LJUBLJANA, March 14 (Hina) - The European Union's High Representative for the Common Security and Foreign Policy, Javier Solana, conceded in Ljubljana on Friday that Europe's states could not crucially influence a U.N. resolution on
the Iraqi crisis.
LJUBLJANA, March 14 (Hina) - The European Union's High
Representative for the Common Security and Foreign Policy, Javier
Solana, conceded in Ljubljana on Friday that Europe's states could
not crucially influence a U.N. resolution on the Iraqi crisis. #L#
Decisions on Iraq are made at the Security Council and the views of
EU nations which are Council members differ, Solana said, adding
the EU could not lead the Security Council as it included states
which had their obligations and which at the moment were not bound
by EU decisions.
Addressing a joint news conference after talks with Slovene Prime
Minister Anton Rop, Solana further said that despite a difference
in opinion within the EU, there was agreement as to several elements
regarding the Iraq crisis. These are disarmament, the central role
of the United Nations in the solving of the crisis, the importance
of international arms inspectors, and the stand that resorting to
force is the last solution, he said.
Another shared view within the EU is concern over the consequences a
war in Iraq would have on the entire region and the Near East peace
process, said Solana.
Rop said he expected Solana's visit would help Slovenia's
constituents choose EU and NATO entry at a referendum next Sunday.
The two organisations are "two sides of the same medal", he said.
Commenting on dilemmas in Slovenia as to differences between the EU
and NATO, Solana said the alliance ensured the collective security
of the Union, which he added was why most EU nations were also NATO
members.
(hina) ha sb