Sir, - I read with concern your reporting of the recent NATO conference held in Dublin. it would seem that Ireland is nudged along firmly in a direction which has grave implications for our neutrality and in dependent foreign policy.
Honest public debate is needed on the issue of neutrality. Much of what passes for discussion comes from academics and others who seem to favour closer co operation and eventual integration with NATO.
Much is made of NATO's ability as peacemaker with regard to its presence in Bosnia. And yet this operation is not over, and the warring parties are far from reconciled. One must take into account the actions of the United States and Germany (both NATO members) which helped to ignite the war in Bosnia.
The Partnership for Peace promises "peace, stability and cooperation" within Europe but in reality is, as the Economist editorial of June 7th put it, "a kind of associate membership" of NATO. The PFP begs the question: why set up a rival organisation to the OSCE which pledges to do the same?
We should analyse the language of "stability" and "security". These words are often used as an excuse for intervention abroad, usually in Third World countries when Western economic interests are at stake. Both Greece and Turkey are NATO members, and they seem far from reconciled. There are also the disturbing, well documented human rights abuses - in Turkey.
Ireland, as a member of the United Nations, has participated to a great extent in peacekeeping and other operations which have helped humanity in a positive way. Because of our history, we are seen to be neutral and impartial and are not tainted with an imperial past like other NATO and EU states.
Surely our future role should be as an independent voice on behalf of oppressed peoples of this world, rather than be gagged by the uniformity of an organisation whose members are made up of former imperial powers - some of whom possess the capability to destroy humanity. - Yours, etc.,
Chairperson,
Dublin West Workers' Party
Youth,
11 Hillcrest Avenue,
Lucan, Co. Dublin.