The Diplomatic Times Review

October 04, 2005

Putin Visits London for Economic Summit

Simon Freeman of The Times Online reported October 4, 2005 that, "President [Vladimir] Putin [of Russia] was in London today for an economic summit that threatens to be overshadowed by divisions with the EU over human rights and foreign policy." Read more here.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 07:39 AM | Comments (0)

September 29, 2005

Will a Grand Coalition Govern Germany or Will Schröder Resign?

Germany's Deutsche Welle reported today that, "While Germans wait for the announcement of a new government, speculation is rising about Chancellor Gerhard Schröder's resignation. The publication also sad " the opposition believes more and more in a grand coalition."

"The surprising optimism following Wednesday's [September 28, 2005] talks between Chancellor Gerhard Schröder's Social Democrats (SPD) and the opposition Christian Democrats (CDU) led by Angela Merkel has now been followed by further speculation about how the country will find a way out of its political paralysis," Deutsche Welle added, noting that, "The rumor mill in Berlin is churning out speculation that Schröder would rescind his claims of being chancellor for a third term."

For more analysis, please see "Government Denies Resignation Rumors."

Posted by Munir Umrani at 09:24 PM | Comments (0)

September 27, 2005

Are We Supposed to be Grateful?

Fergus Finlay of The Irish Examiner asked about the so-called Irish Republican Army "decommissioning":

Are we supposed to be grateful? Are we now supposed to flock in our thousands to vote for Sinn Féin? Are we supposed to acknowledge and accept what Martin McGuinness and others call this truly historic moment?

"Well, count me out," he declared in a September 27, 2005 article. Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 07:37 AM | Comments (0)

Slugger O'Toole Has Good Coverage on IRA 'Decommissioning"

For good coverage on the so-called "decommissioning" of the Irish Republican Army, please see the blog Slugger O'Toole, which offers "notes on Northern Ireland politics and culture." The writing is very good.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 07:30 AM | Comments (0)

Columnist Expects Violence to Continue in Northern Ireland

Columnist John O'Sullivan, in a September 27, 2005, article in the Chicago Sun-Times, predicts that: "With the news that the IRA has announced its positively final arms decommissioning, a stately political minuet will begin to revive a power-sharing Northern Ireland Executive that includes Sinn Fein (the unarmed half of the Sinn Fein-IRA octopus)."

For more, please see "A farewell to arms, but not to violence."

Posted by Munir Umrani at 07:22 AM | Comments (0)

September 23, 2005

Writing the Obituary of 'German Conservatism'

Is Germany conservatism dead? Der Spiegel Correspondent Charles Hawley addresses that question in an article in the September 22, 2005 edition of Der Spiegel Online headlined "The Death of German Conservatism." He said:

Amid the post-election noise in Germany, one salient fact has been getting little play. German voters don't trust political parties to the right of the center. It's been a long time coming, but its time to write the obituary of German conservatism.

Here's his analysis.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 07:38 AM | Comments (0)

September 22, 2005

'Counter-Declaration' Clears Hurdle for EU Entry Talks With Turkey

Mark Beunderman at EUObserver.com reported September 22, 2005 that, European Union (EU) "member states on Wednesday (21 September) officially endorsed a hotly contested EU counter statement against Turkey's non-recognition of Cyprus--helping to pave the way for entry talks with Ankara [Turkey] to start on 3 October." Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 06:27 AM | Comments (0)

Kyiv Post Likens Ukraine's Political Crisis to a Circus

The Kyiv Post opined in a September 22, 2005 editorial that,

The latest indication that Ukraine's political culture is again a shambles was parliaments Sept. 20 failure by a mere five votes to confirm Yuriy Yekhanurov, the popular Dnipropetrovsk governor who's a long-time ally of President Viktor Yushchenko, as prime minister.

Thus did the legislature fail to put an end to the all-enveloping circus that's distracting the ruling class of this still-backwards country from doing the important things it needs to do.The publication said, "The backstabbing, the jockeying, the maneuvering, the politicking for the foreseeable future, its all going to continue, and just become more intense."

