A brief report on the international colloquium on neutrality and non-alignment in the post-cold war era Malta 4-8 November 1991

Abstract

1. For this International Colloquium, organised by the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies with the cooperation of the Foundation for International Studies, distinguished experts were invited from various countries including Austria, Egypt, France, Malta, Sweden, Switzerland and Tunisia. Also taking an active part in the Colloquium were the High Commissioner of India and the Ambassador of Palestine. Among the observers from the various diplomatic missions in attendance, were those of United States and Germany. Also in attendance were students presently following the Master in Diplomacy course at the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies who hail from Albania, Egypt, Malta, Palestine, Rumania, Tunisia and Yugoslavia. Their active participation throughout the Colloquium was greatly appreciated by one and all. 2. In the welcome speech to the participants and guests, Professor Dietrich Kappeler, Director of the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies, noted that ''the very notions of neutrality and non-alignment have been profoundly affected by the developments of the last three years''. Whereas neutrality as non-participation in a given armed conflict remains certainly an option also in the future, permanent neutrality as a lasting policy needs re-thinking and may have to be adjusted to changing circumstances in Europe and worldwide. On the other hand, with the disappearance of the cold war, the concept of non-alignment has given rise to the query whether in present and future international relations there is still the need for it: He highlighted the fact that at the Accra Meeting a few weeks ago, the Non-Aligned Movement decided not to change its name but failed to answer the question of what should be now its purpose. 3. Professor Guido De Marco, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Justice of Malta, was invited to open officially the International Colloquium.