Info
|
The Mediterranean Dialogue is an integral part of the Alliance's
cooperative approach to security. It is based on the recognition
that security in Europe is closely linked with security and
stability in the Mediterranean and that the Mediterranean dimension
is an important component of Europe's security structures. The
aim of the Dialogue is to contribute to security and stability
in the Mediterranean, to achieve a better mutual understanding,
and to correct misperceptions about NATO among Mediterranean
Dialogue countries.
The development of the Dialogue has been based upon five principles:
- The Dialogue is progressive in terms of participation and
substance. This flexibility allows the number of Dialogue
partners to grow and the content of the Dialogue to evolve
over time.
- The Dialogue is primarily bilateral in structure. However,
it also allows for multilateral meetings to take place on
a regular basis.
- The Dialogue is non-discriminatory. All Mediterranean partners
are offered the same basis for cooperation activities and
discussion with NATO. Dialogue countries are free to choose
the extent and intensity of their participation.
- The Dialogue is designed to complement and reinforce other
international efforts to establish and enhance cooperation
with Mediterranean countries. These include the European Union's
"Barcelona Process" 1
and initiatives by other institutions such as the Organisation
for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
- Activities within the Dialogue take place on a self-funding
basis. However, there may be circumstances in which financial
support by NATO can be considered on a case-by-case basis,
provided that it can be accommodated within existing NATO
budgets.
- In
November 1995, 15 EU member states and 12 non-member Mediterranean
countries (Algeria, Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon,
Malta, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey and the Palestinian
Authority) signed the Barcelona Declaration which spelt out
the framework of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership (also
known as the Barcelona Process). The Declaration outlines
three major goals: 1. a political and security partnership
aimed at creating a common area of peace and stability; 2.
an economic and financial partnership designed to establish
a common area of prosperity; and 3. a social, cultural and
human partnership to increase exchanges between the civil
societies of the countries involved. The Barcelona Process
envisages the establishment of a complete free trade area
by the year 2010.
|