It certainly seems that way. Read the entire editorial here

Posted by Munir Umrani at 06:06 AM | Comments (0)

September 14, 2005

Slugger O'Toole Has Good Coverage of Orange Order Riots

The Irish blog Slugger O'Toole has good coverage on the riots in Belfast reportedly sparked by the Orange Order parades. The Orange Order blames the police for the troubles.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 11:19 PM | Comments (0)

Britain Says Ulster Volunteer Force has Abandoned Truce

"A major outlawed Protestant group in Northern Ireland has abandoned its 11-year-old truce and is an enemy of the peace once again, Britain declared Wednesday [September 14, 2005] in a long-expected verdict against the Ulster Volunteer Force," according to an Associated Press article in the International Herald Tribune. Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 11:10 PM | Comments (0)

September 12, 2005

Orange Order Claims Shock" at Criticism After Belfast Disturbance

Angelique Chrisafis, Ireland correspondent for The Guardian of London, reported in a September 12, 2005, dispatch that

"Armed loyalists set up roadblocks in Belfast last night in a second night of fierce rioting. With police and the army involved in pitched battles with mobs of loyalists up to 700-strong in the east of the city and renewed rioting at several other flashpoints, men with revolvers stopped cars in north Belfast and Rathcoole.

Chrisafis also said, "With the debris of Saturday [September 10, 2005] night's "orgy of violence" still carpeting the streets and more cars and lorries being added to the wrecks of those burned out earlier, some areas had effectively been turned into no-go areas for security forces." Here's more. Ireland Online, in an article headlined "Clashes at Orange Order parade in Belfast," reported September 10, 2005, that, "Police and army officers" came "under a sustained barrage of petrol bombs in West Belfast as Orange Order marchers pass[ed] by the Springfield Road. The Orange Order, "the largest Protestant organization in Northern Ireland with at least 75,000 members, some of them in the Republic of Ireland, according to the BBC, has come under stinging criticism because things got underhand during the parade. For example, the Daily Telegraph in Britain stated in a September 12, 2005 editorial headlined "Orange Order needs to take a different route,"

From the outset, their violence has tended to be imitative and reactionary. They dimly perceive that the republicans have got to where they are through force of arms rather than force of argument, and half-believe that the same will work for them. They have watched in alarm as the Government has made a series of unilateral concessions to the IRA, most recently disbanding Army battalions and, in their frustration, they want to lash out. In any case, like mafiosi everywhere, they loathe the police - a feeling which, whatever Irish nationalists believe, is heartily reciprocated.

Also, Belfast Telegraph correspondent Clare Weir reported on September 12, 2005 that, Sir Hugh Stephen Orde , the Chief Constable for Northern Ireland, "has blamed the Orange Order for some of the most dangerous riots ever to take place in the UK." Weir noted that:

The Chief Constable said said that the Whiterock parade on Saturday became "illegal" on many levels and was the "catalyst" for the violent scenes on the streets of Belfast and several towns in County Antrim. "He also said that he had seen footage of Orangemen attacking police with ceremonial artefacts." "The catalyst for this violence was the march and the Orange Order have to take responsibility," he said. "On July 12 I laid the blame on republican rioters and I actually congratulated the Orange Order on its restraint. I am doing no more, no less on this occasion." The Chief Constable paid tribute to some political representatives for preventing the initial trouble from escalating. "I did not call people to come out onto the streets," he said. "Our job was to police the determination of the Parades Commission and the determination was breached, root and branch. "Supporters tried to follow the bandsmen through and, were it not for the actions of Nigel Dodds and Fred Cobain, the situation could have been much worse.

Correspondent Weir said, "Yesterday, Grand Master of the Orange Order Robert Saulters said that he had not been aware of any attacks on police from Orangemen." In a followup article, Weir reported that, Orange Order officials last night [September 11, 2005] said they were "staggered" by the stinging criticism of the Chief Constable after the violence which followed the Whiterock parade." "The Order said it would be carrying out its own investigation into weekend rioting and would not be engaging in "tit-for-tat arguments in the media". "A spokeswoman said: "That is not the way to evaluate the situation. We are collecting evidence and will provide our own evaluation at an appropriate time." Weir said, "Meanwhile an Orangeman and Policing Board member has said "everyone is to blame" for the weekend disturbances which wreaked havoc and destruction in Belfast."

Posted by Munir Umrani at 06:53 AM | Comments (0)

August 22, 2005

The Guardian: "US Website Names MI6 Officers'

Richard Norton Taylor of The Guardian reported August 22, 2005 that, "An American website posted what it purported to be the names of 74 members of the [British] Secret Intelligence Service, MI6," August 21, 2005.

For more, see "US website names MI6 officers." As of this post, I'm still trying to locate the website.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 05:57 AM | Comments (0)

August 18, 2005

Where is British Prime Minister Tony Blair?

