Brussels, 13/06/2003 (Agence Europe) - The German Foreign Affairs Minister, Joschka Fischer, has underlined the importance of relations between the Eu and the United States, despite the momentous differences of opinion over the war in Iraq, and launched an appeal for relations to be revitalised and reinforced, in order to ensure peace and stability in the world. "The EU/United States transatlantic relations are the backbone of the joint security system of the 21st century, not only in Europe, but throughout the world", Mr Fischer said on Wednesday evening in a speech to the American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union (AMCHAM). "We have difference of opinion with our American friends over the war in Iraq, because we did not feel that peaceful means had been exhausted. However, the fact remains that we have the same interests as the United States as to the fight against terrorism and weapons of mass destruction, as well as bringing peace and stability to the Middle East region". None of these objectives can be met without strong, close transatlantic relations, and "any confrontation between Europe and the United States would be absurd", stated Mr Fischer, who also assured the United States that the development of a genuine EU foreign, security and defence policy would strengthen, not undermine, transatlantic relations and NATO. "It is not a strong Europe that threatens NATO, but quite the reverse, a weak Europe. A single strong pillar (the United States) will not be enough. We need two", said Mr Fischer.
As to the EU's coming enlargement and the work of the Convention, Mr Fischer spoke of a "silent revolution", which started in 1989 and which will "completely change the history of modern Europe". "Never again will be see military confrontation within Europe", but we have to remain vigilant to nationalism and ethnic problems (particularly in eastern Europe), which remains "the main challenge" for the enlarged EU, he added.