Bernard J. Durkan
Question:166 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his current assessment of the future of PfP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15138/03]
Written Answers. - Partnership for Peace.
The basic principles underlying the Partnership for Peace, as set out in the PfP Framework Document of January 1994, remain unchanged. This document sets out the political purposes of PfP which include the protection of human rights; the safeguarding of freedom, justice and peace; the promotion of democracy; the maintenance of the principles of international law; and the fulfilment of the obligations of the UN Charter, and of OSCE commitments. A key principle which applies is that of self-differentiation whereby each PfP country determines the nature, scope and limits of its participation.
The number of non-NATO countries participating in PfP will fall from 27 to 20 after the accession process is completed for those countries that were invited in November 2002 to join NATO – Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovenia and Slovakia.
A key aspect of PfP membership from Ireland's perspective lies in the core principle of self differentiation, whereby each country participates according to its own interests and priorities. Ireland in particular also will continue to benefit from experience being gained in the peacekeeping area, especially through the development of enhanced interoperability which is improving our ability to undertake peacekeeping operations in a safe and effective manner.