"Prime Minister Tony Blair has left London and gone on holiday, that much the British public knows. But exactly where is Blair, the important world leader with a rather recognizable mug?" asked the Chicago Tribune in an August 18, 2005 article.

Is he in Hiding? Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 09:20 PM | Comments (0)

August 11, 2005

Britain's HLCC Seeks Written Evidence for War-Making Inquiry

Britain's House of Lords Constitution Committee (HLCC) has "decided to conduct an inquiry on the use of the royal prerogative power by Government to deploy the UK's armed forces," according to the HLCC website and press reports.

On August 11, 2005, the HLCC invited "interested organizations and individuals to submit written evidence as part of its inquiry, reflecting the guidance given below." HLCC said "written evidence should reach the Committee as soon as possible and no later than Monday 31 October 2005," the Committee said. Below are the guidelines:

Scope of the Committee's inquiry

In particular, the Committee invites evidence on the following themes:

(1) What alternatives are there to the use of royal prerogative powers in the deployment of armed forces?

(2) Can models, drawn from the practice of other democratic States, provide useful comparisons?

(3) Should Parliament have a role in the decision to deploy armed forces?

(4) If Parliament should have a role, what form should this take?a) Should Parliamentary approval be required for any deployment of British forces abroad, whether or not into conflict situations? b)Should Parliamentary approval be required before British forces engage in actual use of force? Is retrospective approval ever sufficient?

(5) Is there a need for different approaches regarding deployment of UK armed forces: a) required under existing international treaties;b) taken in pursuance of UN Security Council authorization;c) as part of UN peace-keeping action;d) placed under the operational control of the UN or a third State?

(6) Should the Government be required, or expected, to explain the legal justification for any decision to deploy UK armed forces to use force outside the UK, including providing the evidence upon which the legal justification is based?

(7) Should the courts have jurisdiction to rule upon the decision to use force and/or the legality of the manner in which force is used. If so, should that jurisdiction be limited by considerations of justiciability of any of the issues involved?

The committee said, "Under the royal prerogative powers, a government can declare war and deploy armed forces without the backing or consent of Parliament. However, the Government did allow Parliament a vote before the Iraq war in 2003, leading to calls that it should be required to seek Parliaments approval before taking action in future conflicts."

Here is background on the call for an inquiry.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 09:30 PM | Comments (0)

The Times: 'Blair's Power to Go to War Comes Under Assault'

Rosemary Bennett, Deputy Political Editor of The Times Online of London, reported August 12, 2005 that, "Centuries old powers that allow the prime minister to take Britain to war without parliamentary consent will be challenged this autumn by an influential committee of peers."

"The House of Lords Constitution Committee is to hold an inquiry into the royal prerogative power, which allows prime ministers to deploy the Armed Forces without the backing of MPs," she wrote, adding: "The inquiry will intensify the pressure on Tony Blair to give Parliament the final say over whether troops go into battle. He broke with precedent in March 2003 and offered MPs a vote before committing troops to war in Iraq, although their decision was not binding," Ms. Bennett noted. Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 09:10 PM | Comments (0)

July 30, 2005

Austria To Send Troops to Afghanistan

"Austria will send a group of 93 soldiers to Afghanistan to help keeping security during the parliamentary election in the country," CRI Online reported July 30, 2005. Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 10:20 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Blair And Ahern's Statements On IRA Disarmament

If you are interested in British Prime Minister Tony Blair's July 28, 2005 statement on the Irish Republican Army's (IRA) July 28, 2005 announcement that will end its armed campaign against Britain and the Irish Government and its supporters, read it here.

Here is the joint statement issued by Mr. Blair and Bertie Ahern, the 10th Taoiseach of Ireland.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 01:48 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

British, Irish Goverments Will Force DUP To Hold Talks With Sinn Fein

Mark Devenport, the BBC's Northern Ireland political editor, reported July 30, 2005 that,

The British and Irish governments are making it clear that they will put the thumbscrews on the DUP (Democratic Unionist Party) to talk to Sinn Fein early in the New Year if an Independent Monitoring Commission report gives the IRA (Irish REpublican Army) a clean bill of health in January [2005].

"DUP sources are indicating that it could be 18 months to two years before they will consider sharing power with republicans," according to Mr. Devenport. Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 11:16 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

July 29, 2005

Will IRA's Promise To Disarm End Sectarian Mistrust?

Reuters Correspondent Paul Majendie said, "The Irish Republican Army's promise to end its armed struggle against Britain has breathed new life into efforts to restore self-rule in Northern Ireland."

