22 November 2002

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Roche's attendance at NATO summit confirms Government lies on neutrality - Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Fein spokesperson on International Affairs and Defence Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has sharply criticised the attendance of Minister of State for European Affairs Dick Roche at the NATO summit in Prague.

Deputy Ó Snodaigh said:

``There is absolutely no reason whatsoever why Irish representatives should be attending a meeting to discuss the expansion of NATO. Dick Roche's attendance at the summit suggests that the Government finds this expansion policy legitimate. It is further proof of what Sinn Fein have been saying all along during the NO to Nice campaigns. Under this Government we are experiencing a definite drift away from military neutrality and towards militarisation and NATO. All people who oppose this new direction in Irish foreign policy need to make themselves heard loud and clear on the issue now, and hold this Government to account before it is too late.''

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