Fragen an den EU-Außenbeauftragten Javier Solana:
Transcription
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.