Report

INTRODUCTION

The Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association has the honour to present its report on its participation in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly’s (NATO PA) 59th Annual Session in Dubrovnik, Croatia, 11 – 14 October 2013. The delegation was led by Association chair Mrs. Cheryl Gallant, M.P., and included from the Senate the Hon. Raynell Andreychuk, Chair of the NATO PA Political Committee, the Hon. Joseph Day, Chair of the NATO PA Defence and Security Committee, the Hon. Jane Cordy and the Hon. Suzanne Fortin Duplessis, and from the House of Commons Mr. Leon Benoit, M.P. and Chair of the NATO PA Economics and Security Committee’s Subcommittee on Transatlantic Economic Relations, Mr. Jack Harris, M.P., Ms. Hélène Laverdière, M.P., and the Hon. Lawrence MacAuley, M.P.  The delegation was accompanied by Melissa Radford, the association’s advisor, and association secretary Roger Préfontaine.

The 59th Annual Session was hosted by the Croatian parliament and chaired by Parliamentary Assembly President, Mr. Hugh Bayley, Member of Parliament from the United Kingdom. More than 300 parliamentarians from NATO member countries, North Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia participated in the session.

THE NATO PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY

The NATO Parliamentary Assembly is an inter-parliamentary organization of legislators from the national parliaments of member countries of the North Atlantic Alliance, as well as 14 associate members. It is completely independent of the official NATO structure.[1] As the Assembly’s website notes, “Its principal objective is to foster mutual understanding among Alliance parliamentarians of the key security and defence challenges facing the transatlantic partnership.”[2]

Canadian parliamentarians draw significant benefit from their participation in NATO PA events. In addition to gaining a better understanding of strategic issues facing the Alliance and Canada, they are presented with the opportunity to promote Canadian interests and values in the course of discussions in the Assembly, its committees and during informal meetings with their counterparts from NATO member and non-member states.

MAIN ISSUES

The agenda of the 59th Annual Session of the NATO PA included a number of topics that have been of interest to the NATO PA for some time and that are of importance to Canada, such as:

1)    NATO operations, particularly the Afghanistan mission and counter-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia;

2)    Ongoing developments in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and their implications for international security, with a particular focus on Syria and Iran;

3)    The security situation and the UN peace operation in Mali;

4)    The role of women in peace and security;

5)    NATO partnerships with other states and international organizations;

6)    The impact of the Euro crisis on the resources available for defence operations and procurement;

7)    NATO-Russia relations;

8)    The growing strategic relevance of the Asia-Pacific region;

9)    Iran’s nuclear program;

10) NATO enlargement; and,

11) Security issues in regions such as the South Caucasus (particularly Georgia), the Western Balkans and the Arctic.

NATO PA BUSINESS

The first meeting of each Annual Session, the Standing Committee Meeting, is attended by Heads of Delegation, NATO PA Bureau members (President, Vice Presidents and Treasurer), Chairpersons of Committees and Subcommittees, and Rapporteurs only. Due to the key positions held by Canadian parliamentarians within the NATO PA, half of Canada’s delegates were in attendance. The purpose of the meeting was to review the NATO PA’s 2013 programme and plan the upcoming activities in 2014.

CANADIAN DELEGATION MEETING WITH CANADIAN REPRESENTATIVES IN CROATIA

Members of the Canadian delegation had the opportunity to meet with Canada’s representatives in Croatia, Ms. Louise LaRocque, Canada’s Ambassador to Croatia and Mr. Bill McCrimmon, Counsellor and Consul. They noted that this year marked the 20th anniversary of Canada-Croatia relations and gave delegates an overview of current Canada-Croatia diplomatic, trade and cultural relations as well as an update on Croatia’s current political and economic climate, including the country’s recent accession to the European Union (EU).  Ambassador LaRocque is also accredited to Kosovo, and in that capacity gave delegates an overview of Canada’s current contribution to the NATO mission in that country.

