Fragen an den EU-Außenbeauftragten Javier Solana:

Interview for Marlies Fischer/Hamburger Abendblatt
(Brussels , 14.12.2008)
1.) Die EU plant im Kosovo die größte zivile Mission ihrer Geschichte. Warum ist das
Kosovo so wichtig für Europa?
In Kosovo the EU is planning its biggest civilian mission in EU history. Why is Kosovo
so important for Europe?
You just have to look at a map of Europe to see that Balkans are surrounded by EU Member
States. In a Europe where borders have less importance, the regional stability of the Balkans is
a key priority for the EU. We are in a position where we believe that the finals status of
Kosovo has to be resolved in order for Kosovo to move forward, normalise the region and
embark on a substantial reform process. This is undoubtedly a mainly European problem.
Kosovo is geographically a part of Europe and as reiterated by the European Council on 14
December, the future of the whole region lies within the EU.
2.) Wie wird sich diese Mission auf das Verhältnis zu Russland auswirken? Denn
Moskau ist gegen eine einseitige Anerkennung des Kosovo durch die EU.
Will this mission have any impact on the relations to Russia as it is against a one-sided
recognition of Kosovo by the EU?
As you know, the EU and Russia, together with the US, were members of the Troika and we
have worked together with Russia since the beginning of the final status process two years
ago. Also, we should not forget the UN track. The attention now returns to the Security
Council, where Russia is of course a permanent member. We, the Russians and the US all
agree that the current situation is unsustainable and we must therefore hope that we can
together agree on a way in which we can move beyond the current situation to a sustainable
settlement. But I would like to underline that Kosovo is a European problem, and the EU
stands ready to assist Kosovo in the path towards sustainable stability, including by actively
preparing for its missions as part of the international presences.
3.) Die EU ist auch an den Verhandlungen über das Atomprogramm mit dem Iran
beteiligt. Wie geht es in dieser Sache weiter?
The EU is also involved in the negotiations with Iran about their nuclear programme.
How is that issue going on?
The EU is indeed closely involved in the talks with Iran in which I am representing the five
permanent members of the UN Security council plus Germany. The EU and the international
community as a whole are very concerned with the Iranian nuclear programme since up to
now Iran has not provided sufficient guarantees that its programme is intended for civilian
and peaceful purposes only. We have always been in favour of negotiated solution with Iran
on this issue and, in June of 2006, I made, on behalf of the international community, a very
generous offer to Iran that would allow them to answer all their needs in the field of nuclear
energy for civilian purposes. They have refused the offer and not yet met all their obligations
under the United Nations the Atomic Energy International Agency. That is why we had to
follow the UN sanctions path. However we are still willing to negotiate and the offer remains
on the table.
4.) Neben den bereits erwähnten Konflikten sind es auch die Lage im Nahen Osten sowie
die Kriege im Irak und in Afghanistan, die die Menschen beunruhigen. Welcher
Konflikt ist Ihrer Meinung nach die größte Bedrohung des Weltfriedens und warum?
Beside the already mentioned conflicts people are also worrying about the situation in
the Middle East and about the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Which conflict is the most
dangerous for peace in your opinion and why?
Those three conflicts you are mentioning have now been lasting for too long and causing too
much suffering. In each of those theatres, the EU is very much engaged in contributing to a
solution. Concerning the Middle East, let me say that the EU is the main contributor in terms
of humanitarian and financial assistance for the Palestinian people and we are also strongly
supporting the peace process that has received a new impulse with the recent Annapolis
Conference. Next Monday I will participate, in Paris, to the International Donors' Conference
for the Palestinian State intended to assist in the economic and financial development of a
future viable Palestinian State, without which a solution to this conflict won't be possible. As
for Afghanistan, it is very important to help the Afghan authorities in their reconstruction and
stabilization efforts. In June, we started a police assistance mission (EUPOL Afghanistan) that
is contributing to the establishment of sustainable and effective civilian police under Afghan
ownership. We are also supporting the efforts deployed to bring peace back to Iraq. As an
example, the EU is providing, in several Member States, training courses to senior Iraqi
officials from the criminal justice system in order to strengthen the rule of law and promote
a culture of respect for human rights in Iraq.
5.) Nach den Verträgen von Lissabon wird es ab 2009 einen Hohen Vertreter der EU
für Außen- und Sicherheitspolitik geben. Wird die EU dadurch außenpolitisch künftig
eher mit einer Stimme sprechen?
The Treaties of Lisboa state a High Representative of the Union for Foreign and
Security Policy from 2009. Will it improve the EU’s ability to speak with one voice on
Foreign Policy issues?
With the new Treaty we will work much better in the field of foreign policy and security .
We should not underestimate what we have managed to accomplish until now, but the Lisbon
Treaty will enable us to work much more consistently and efficiently. In future, the High
Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy will not only chair the External
Relations Council but he will also be one of the vice-presidents of the Commission. In
carrying out his tasks he will be supported by an External Action Service. All that will make it
possible for the High Representative to mobilize all existing resources and instruments in
order to give the EU more coherence and weight on the international stage. This is very
important since the EU has become a major political player in the world and must be able to
play a commensurate role.
6.) Werden Sie dieses Amt übernehmen?
Will you be the first person in that office?
The Treaty has just been signed and the ratification process has now to be completed in each
Member State. It is a bit early to come up with names. As for me, my present mandate is not
yet over. So for the two coming years I will continue to dedicate all my efforts to represent the
EU on the international stage and contribute, to the best of my abilities, to face some of the
main challenges ahead.