Sir, - The Africa Europe Faith and Justice Network (AEFJN) is a group of religious and missionaries with members in 47 countries in Africa and 17 in Europe. It is dedicated to promoting just and equitable relationships between the people of Europe and Africa. On behalf of the Irish section, we would like to add our voice to the call for a referendum on Ireland's proposed entry into the Partnership for Peace (PfP).
Most of our members live in countries in Africa which are ravaged by wars fought with weapons manufactured in countries which are members of PfP. While recognising that PfP is a bilateral arrangement between NATO and non-NATO countries, we are concerned that NATO would be the dominant partner in any such arrangement. Six of the world's 10 largest arms-exporting countries are members of NATO. Those who manufacture arms also bear some moral responsibility for their use. We feel that our policy of neutrality has served Ireland well in the past, and would be reluctant to accept the need for a change in this policy without consultation with the Irish people. We are concerned that PfP endorses a concept of security narrowly based in military terms.
The Party Manifesto on which Fianna Fail was elected to government stated: "We oppose Irish participation in NATO itself, and in NATO-led organisations such as Partnership for Peace, or in the Western European Union beyond observer status." Therefore:
We support the demand for a referendum on this issue.
Such a referendum should be preceded by a balanced and informed debate in which both points of view are given equal access to the media.
We would like to know the reasons why the Government seems to have changed its mind on this issue, and now seems intent on joining PfP without any reference to the wishes of the Irish people. - Yours, etc.,
Niall Geaney SPS, Fachtna O'Driscoll SMA, Carol Dorgan LSA, Vincent McDevitt CSSp, AEFJN,
Orwell Park, Dublin 6.