FIRST PLENARY SITTING

The plenary sitting, which usually takes place on the final day of meetings, was split into two sittings at this Annual Session. The First Plenary Sitting took place on the first day, before committee meetings began.  Mr. Hugh Bayley, President of the NATO PA, declared the Annual Session open. In his remarks he congratulated Croatia for its accession to NATO more than ten years ago and on its recent accession to the EU on 1 July 2013. In expressing his support for NATO enlargement, he encouraged other states in the region to look at Croatia’s transformation as a model. Mr. Bayley then gave an overview of his visit to refugee camps in Jordan and described Turkey as an anchor of stability throughout the ongoing crisis in Syria. He gave his thoughts on Afghanistan stating that 2014 will be a critical year for the country, particularly with elections coming up in April and the subsequent formation of a new government. With respect to the terrorist attack in Kenya, he highlighted the importance of security in the Horn of Africa. As well, he noted that NATO allies and partners all have a stake in security and stability in the Sahel region and encouraged more support for the UN and EU missions in Mali. With respect to NATO defence spending, he stressed that there must be an increase once economic growth returns. If this does not occur, NATO will not be able to fulfill its objectives. Lastly, he urged European allies to not take the transatlantic partnership for granted.

NATO PA delegates then heard from Mr. Ivo Josipović, President of the Republic of Croatia, Mr. Josip Leko, President of the Croatian Parliament, and Mrs. Vesna Pusić, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia. Mrs. Pusić highlighted Croatia’s contributions to Afghanistan. Her government’s post-2014 priority in the country will be focussed on women and girls. She noted that Croatia has appointed the first female General to ISAF.

The First Plenary Sitting ended with a speech and two-hour question and answer period with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen. His remarks focussed on why defence matters, and how parliamentarians could better communicate this to their constituents. He noted that there is a growing divide between the way Europeans and North Americans perceive NATO. While NATO membership has brought greater transparency of defence activities for Europeans, North Americans wonder why they are still part of the Alliance as the benefits may not be obvious to them. He argued that the conversation regarding defence spending needs to shift from “the cost of defence” to “the cost of no defence” because it is hard for the public to conceptualize what it could lose. For instance, the 9/11 attacks caused a $1.7 trillion USD loss in stock market capitalisation. $18 billion USD is the annual global impact of piracy off the coast of Somalia, according to the World Bank. Further, oil prices could triple if trade through the Strait of Hormuz was closed off completely. In terms of human costs, he noted that there are currently 45 million people who are forcibly displaced, half of them are children. Investment in defence therefore saves money and lives. Though diplomacy is the primary tool for peace, a defence capability provides words with robust credibility. As for the benefits of NATO, he argued that 28 countries can get more out of defence capabilities than each one could have on their own. Along with military effectiveness, the Alliance also holds political credibility and legitimacy. As a result, non-member states want to partner with NATO and the UN may choose to use NATO as an operational tool in future crisis situations.[3] 

COMMITTEE BUSINESS

Before the Committee meetings began, delegates had the opportunity to meet with their counterparts from their respective political groups from across the Alliance: Conservative, Christian Democrat and Associates; Alliance of Liberals and Democrats; and, Socialist. This allowed Assembly members from similar political parties to discuss issues of mutual interest to their own parties and constituents, further solidifying the nature of the democratic debate and parliamentary diplomacy that takes place within the NATO PA.

NATO PA Committees then met simultaneously for the next two days. During these meetings, Committees debated reports and resolutions drafted by their respective Rapporteurs and first presented at the Spring Session in Luxembourg in May 2013. These reports and resolutions were open for final amendments before being put to a vote in their respective Committees. In addition, these meetings were an opportunity for delegates to hear from academic experts as well as senior military and government officials from NATO member and partner states, from NATO headquarters, the EU and from the private sector on issues of interest to the Alliance.

