Michael Joe Cosgrave
Ceist:60 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views in relation to NATO enlargement and the issues, if any, which arise for the EU. [8859/99]
Written Answers. - NATO Enlargement.
The issue of NATO enlargement is in the first instance a matter for the membership of NATO, under the North Atlantic Treaty, and for those countries seeking NATO membership. More generally, the Helsinki Final Act and subsequent OSCE documents provide, among other things, that OSCE states have the right to be or not to be a party to treaties of alliance; they also have the right to neutrality.
Ireland believes that the development of the European security architecture should be transparent and responsive to the security concerns of all states. Enlargement of existing security organ isations should not lead to the re-emergence of divisions in Europe.
Many of the countries of central and eastern Europe see membership of both the EU and NATO as the best guarantee of their future peace, prosperity and stability. In this perspective, EU and NATO enlargement are autonomous and separate, yet complementary processes in the sense of ensuring Europe-wide security and stability.