No. 10. - (16/04/2004)

Discussions in the Parliamentary NATO-Club on the forthcoming Istanbul Summit of the Atlantic Alliance^*
(8 April 2004, Budapest)

In recent years the continuous information of a wider circle of experts on security issues has been regarded an important task by the Hungarian National Assembly's Office for Foreign Relations, as well as taking into account the further demands resulting from Hungary's NATO membership.

The Hungarian National Assembly will in the future continue the dialogue with the wider public. Accordingly the Office for Foreign Relations NATO Information Centre - in co-operation with the Hungarian Atlantic Council and the Centre for Security and Defence Studies - regularly organises the "Parliamentary NATO-Club", an informal meeting for experts, researchers, civil organisations and politicians. The last event of the NATO-Club was entitled: The Forthcoming Istanbul Summit of the Atlantic Alliance. The event took place on 8 April 2004, 3 p.m. in the Parliament.

The opening speeches was given by András Bársony, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mihály Balla, Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Mr. Zoltán Szenes, Chief of Staff and Mr. György Bánlaki, President of the Hungarian Atlantic Council. These presentations had been followed by discussions.

Mr. Bársony commented, that there will be two important topics at the Istanbul Summit: the question of the Balkans and the problem of Afghanistan. A clear picture will emerge concerning the political effectiveness of NATO beyond its area of influence as NATO is much more than just a military alliance.

Hungary's possible role on the Balkans must also be clarified although the overall solution seems to be quite far. As for Afghanistan, we must step beyond mere military presence and contribute to the political solution of the situation.

According to Mr. Balla there is consensus in the questions mentioned by the state secretary, it is only the methods that are being debated. He is convinced that the fight against terrorism will become the focal point of efforts. And as this fight is not primarily a military task, the weakening of the services whose main task would be to block terrorism does not seem to be wise.

Mr. Szenes spoke of the Summit from the military point of view. The main question is if we are capable of commanding a military action "out of area". The participation in peacekeeping operations is only possible with a capability based military force therefore niche capabilities are to be developed and these can be offered into the NRF immediately.

Mr Bánlaki believes that the world is a place of constant changes and all things are interconnected. The most important change: after March 11 Europe has become a battlefield and Europe seems not to have acknowledged that. Demography is now to be considered a security factor and the European outlook seems not too promising from that angle. The president claims that civil organisations, the Hungarian Atlantic Council could play an important role in informing the public in questions of security policy.

* The material of the event is planned to be published in the Parliamentary NATO Brochures.