1.    Defence and Security Committee

As Chair of the Defence and Security Committee, Senator Day presided over the Committee’s discussions. The Committee heard from seven speakers. The first speaker was Mr. Ante Kotromanović, Croatia’s Minister of Defence. He gave an overview of the Croatia’s security environment and the principles behind his country’s defence policy, Croatia’s contribution to Smart Defence and regional defence cooperation and integration, as well as Croatia’s contributions to the Afghanistan mission. Speaking on the same panel was Mr. Roman Jakič, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia. He informed the Committee about Slovenia’s own fiscal challenges with respect to defence spending and stressed the need for more multinational cooperation and better synergy between NATO and the EU. He also noted Croatia and Slovenia’s joint interests in stabilizing and supporting their Western Balkan neighbours with a view of helping them join the Euro-Atlantic community.

The Committee then heard from Lieutenant-General Drago Lovrić, General Staff of Croatia’s Armed Forces. He gave members an overview of the security challenges it faces and highlighted the current and future goals of the armed forces. Croatia’s defence spending has remained stable over the past several years and current defence spending levels will be maintained for the next three years. Within the framework of Smart Defence, Croatia will look to specialize its defence capabilities as a means of contributing to the Alliance. Croatia’s armed forces have experience a far-reaching transformation since the end of the Cold War - for instance, the end of mandatory military service has reduced the forces by 67% - and it continues to modernize today through the establishment of a special operations force and the consolidation of its intelligence community. Canadian delegates were particularly interested in Croatia’s regional defence cooperation with NATO member and non-member states alike as well as the country’s contribution to the Afghanistan mission.

Next, the Committee heard from Lieutenant General Mark Schissler, Deputy Chairman of the NATO Military Committee. He updated the Committee on the NATO missions in Afghanistan and Kosovo as well as on operations off the Horn of Africa and in the Mediterranean Sea. He also addressed future challenges facing the Alliance, notably the challenge of “uncertainty” as demonstrated by the civil conflicts in Syria and the Sahel region. He noted that terrorism will be an ongoing and complex transnational threat and that south-north immigration also poses humanitarian and security risks to European allies.

On the second day of meetings, the Committee held a panel discussion on Mali. The two speakers were General Grégoire de Saint-Quentin, Commander of Special Operations, French Armed Forces, and Former Commander of Operation Serval, and Bert Koenders, Special Representative to the Secretary General of the United Nations for Mali and Head of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). The General gave an overview of Operation Serval, including the events that led to the crisis, the reasons for intervention by French and other international forces, and the lessons learned from the Operation. He thanked allies, including Canada, for providing logistical support for the mission. Mr. Koenders outlined the mandate of MINUSMA and its challenges. He explained that MINUSMA is a robust Chapter VII operation and therefore has the ability to use force to prevent the return of armed jihadist groups. He noted that he needed more boots on the ground and specific enablers, such as helicopters. At the time of his presentation, he did not have access to any helicopters and as a result it was difficult to deliver water and food to the North of the country. Other challenges include supporting the peace process when tensions are still high, returning refugees and internally displaced people to their homes, the need for reforms in the security sector and justice system, and the need to disarm and demobilize combatants. He urged for more help from NATO member-states arguing that poverty and instability in the Sahel region impacts the security of Europe and noting that some of the weapons and jihadist groups that have surfaced in Mali are the result of NATO’s intervention in Libya. [4]

Lastly, the Committee heard from Rear Admiral Robert Hranj, Commander of the Croatian Navy. He highlighted the security threats confronting navies today, including terrorism, piracy and various forms of trafficking. He noted that Croatia is located on some of the most troubled coastal waters in the world today. As such, the Croatian government has decided to create a coast guard unit from within the navy. Meanwhile the navy will focus on sea to air combat and anti-mine warfare. As well, Croatia has developed a network of sensors at sea which has improved its surveillance capacity. He also noted that the navy has learned to work more closely with civilian agencies as a result of encountering law enforcement challenges within its own territorial waters which it had not been trained to handle. Therefore, Croatia looks to improving civil-military approaches in order to more effectively confront modern security challenges.

