatia