Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 31 Oct 1990

Vol. 402 No. 3

Written Answers. - European Security and Co-operation Conference.

Patrick McCartan

Question:

48 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposals the Government have, if any, to promote the use of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe as a means of furthering the cause of peace and disarmament throughout Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Collins)

The Government are committed to the CSCE process as an essential means of promoting peace, security and co-operation in Europe. Along with our partners in the Twelve, we have put forward proposals in all the areas covered by the CSCE Final Act. These cover co-operation in the areas of security, economics, science, technology and the environment, as well as in the humanitarian, cultural and information fields.

At a time when the continent is actively engaged in surmounting its divisions, the CSCE provides a framework within which the participating states can establish a new set of relations, based on the Helsinki Principles, maintain stability, and promote co-operation among themselves. The Paris Summit next month will define the crucial role which the CSCE will play in the future architecture of Europe.

The Paris Summit is expected to reach agreement on the establishment of new CSCE institutions which will provide a political forum for deciding on future European co-operation in a wide range of fields, including security and disarmament. It is expected that a conflict prevention centre will also be established. Initially this centre will largely be concerned with the implementation of confidence and security-building measures, but it may develop additional functions, including a role in the peaceful settlement of disputes.

In relation to disarmament, the current negotiations on security in Vienna, taking place within the CSCE framework, are contributing in their separate ways to increasing mutual trust and bringing about a more peaceful and stable Europe. Important agreements, affecting the levels of conventional armaments, will be concluded in the negotiations on conventional armed forces in Europe. It is expected that substantial progress will also be achieved in the negotiations on confidence and security-building measures.

The results of both sets of negotiations will be placed before the Paris Summit. These agreements will represent a significant step forward in co-operation between the CSCE states on security matters.

Furthermore, we look forward to the commencement of discussions among the 34 participating countries aimed at establishing, by 1992, a process of disarmament and confidence-building measures open to all CSCE members who wish to participate.