EAPC Meeting of the Defence Ministers NATO HQ, Brussels 8 June 2001

Speaking Points by the Representative of the Republic of Ireland PMF We would like to record our satisfaction with the recently concluded review of the Political Military Framework for PfP operations. We believe that this should provide a good basis for non-NATO troop contributors to SFOR and KFOR to have an meaningful role in shaping operational decisions. PARP The first PARP assessment for Ireland has recently been completed. This is a matter of considerable satisfaction for us. We believe that our PARP participation will greatly enhance our ability to make an effective contribution to UN-mandated peace support operations. In that connection, I would recall that our contribution to the EU Headline Goal has been mirrored in the troops and capabilities which have now been declared under the PARP process. PARP Ministerial Guidance We look forward to the successful conclusion of discussions on the remaining issues in the PARP Ministerial Guidance. In that regard, I should like to echo the statements made by Sweden, Finland and Austria. As this document will remain in effect for some time ahead it should reflect the future needs of those EU countries which are not members of the Alliance. In our PARP assessment we were very clear about our intentions on that aspect of the PARP and those intentions were acknowledged by the nineteen.