-Caveat Lector- http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3-549795,00.html
January 21, 2003 France and Germany dream of EU embassies around the world >From Rory Watson in Brussels THE European Union would have its own diplomatic corps with embassies throughout the world under new plans to strengthen its international image. The idea is part of the political package France and Germany presented yesterday to the convention, under the chairmanship of Val�ry Giscard d�Estaing, the former French President, that is drawing up a constitutional blueprint for the EU. The bedrock of the service would be European Commission representations already established in about 130 countries. Under the Franco-German plan, their remit would be broadened to represent the whole EU. They would work closely with national diplomats and be answerable to a European Minister for Foreign Affairs. The new post would replace the EU�s existing schizophrenic approach to foreign policy, whereby external relations are handled jointly by Chris Patten, who is responsible to the Commission, and Javier Solana, who answers to EU governments. The position is intended to combine the political authority that Se�or Solana enjoys with the financial and personnel resources under Mr Patten�s control. Peter Hain, the Government�s representative at the convention, said yesterday that the idea had merits, provided that the holder took instructions from member states. �It is important to ensure Europe speaks with a clear voice on the international stage,� he said. �If George W. Bush wants to phone Europe, he speaks to the President of the Council (of Europe). If Colin Powell wants to, then he dials the new foreign representative.� Britain also supports the Franco-German idea of EU heads of government electing a powerful, long-term President, and Mr Hain tried to reassure small countries that this would not lead to domination by larger members. Mr Hain suggested that all member states should be treated equally and have a European Commissioner. He proposed maintaining the rotating six-month presidency for informal ministerial meetings, allowing countries to host these on their own soil. However, yesterday�s meeting revealed the extent of suspicion over the idea of a new European President. Gijs de Vries, the Dutch Government representative, said that it would lead to �confusion, acrimony and stalemate�. �The future European President would be the most powerful politician in Europe, but would not be elected by the people or accountable to a democratic body,� he said to loud applause. Equally trenchant criticism came from the Belgian and Greek representatives. The Franco-German paper also calls for the election of the Commission President by the European Parliament, wider legislative and budgetary powers for the Parliament and a right for national parliaments to intervene if they believe that the EU has overstepped its powers. Forwarded for your information. The text and intent of the article have to stand on their own merits. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107, this material is distributed without charge or profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving this type of information for non-profit research and educational purposes only. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe simply because it has been handed down for many genera- tions. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumoured by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is written in Holy Scriptures. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of teachers, elders or wise men. Believe only after careful observation and analysis, when you find that it agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all. Then accept it and live up to it." The Buddha on Belief, from the Kalama Sut <A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/";>www.ctrl.org</A> DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion & informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic screeds are unwelcomed. Substance�not soap-boxing�please! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory'�with its many half-truths, mis- directions and outright frauds�is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRLgives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html <A HREF="http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html";>Archives of [EMAIL PROTECTED]</A> http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ <A HREF="http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/";>ctrl</A> ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
