Information Related to "An Overview of Conditions Around the World - Jul/Aug 1999"
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World News and Trends: An Overview of Conditions Around the World
European Army or NATO?
Romano Prodi, nominated for president of the European Commission, has called
for the creation of a European army as the next logical step in Europe's integration.
Signor Prodi spoke of Europe being marginalized unless it possessed its own defense
forces rather than having to rely so heavily on the United States military.
The British government was shocked by Mr. Prodi's replies to an interview on the
BBC's On the Record. John Maples, Conservative Party spokesman on military
matters, was pointed in his rejoinder: ìThis is yet another step towards a European
state. The single currency, a single fiscal policy, a common foreign policy and joint
armed force constitute a state.î
In the wake of recent accidental bombings in Yugoslavia, some have suggested scrapping
NATO. Wrote British journalist Robert Fisk: ìAs a citizen of the new, modern Europe
. . . I don't want Europe to be 'protected' by the U.S. If that means the
end of the Atlantic Alliance, so be it . . . Until it is, Europe will never--ever--take
responsibility for itself or for the dictators that threaten our society . . .
Until NATO is dead, there will never be a real European defence force.î
The drive for European unity appears to be relentless. While Mr. Prodi spoke of achieving
an army separate from NATO, ìGermany's (minister for defense) Rudolph Scharping gave
a December 2000 deadline for the establishment of a rapid response infrastructure
that will end dependence on the U.S.,î reported Mr. Fisk.
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