Four draft reports[5] and one draft resolution (on Afghanistan) were presented by their respective rapporteurs and after some discussion, they were adopted by Committee members with agreed upon amendments. The Committee also discussed its studies and activities for 2014 and elected Committee and Sub-Committee officers. This was Senator Day’s last meeting as Chairperson of the Defence and Security Committee. Having served two terms, he was not eligible for re-election. Mrs. Gallant and Mr. Harris were the Canadian delegates who participated in these discussions.

2.    Political Committee

As Chair of the Political Committee, Senator Andreychuk presided over the Committee’s discussions. The Committee heard from three speakers. Mrs. Vesna Pusić, Croatia’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, gave an overview of NATO partnership policies towards Eastern European countries and an update on progress achieved with respect to regional security and interstate cooperation. NATO membership has allowed Croatia to assist neighbouring countries in accelerating their own security. Croatia has given practical support to Montenegro as it works towards NATO accession. In her opinion, Montenegro is essentially ready to join the Alliance.

The second speaker was Dr. Bichara Khader, Director of the Arab Study and Research Centre. He gave Committee members an assessment of the historical prevalence of authoritarian regimes in the MENA region and the root causes of the Arab uprisings. He also outlined the challenges transitional governments in the region face on their road to democracy. He argued that Europe does not have a coherent policy towards the region and that these countries need support in the following areas: economic growth, youth education and mobility, and support for civil society groups particularly those engaged in gender equality, minority rights and democratic governance. He noted that radicalisation was a threat to everyone and warned that the longer revolutions last, the more radicalised a population could become.

The last speaker was Ambassador Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, NATO Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy. She stressed the importance of the NATO PA and its role in linking NATO headquarters to national parliaments and populations. In light of this, NATO headquarters took the opportunity to use this NATO PA Annual Session to invite parliamentarians to fill out a questionnaire regarding how they view NATO’s role and how the organization presents itself to the public. She then focussed her remarks on the topics that will be discussed at the next NATO Summit: post-2014 engagement in Afghanistan, NATO’s agenda post-2014 and transatlantic relations. With respect to Afghanistan, she noted that it will be important for NATO parliamentarians to engage with Afghan parliamentarians after the next elections to maintain support for Afghanistan’s democratic institutions. With respect to NATO’s post-2014 activities, she emphasised that combatting emerging security challenges, crisis management and collective security will be a focus. As well, maintaining partnerships, particularly with those partner countries that contributed to ISAF, will be a priority. As for transatlantic relations, she stressed the need for the Alliance to find ways to rebalance European and American contributions, particularly as the U.S. increasingly focusses on the Asia Pacific security environment. She also noted that it is unlikely the next NATO Summit will be an enlargement summit.

A draft report entitled The Iranian Challenge to Middle Eastern and Global Security was presented by the rapporteur of the Mediterranean and Middle East Special Group, Senator Andreychuk. After a period of discussion, it was agreed that the report would be amended to include recent developments in the country, namely the election of President Rouhani and the opening of a new round of negotiations with respect to the nuclear issue.[6]

Three additional draft reports and two resolutions were discussed and adopted.[7]   Finally, the Committee discussed its studies and activities for 2014 and elected Committee and Sub-Committee officers. This was Senator Andreychuk’s last meeting as Chairperson of the Political Committee. Having served two terms, she was not eligible for re-election. She thanked Committee members for their support during her chairmanship. Senator Cordy, Senator Fortin Duplessis, Mrs. Gallant, Mr. Benoit, Ms. Laverdière and Mr. MacAuley participated in these discussions.

