Neutrality and non-alignment
Mitchell questioned Ireland’s absence from a non-aligned countries conference and sought clarification of its status. The Minister distinguished non-alignment from neutrality, saying Ireland is among the few countries genuinely committed to neutrality.
Will the Minister comment on the fact that Ireland was not invited to the conference of non-aligned countries last year? Will the Minister agree that this indicates that in the eyes of most other non-aligned countries we are not non-aligned and that it would be a good idea to clarify the situation?
Comment on this
There is a difference between non-alignment and neutrality. The Deputy might think about that.
Comment on this
——give us the benefit of his perception as to the difference between non-alignment and neutrality?
Comment on this
There are non-aligned groups, military groups and countries that are genuinely totally committed to neutrality and we happen to be one of those countries, of which there are very few.
