DAYTON: PICULA SPEAKS ON NATO'S ROLE IN SOUTHEAST EUROPE

DAYTON, Nov 18 (Hina) - NATO is undoubtedly the most convincing mechanism of collective security in the world today and the question of its long-term strategic role in Southeast Europe is a question of expansion, Croatia's foreign minister said on Saturday.#L# Besides being efficient as a security mechanism, NATO also acts toward the protection of the basic human values and rights, democracy, the rule of law and overall stability, Picula told a conference in Dayton marking the fifth anniversary of the Dayton peace accords which ended the conflicts in Bosnia. Also attending the conference is President Stipe Mesic. "NATO offers possibilities of collective defence aimed at preserving peace and security in general, by bringing the continents closer," said Picula. Speaking about NATO's expansion, which he thinks is inevitable, the foreign minister said it should be assessed if more members would lead to "the expansion of the territory of collective security or open some security doubts." "We have to distinguish between each country's wishes and possibilities (because) membership in NATO doesn't bring only privileges... but also envisages each member's tasks and obligations," said Picula. He also spoke about the Partnership for Peace programme, which he does not sees as "only NATO's entrance-hall." "It would be wrong to underestimate its possibilities... given that as a mechanism it provides a serious underpinning to the strengthening of our capabilities which will come of use once we become a NATO member," Picula said. (hina) ha