3.    Committee on the Civil Dimensions of Security

During the meeting of the Committee on the Civil Dimensions of Security, delegates participated in four presentations. The first speaker was Ms. Helga Schmid, Deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service (the European Union’s diplomatic corps). She gave an overview of the EU strategy and policies towards the MENA region, including the current role of the EU in Syria, Egypt, and Iran. She stressed the importance of gender equality, a key priority for the EU, and emphasised that countries where governments respect women’s rights and encourage the participation of women in decision-making processes are more peaceful. Unfortunately gender-based violence, including sexual violence against women, is a significant issue in the region and confronting this requires a prompt and united front.

The second speaker was Mr. Joseph Bahout, Professor of Political Science (Middle-Eastern Studies) at Sciences-Po, whose presentation focussed on Syria. With respect to the regional implications of the crisis, he noted that the ongoing conflict could further escalate Sunni-Shiite tensions in Lebanon and Iraq. As well, refugee flows into Turkey and Jordan could significantly damage the social fabric of both countries. With respect to the global response he warned that simply dealing with the chemical weapons and not with the root causes of the conflict could in fact prolong the war – not end it.

Next, the Committee heard from Ambassador Zeljko Kupresak from Croatia’s Ministry of Foreign and EU Affairs. He gave an overview of the tensions that continue to exist in the Balkans and South Eastern European region as well as the need for the international community to still be engaged to prevent any possible escalation. He also stressed that regional cooperation is essential particularly with respect to shared issues such as transportation, infrastructure and energy. Croatia’s accession to NATO, and most recently to the EU, was not merely a matter of status, but brought with it the necessary reforms and transformation the country needed to achieve in order to fully democratize and be competitive economically in today’s world. This in turn brings peace and stability to the region.  In light of this, Croatia continues to fully support the Euro-Atlantic ambitions of its neighbouring countries.

Lastly, Committee members participated in a panel discussion on Women, Peace and Security. Last summer, delegations to the NATO PA were asked to complete a questionnaire on their governments’ implementation of the UN Security Council Resolutions on Women, Peace and Security and the role of their parliaments in monitoring its implementation. Mr. Daniel De Torres from the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces discussed his report which detailed his analysis and findings from these questionnaires. For example, the questionnaires showed that ministries of foreign affairs are usually the lead departments responsible for implementing the resolutions as they are also the lead authority in peace operations. He also noted that parliaments who were involved in the enactment of national action plans for the implementation of the resolutions are also more involved in monitoring and overseeing the implementation.[8]

The Committee’s rapporteurs presented their respective draft reports[9] and resolutions and opened the floor to final amendments from other members. All were subsequently adopted. Finally, the Committee discussed its studies and activities for 2014 and elected Committee and Sub-Committee officers. Senator Cordy was elected as Vice-Chairperson of the Committee. The Canadian delegates who participated in the discussions were Mrs. Gallant, Mr. Benoit, Senator Cordy, Senator Day, Mr. MacAuley and Ms. Laverdière.

4.    Science and Technology Committee

During the meeting of the Science and Technology Committee, delegates heard from three speakers. The first speaker was Mr. Slobodan Boskovic, Project Officer at the South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SEESAC). Mr. Boskovic described the extent of the challenge posed by small arms and light weapons throughout Southeastern Europe. He noted that over the last decade or so, SEESAC has destroyed a quarter of a million small arms and light weapons, 160 tons of Napalm and a great amount of unexploded ordinance. SEESAC also assists national authorities in properly storing their own weapons facilities. Still, the organization believes that there are approximately 500,000 to one million illegally-owned small arms in the region and therefore, such weapons still threaten the security environment which in turn hinders the creation of the necessary conditions for economic development. SEESAC is still active in Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, Moldova and Montenegro.

