Written question asked by John Bercow (Conservative) on Wednesday, 5 July 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 11 July 2000. It was answered by Keith Vaz (Labour) on Tuesday, 11 July 2000 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, for what reason, in Annex 1 of the Feira Presidency conclusions, DSACEUR rather than SACEUR will be consulted on the headline goal; and if he will make a statement on the proposed involvement of the United States Government.

Answer: Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what reason, in Annex 1 of the Feira Presidency conclusions, DSACEUR rather than SACEUR will be consulted on the headline goal; and if he will make a statement on the proposed involvement of the United States Government. [129919] Mr. Vaz: DSACEUR operates under the overall command of SACEUR. NATO has made DSACEUR the focal point within the Alliance for issues relating to ESDI. Given DSACEUR's European responsibilities, he can make an important contribution to NATO input to the elaboration of the EU's Headline Goal. The decisions taken at the Feira European Council will ensure effective transparency and dialogue between NATO and the EU, particular EU/NATO Working Groups on security, capability goals, EU access to NATO assets and permanent EU/NATO structures. The United States Government will be fully involved in this process. President Clinton has welcomed the Feira Conclusions.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 353 c478-9W;353 c476-7W; 129919
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: EU common foreign and security policy EU action NATO European Council EU defence policy Portugal European security and defence identity
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk