Vol. 399 No. 12
18 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the Government's attitude to military aspects of neutrality being discussed by the EC; if he will outline the Government's proposals for the development of the CSCE process; if, when the CSCE convenes later this year, Ireland will participate in the non-aligned group; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The military aspects of neutrality are not discussed by the Twelve, and there are no proposals that they should be.
Ireland shares the views on the development of the CSCE process which the European Council set out on 28 April. In the guidelines issued on that day, the Twelve looked towards a balanced development of the CSCE. This would encompass, among other areas, the development of pluralist democracy, the rule of law, human rights, the better protection of minorities, human contacts, security, and economic co-operation. The CSCE Summit, which will probably take place later this year, should make it possible to consider new institutional arrangements, including the possibility of regular consultative meetings of Foreign Ministers and the establishment of a small administrative secretariat.
Ireland will continue to participate in Twelve co-operation in the CSCE process. At the same time, we will continue to maintain close informal contacts with the delegations of the neutral and non-aligned states.