Next, Dr. Armet Han, faculty member at Kadir Has University’s Department of International Relations in Istanbul, spoke about energy security in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Caucasus. He argued that energy security lies at the intersection of market economics and geopolitics. In the Easter Mediterranean, despite Cyprus’ ambition to invest in liquid natural gas (LNG), experts do not believe it has sufficient deposits to be profitable. In addition, its disputed territory with Turkey and Turkey’s own ambitions to create an energy hub in the region have increased tensions. With respect to the Caucasus, Turkey and Azerbaijan have a very ambitious joint project: the Trans-Anatolian natural gas pipeline. Azerbaijan’s motivations lie in its desire to balance Russia’s dominance of the natural gas market in Europe. In response to a question by a Canadian delegate regarding the impact of North America’s oil and gas industry on the profitability of these proposed pipelines in Southeast Europe, Eastern Mediterranean and the Caucasus, Dr. Han argued that North American shale gas production will negatively impact new players in the energy game as it will push gas prices down over the foreseeable future.  This, in turn, would not give investors much motivation to build new pipelines and LNG plants, and would also result in them aligning with existing players as opposed to newcomers.

The last speaker was Rick Fisher Jr., a Senior Fellow in Asian Military Affairs at the International Assessment and Strategy Center. He encouraged NATO to continue its outreach into Asia to promote peace and stability – which he described as an “armed peace.” He shared his concerns regarding China’s military modernization, which appears to have sparked an arms race in the region. Unfortunately, there is little transparency surrounding China’s rationale for modernizing its military and its military ambitions. As a result of this uncertainty, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan have taken steps to bolster not only their defences but also their offensive forces. He warned that China’s technology has matched that of NATO’s particularly with respect to advanced radars, aircraft and satellite technology.[10]

The Committee’s rapporteurs presented their respective draft reports and draft resolution which were adopted after the Committee considered final amendments. [11] Finally, the Committee discussed its studies and activities for 2014 and elected Committee and Sub-Committee officers. Canadian delegates participating in the Science and Technology Committee’s meetings included Senator Day, Mr. Benoit, Mrs. Gallant and Mr. Harris.

5.    Economics and Security Committee

The Economics and Security Committee heard from three speakers. First, Mr. Ivan Vrdoljak, Croatia’s Minister of Economy, gave the Committee an overview of the current economy situation in his country and the challenges it faces. He noted that NATO membership has proven to be a stabilizing force for the modernization of the Croatian economy and that Croatia’s defence industry continues to be a high value added industry particularly with respect to job creation and innovation. Next, Dr. Simon Evenett, Professor of International Trade and Economic Development at the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland, gave an overview of his views on the U.S.-EU free trade agreement including the challenges the negotiations will face. He argued that there needs to be great support for such an agreement at the highest levels of government within the U.S., U.K. and Germany for a free trade deal to be reached. However, there are certain sectors, such as agriculture, that are very protectionist. Naturally, Canadian delegates were interested in the speaker’s views regarding the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement vis-à-vis the American one. He responded that a U.S.-EU deal would serve as a catalyst to finalize the Canada-EU deal.

The Committee’s last speaker was Professor Bichara Khader, Director of the Arab Study and Research Centre at the Catholic University of Louvain. His presentation focussed on the economic difficulties currently facing the Middle East. He argued that corruption, kleptocracy and clientalism are features that exist in many Middle Eastern ruling systems. Such authoritarian regimes have failed to create youth employment and build modern economies. In his opinion, Arab states need to further diversify their export markets and integrate their economies. For example, the Gulf Cooperation Council is currently considering the possibility of a common currency and a central bank. The Arab League could further integrate the region. Security challenges also still hinder economic growth in the region. With respect to the Arab uprisings, he argued that a more secular outlook is required to establish modern, functional economies. He noted that the Muslim Brotherhood’s economic plan failed as the party was more focussed on developing a “society of believers.” [12]

The Committee’s Rapporteurs presented two reports and two resolutions. [13] After considering final amendments, the reports and the resolutions were adopted. Mr. Benoit, Chair of the Committee’s Subcommittee on Transatlantic Economic Relations, provided a summary of the future activities of the Subcommittee including visits to Japan and Vancouver. The Committee then elected Committee and Sub-Committee officers. This was Mr. Benoit’s last meeting as Chairperson of the Subcommittee on Transatlantic Economic Relations. Having served two terms, he was not eligible for re-election. Canadian delegates participating in these discussions included Mr. Benoit and Mrs. Gallant.

