Paris, 22/04/2002 (Agence Europe) - Klaus Buehler, President of the Western European Union Assembly, was on an official visit to Rome last week, where he met, among others, Defence Minister Antonio Martino with whom he discussed the Italian Presidency of the WEAG (Western European Armaments Group). An Assembly press release states that, on that occasion, like Mr. Buehler, Mr. Matino hoped for closer integration between civilian and military scientific research, as well as the re-definition of the Petersberg tasks in the light of the events of 11 September.
Mr. Buehler also met the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Roberto Antonione who, according to the press release, urged the Assembly to proffer its experience by putting forward proposals to the Convention. As for Deputy Prime Minister, Gianfranco Fini, Member of the Convention, he said he had taken particular note of the Assembly's discussions on the political and parliamentary shortcomings of ESDP, and said he would ensure that the issue was raised in the Convention. Mr. Buehler also met the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Pierferdinando Casini.