A chara - While I agree with Ciaran McKenna (March 1st) it is important to clarify the point that he makes. There is no doubt that Russia's conduct in Chechnya has been appalling. Equally, I share Mr McKenna's concerns over Ireland's recent admission to NATO's Partnership for Peace.
However, it is misleading to suggest that, should Russia rejoin PfP, Ireland will have any obligations to assist in the defence" of that country. PfP does not place any defence obligations on Ireland; it is a partnership for peace, not defence. This ensures that it is consistent with our strict legal definition of neutrality. In addition, Ireland's commitment to PfP is on a bilateral basis with the alliance, not a multilateral basis with other non-NATO PfP members.
Nonetheless, the prospect of engaging in training exercises with a bloodied Russian military should serve to make us think about who we choose to ally our-y selves with in our peacekeeping duties. - Is mise,
Coilin Parsons, School of Humanities, Waterford Institute of Technology.