SECOND PLENARY SITTING

The second plenary sitting began with a speech by Mr. Bert Koenders, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General and Head of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). He delivered the same presentation he gave at the meeting of the Defence and Security Committee. During the question and answer period, Senator Andreychuk raised the importance of strengthening Africa’s regional organizations. He agreed noting that the international community still has a responsibility to assist the continent. He then took the time to recognize Senator Andreychuk for her work in Africa. Mr. Josip Leko, President of the Croatian Parliament, also address NATO PA delegates during the second sitting. This was followed by a question and answer period.

Next, elections for the NATO PA President, Vice-Presidents and Treasurer took place. Mrs. Gallant, Chair of the Canadian delegation, was re-elected as one of the Vice-Presidents. Senator Nolin, who had been Treasurer for two terms, was not eligible for re-election. His final draft reports entitled “Draft Report by the Treasurer of the Assembly and the results of the Financial Year 2012 and the current Financial Year,” “the Audited Financial Statements at 31 December 2012 (Abridged Version)” and the “Audited NATO Parliamentary Assembly Provident Fund Annual Report 2012 (Audited Financial Statements)” were presented on his behalf by the President of the NATO PA, Mr. Hugh Bayley. These reports were subsequently adopted by the Assembly.

NATO PA Committee reports and resolutions were presented by their respective rapporteurs and subsequently adopted after a period of discussion.

In closing, Mr. Bayley thanked the Croatian Delegation, its staff, the staff of the Croatian Parliament, the International Secretariat, and all others who were instrumental in the Session’s success.[14]

SUMMARY

The NATO PA provides Canadian parliamentarians with an opportunity to learn about the broader strategic issues facing the Alliance, which have an impact on Canada’s national security and defence. It also gives them an attentive international forum in which to promote Canadian interests and values in the course of discussions and debates about future Alliance policy and strategy. As this report indicates, the 2013 Annual Session was no exception, offering Canadian delegates many opportunities to shape the outcome of discussions, convey a Canadian perspective on key issues of concern, and gain a better understanding of strategic issues facing Canada, the Alliance and Canada’s partner countries.

First and foremost, NATO PA members had the opportunity to learn more about Croatia’s commitment to international peace and security. As was noted throughout the session, Croatia has undergone a tremendous political, economic and social transformation and as a result, it has achieved full Euro-Atlantic integration through its accession to both NATO and the EU. Croatia not only contributes to international peace and security, but more importantly it actively supports the political and economic transformation and Euro-Atlantic integration of its neighbours, many of whom were at war with one another only two decades ago. Fundamentally, Croatia understands that Euro-Atlantic integration will bring peace and stability to its region and therefore continues to work closely with its Balkan and Southeastern European neighbours to build trust and promote defence cooperation. As a result of these meeting, the Canadian delegates gained a greater appreciation for its Southeastern European ally.

Overall, the NATO PA appreciates the opportunity to participate in the process of monitoring the implementation of the new strategic concept by NATO, particularly with respect to Smart Defence and multinational cooperation where necessary and appropriate. All members of the NATO PA continue to be concerned about how the economic crisis is affecting their countries’ economies and what this ultimately means for the ability of NATO to fulfill its mandate and meet current and future challenges.  The political uprisings in the Middle East and North Africa continue to be priorities for the NATO PA as it explores how it can engage with their respective transitional governments on democratic development. Syria, Mali and Iran were a particular focus at this Annual Session. Afghanistan, particularly NATO’s current transition mission and the dynamics in the region that impact on the country’s future stability, continues to be a primary focus. Delegates also had the opportunity to learn more about how NATO members are implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 and other related Resolutions on Women, Peace and Security.

Canada continues to have important interests in all these issues.

Respectfully submitted,