Strasbourg, 14/05/2003 (Agence Europe) - During their latest debate on the Iraqi crisis on Wednesday in Strasbourg, the majority of MEPs insisted on the need for a normalisation in the situation in Iraq and on the contribution that the EU and United Nation have to provide. Practically all highlighted, in this context, the importance of a rapid implementation of the "road map" for the Middle East and some were very critical of the policy of the USA.
Returning from Baghdad, Commissioner Poul Nielson, pointed out that the ECHO office was going to open in Baghdad, ECHO officials were already there and premises had been found. Mr Nielson pointed out that if humanitarian aid was necessary they would not find themselves in a "humanitarian disaster" but the situation remained "very, very fragile", notably in the large cities where there could be a disaster if "occupying forces" did not succeed in rapidly restoring order in the country. The Commissioner stressed that it was necessary to make a clear distinction between immediate humanitarian needs and reconstruction in Iraq, which should be the subject of a larger political debate, with the participation of the United Nations and the Iraqi people, whereas for the instant, decisions concerning the Iraqi assistance fund will be taken by the occupying powers with the United Nations and Iraq having only a consultative role. The participation of the European Commission in this effort will depend on the debate at the Security Council, explained Mr Nelson, while insisting on the positive contribution that the Commission could bring, due in particular to its experience in reconstruction in Kosovo, Afghanistan, East Timor and the Ivory Coast. He did warn, however, that the essential political problems needed to be settled, if this were not the case, it would be difficult for the Commission to play a "meaningful role". A key element in the debate would be the problem of the Iraqi debt, explained Mr Nielson, a problem that demanded an intervention from an "honest broker". He also added that it was inconceivable that the occupying powers could play such a role and which would therefore involve the UN: "anything else will not work, it will create suspicions"". He also stated that the occupying forces were "de facto", those who would also decide what happened to Iraqi oil the moment when sanctions were lifted and which should "normalise the situation in Iraq as a producer and exporter of oil". According to Mr Nielson, the Iraqi affair demonstrated the EU had to be able to take decisions at qualified majority and that "qualified was better than disqualified". With qualified majority, the European Union could adopt a "standpoint", which would be its position even if there were "disagreements" and that with unanimity there was no position at all, he explained.
Just like those who intervened after him, President of the Council, Tassos Giannitstis condemned the terrorist attacks in Riyadh, before mentioning the improvement (still too slow) in the situation in Iraq, which could not return to normality without the participation of the international community, notably the Union and which could bring a significant contribution with regard to re-establishing infrastructures, institutional know-how, negotiations on the Iraqi debt. Recalling the discussions that took place at the informal Gymnich meeting in Rhodes (see EUROPE 6 May p 7), Mr Giannitstis confirmed the Union's priorities: definition of a global coherent policy for Iraq, affirming the right of the Iraqi people to determine its future and exploit its wealth; definition of the UN's role; support for the Middle East peace process and the road map. Helping Iraq to achieve the transition to democracy would have positive consequences for the whole region, pointed out the President of the Council, while also expressing his wish that neighbouring countries would keep their sang-froid and their cool. He averred that the Union should focus on the concrete contribution that it could offer, instead of being stalled due to its own divergences.
The President of the EPP-ED group, Hans-Gert Pöttering said that the Iraq experience had been very bitter in some regards for the Union. He also called on the Fifteen to see this crisis as an opportunity to demonstrate that Europe was capable of being an equal partner with the USA, which should not use terms like "old" and "new" Europe. The CDU MEP explained that their Polish friends, during a meeting in Poland had stressed that they also were part of "old Europe" and would not allow for them to be divided into two. Enrique Baron, President of the Socialist group, highlighted the responsibilities of the forces of occupation in Iraq but also The Hague Convention's limitations on their authority. He also appealed for a decisive role for the United Nations during the reconstruction phase. Calling on all Union countries to tune their violins, which they were all able to do within the Quartet, he asked why this was not the case at the Security Council.
The Iraqi people, which has suffered so much under Saddam (we are only just beginning to understand how much, Mr Baron said), must have the possibility of deciding their future freely. Even if we did not agree on the war, we can but rejoice in Saddam's downfall, Liberal Group President Graham Watson said, hoping that the Union would play an active role in the reconstruction of Iraq, backed by the legitimacy of a UN resolution. The draft resolution of the United States, the United Kingdom and Spain would not give the United Nations the vital role Mr Watson is calling for, as it only confirms the authority of an occupying force for twelve months, which would, among other things, have the power to gain access to oil revenue. Giving a role to the United Nations also means allowing Hans Blix and his inspectors in again, the British Liberal Democrat says. Francis Wurtz, President of the European United Left/Nordic Greens Left, believed the Parliament's decision not to adopt a resolution reflects its inability to define its own identity and to defend it openly. This is "spectacular political resignation", the acceptance of a fait accompli, Mr Wurtz insisted in criticism, calling on Europe to express opposition to this "mad adventure" of a preemptive war policy decreed by the White House. The French communist member therefore requests that the Parliament hold a broad substantive debate on this new strategic doctrine. The American war logic must be rejected, Josst Lagendijk for the Greens/EFA also affirmed, noting that the Americans and the British have won the war but they do not now know on which leg to stand. A new United Nations resolution is needed, Gerard Collins also said on behalf of the UEN group, a resolution that defines certain principles concerning their role, which must be central. EDD Group President Jens-Peter Bonde calls for the United Nations to be helped to play its role, although a small minority is opposed to this. Italian Radical Emma Bonino agrees with Mr Nielson saying it is not a situation of humanitarian disaster but the problems to be resolved are very difficult and concern the future. One question causes concern for Ms Bonino - not a single woman has been present in the discussions over recent weeks concerning Iraq (not even for pouring the coffee or interpreting). The Italian Radicals should again launch a campaign for women to take part in civil and political life, as they did for Afghanistan.
The Union was made powerless by the Iraq crisis. It can and it must draw conclusions from this, Philippe Morillon (UDF) said, inviting the Parliament to give its "unreserved support" to those of their colleagues who are currently working within the Convention in favour of common security and defence policy. Thus, the 25-member Europe may hold a place on the international scene that it was not able to have with 15 members. The military victory in Iraq, notes Luxembourg Socialist Jacques Poos, encourages some to ignore the causes of this unilateral intervention. This is not the way to contribute to a coherent position in Europe with regards foreign policy, the former Luxembourg Foreign Minister said, calling for the "lie of the century" to be elucidated - that of the claimed presence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Another lie is the claimed failure of the United Nations, which, Mr Poos noted, was simply "brutally pushed to one side". The fall of Saddam is good news, Austrian Socialist Johannes Swoboda said for his part, though he still maintained the war was a mistake, as there were alternatives to war. Such is not the opinion of Jas Gawronski (Forza Italia), who cites as proof the fact that, in Iraq, people now have the freedom to say and to read what they want.
British Liberal Emma Nicholson felt that the coalition forces were "doing fine" in Iraq, especially in the southern part of the country. Baroness Nicholson was in Iraq twelve days ago as special envoy for the World Health Organisation. While there, she reopened the WHO office and met many "tribal leaders".