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On Thursday, 17 February 2005, Jean Asselborn, Luxembourg Minister for Foreign Affairs and current President of the Council of the European Union, received a class of final year students from the French section of the European School in Luxembourg. He gave answers to the various questions that students put to him. You will find a transcript of the questions and answers below:
"Why does the European Union (EU) not take common decisions on foreign-policy issues, such as Iraq, for instance?"
"Europe is an entity, which over the years aims to improve its effectiveness. The war in Iraq has shown that Europe is a colossus in terms of the global economy, but it remains a dwarf on foreign policy issues. Regarding Iraq, Europe was divided in its stance towards the US initiative. One day, and I believe that this day will be 1 January 2007, we will have a European Constitution. This Constitution will include a joint European foreign policy. I’m not saying that it will be a monolithic European foreign policy. Europe is a body of independent States who wish to share many things, so as to speak with one single voice in the future. If, one day, Europe adopts common positions with regard to preventing and settling conflicts, it will have greater influence at a world level. If, on the other hand, Europe does not develop in this way, particularly in the area of foreign policy, it will not carry the desired weight. Politicians, citizens and above all young people must encourage Europe to adopt a common foreign policy."
"What is the EU’s position vis à vis the United States of America?"
"Currently, there is a lot of talk about the future. We have learned what has worked badly in the past, and we now wish to re-establish a more effective working relationship. We must try to influence the US’s views on multilateralism. Some people do not like this word, but in Europe we do. By multilateralism I mean two things: on the one hand, respect for international law, and on the other, the fact that the United Nations should take the lead in the prevention and management of crises. Multilateralism arose after the Second World War to put an end to violence. World peace will not be secured if multilateralism is not respected."
"What is the EU’s position regarding the current conflict in Iraq?"
"We are currently in the process of managing the post-conflict situation. One nation, even the most powerful, can easily win a war, but it cannot ever win peace all by itself. At present the EU is seeking to help the United Nations to re-establish a level of security, to lead Iraq towards a brighter future and to re-instill a sense of hope into millions of Iraqis, who have the right to live in a democratic and secure country. With regard to the Sunnites’ participation in the elections, the EU’s position is very clear: we must try to integrate and involve the Sunnites in the democratic future of Iraq."
"Why does Europe maintain a privileged relationship with Israel, when this country does not respect international law?"
"Europe does not favour the Israelis or the Palestinians. Europe favours peace. And Europe must do everything in its power to bring the two sides together. The Israelis and the Palestinians have come together around a table, which is a very encouraging sign. The Israelis have the right to live in security, and the Palestinians have the right to live in dignity. The Palestinians must re-establish the rule of law, which is primordial at this stage. There can be no dignity or security without peace. Last year, the oil-producing countries gained additional income of 140 billion dollars - they must invest much more in the region."
"What is Luxembourg’s position on Turkey’s accession to the European Union?"
"Luxembourg’s position is crystal clear. Fifty-five out of 60 MPs in the Luxembourg Parliament voted in favour of lauching negotiations, which are due to begin on 3 October 2005. For me, this a very positive step. Obviously, a number of issues still have to be resolved: Cyprus, for instance. We must build a bridge between our two ways of life. Turkey must be given a chance. It will be a major challenge for both sides."
"What can the Luxembourg Presidency contribute to the EU’s future?"
"Over the past decades, Luxembourg has shown that a multicultural society can live and grow together. In Europe, solidarity at all levels, whether economic, social or cultural, is the only means and the only instrument we have with which to combat intolerance, racism and nationalism. All these scourges thrive on hatred. Hatred can be much more explosive than all the atomic reactors on the planet. Europeans can set a shining example to the rest of the world by fostering understanding and solidarity in order to destroy the seeds of hatred."
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