Opening of the ministerial meeting of the NACC/ Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) Sintra, Portugal 30 May 1997

Statement of Federal Councillor Flavio Cotti, Switzerland

Mr. Secretary General, Dear Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am delighted to be able to participate at this meeting today for the first time as representative of a member of the PfP. Accord Between NATO and Russia Among the events which have taken place in recent months, allow me first of all to point out the Act signed three days ago in Paris between NATO and Russia. This is both a historic step, and one that should permit Russia to assume the place which it merits in European security co-operation. Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council Here today in Sintra, NATO' s desire is to give new momentum to its relations with all of the members of the PfP. The offer, which has been presented to us, demonstrates the willingness of the Alliance to expand its co-operation while taking into account the diverse situation of each partner. Switzerland notes with satisfaction that the basic elements of the Framework Document remain unchanged. No new obligations have ensued. As heretofore each of the partner States is free to decide for itself on the nature and the scope of its participation. Based on this premise, Switzerland will participate in the Partnership primarily in those domains where it has something to contribute. On the other hand, Switzerland does not intend o co-operate in defence matters or those of joint military operational capability. According to the principle of self-differentiation, it will strictly limit itself to those domains, which are compatible with its concept of neutrality. Switzerland remains faithful to its armed neutrality, and has no intention of becoming a member of NATO. Neutrality does not mean withdrawing to cultivate one's own little garden. As a neutral country, Switzerland must and indeed does desire to make a contribution to peace and to participate, in full solidarity, to the promotion of peaceful relations among States. We have made the observation that our position has not only been accepted, but has also been regarded in a positive way. It is with a most particular satisfaction, dear Colleagues that we welcome this attitude at a moment when the stance taken by the neutral countries during the Second World War has become object of strong criticism. The errors which the latter may have committed should not erase the memory of the meritorious deeds done back then, deeds which, moreover, were amply singled out by the Allied authorities of the period; nor should they call into doubt the very status of neutrality. It is in the spirit of neutrality characterised by solidarity that we shall participate in the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council. We applaud the fact that the latter is creating a forum of consultation for all of the Partners, permitting each and every one to make use of the new possibilities being offered in accordance with his own desires. In this manner, I am convinced that the stage of innovation, one which holds forth great promise, is being embarked upon. No duplication of effort - the security model No that the reorganisation of the mutual relations between NATO and various of its partners has been settled, allow me finally to express the hope that more time can be once again be devoted in Vienna to the OSCE security model in which we must deal with the ever-increasing number of non-military risks. I have noticed with satisfaction that the importance of these endeavours has been reaffirmed in the NATO-Russia Founding Act and that the Partnership Council has explicitly expressed the desire to avoid any duplication of effort with other security organisations.