Bernard J. Durkan
Question:42 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs Ireland’s current position on the PfP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18871/04]
View answerThursday, 24 June 2004
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Written answers
The basic principles underlying the Partnership for Peace, PfP, 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. 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. This principle remains at the core of PfP activity.
Making its own choices, Ireland continues to benefit in particular from experience gained in the peacekeeping area, especially through the development of enhanced interoperability which is contributing to the ongoing improvement of our ability to undertake peacekeeping operations in a safe and effective manner. Ireland also continues to take part in the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, the political umbrella body for participants in PfP. Following the enlargement of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation in April 2004, the number of non-NATO countries participating in PfP has fallen from 27 to 20. This development does not have any direct impact on Ireland and the nature of our participation in PfP. However, the future role of Partnership for Peace is one of the topics that will be considered at the forthcoming meeting of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council meeting at Heads of State and Government level to take place in Istanbul on 29 June 2004.