Intervention
by H.E.
Jüri Luik,
Minister of Defence of the Republic of Estonia
at the Meeting of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council
Secretary General, Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me start with highlighting some developments that have occurred since
we last met and move on to review several issues at hand.
First of all, the recent democratic developments in the Federal Republic
of Yugoslavia have invoked prospects for a peaceful future for the region.
However, further internal developments in the FRY, including the situation
in the areas bordering with Kosovo, are calling for the permanent and
systematic attention of the international community.
Favourable events must be supported by continuous efforts. In this respect,
the work done through the Stability Pact and SEEI should be applauded.
Estonia is and remains committed to supporting - both politically and
militarily - the efforts made by NATO through its crises response operations
in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo.
Looking at European security from a different angle, the progress achieved
in creating the EU security and defence dimension, as we see it, will
bolster the Alliance's efforts in ensuring the stability in the continent.
The EAPC's role in elaborating upon long- and short-term conflict prevention
tools, the developments in crisis management capabilities through PfP,
the frequent consultations and increased transparency have all complemented
the Alliance's work during the past decade.
The focus of PfP on advancing the defence capabilities and expertise
serves as a valuable tool for the countries tackling the issues of defence
modernisation, reform and restructuring. I am especially pleased with
the fact that the 3rd annual conference of the PfP Consortium of Defence
Academies and Security Studies Institutes "Building a Strategic Community
through Education and Research" took place in Tallinn this June.
Next year Estonia will host the NATO/PfP exercise COOPERATIVE CASUALTY
BEAR 2001, which is one of the two initial PfP Operational Capabilities
Concept assessment exercises.
PARP has also progressed considerably during this year. Partnership Goals
constitute an integral part of Estonian defence planning, increasing defence
capabilities and ability to participate in crises response operations.
I would also like to mention the co-operation and experience sharing
established between the 9 aspirant countries. Vilnius-9 process, with
its own political and pragmatic dimensions, testifies how naturally the
Membership Action Plan has fitted into a larger framework of the EAPC/PfP.
The forthcoming Alliance's Summit of 2002 provides our endeavours with
a clear focus.
Finally, Mr. Chairman, I was asked to inform the EAPC about the MAP defence
ministers' meeting we had this morning. To underline our strong commitment
to join the Alliance we discussed enhancement of our defence capabilities
and current political issues. Foreign ministers of MAP countries will
meet at the margins of the EAPC here next week.
Thank you.
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