"But decades of sectarian mistrust mean that for victims as well as politicians words must be backed by action before the armalite rifle is finally replaced by the ballot box," he wrote. For more see, "Grief as raw as ever for IRA victims."

Posted by Munir Umrani at 06:40 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

White House Statement On IRA Disramament

White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan told reporters July 28, 2005: "We welcome today's IRA statement pledging "an end to the armed campaign." This is an important and potentially historic statement." Here's the entire statement.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 06:35 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

The IRA's Disarmament Statement

Here is a link to the full text of the Irish Republican Army's disarmament statement as provided by CNN.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 06:29 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Derry Journal: A Defining Moment In IRA History Arrived Yesterday

Sean McLaughlin of the Derry (Ireland) Journal told the papers readers July 29, 2005 that, "A defining moment in the history of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) arrived yesterday [July 28, 2005] when the organization - once regarded as the world's most deadly paramilitary movement - ordered an end to its armed campaign." Here's more of his very informative article.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 06:23 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

The Belfast Telegraph Looks At 30-Years Of IRA History

David McKittrick of the Belfast Telegraph notes that "Armed Irish republicanism has been around in various guises for centuries: the Protestant rebel Wolfe Tone, who died in the 1798 rebellion, is today revered as its founding father by the IRA (Irish Republican Army) and others."

See Mr. McKittrick's "30 years of War" for a brief history of the IRA, which announced July 28, 2005 that it would lay down is arms. I suspect there will be some holdouts. Also see "Key events since IRA ceasefire."

Posted by Munir Umrani at 06:57 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

July 24, 2005

London Mayor 'Red Ken' Livingstone Is Popular But Controversial

Here is an interesting article on London's popular but contreversial Mayor Ken "Red Ken" Livingstone. It was written by M. Ghazali Khan of The Milli Gazette of India. Here's is a Jerusalem Post article on Mr. Livingstone. Also see "A British Tale of Tony and Red Ken."

Posted by Munir Umrani at 06:48 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

July 21, 2005

VOA: London Attacks Renew Debate Over Asylum, Immigration

The Voice of America (VOA) told its listeners today that, "Along with fears of Islamic terrorism, the July 7 attacks in London - and new explosions Thursday [July 21, 2005] in the British capital - are renewing European debates over immigration and asylum laws, and how to treat roughly 40 million foreigners living in the region.

"It is too early to say what the fallout will be," VOA correspondent Lisa Bryant reported from Paris. "But some human rights groups fear the emergence of a fortress Europe with closed borders to foreigners. Others disagree." Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 09:31 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Leaks Undermine Blair's Position on July 7 Bombings

Ekklesia, a not-for-profit British thinktank, published a July 20, 2005 article that said:

The UK government has established a joint task force with British Muslims to look at how to combat extremism among elements of their communities. But in examining root causes, Prime Minister Tony Blair continues to maintain vehemently that there is no connection between the London bombings of 7 July and Western policy in Iraq.

The article noted that, "Yesterday [July 19, 2005] a leaked report from the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (a body that brings together relevant representatives of the security services) was quoted as noting last month that “events in Iraq are continuing to act as motivation and a focus." For more, see "Don’t mention the war, says Blair."

Posted by Munir Umrani at 04:52 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Will Blair Let Yusuf al-Qaradawi Speak At Muslim Conference?

The Cambridge Evening News reported July 21, 2005 that, British "prime minister Tony Blair spent the afternoon with Muslim leaders in Downing Street" while "a debate raged outside about plans for a controversial Egyptian cleric to speak at an Islamic conference in Britain."

The publication said, "Yusuf al-Qaradawi, 79, who is banned from entering the United States, has been invited to appear at the conference in Manchester just weeks after the [July 7, 2005] London bombings - despite his support for Palestinian suicide bombers who target civilians in Israeli towns and cities." Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 04:41 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

It Won't Work, Mr. Blair, Without Changes in Your Iraq Policy

The Guardian today noted that the government of British Prime Minister Tony Blair "announced yesterday [July 20, 2005] that extremists who use radical preaching, websites or inflammatory articles to incite others to commit acts of terrorism will face automatic vetting before being allowed into the country."

"The home secretary, Charles Clarke, said officials would draw up a list of "unacceptable" activities intended to promote or provoke terrorism, in the wake of the [July 7, 2005] London bombings, which killed 56 people and injured hundreds more."

I doubt these measures will stop bombers from striking, especially when they come from within. Besides, I suspect that, the U.S. and Britain's record in Iraq since the end of the first Gulf War has caused more radicalization of Muslims around the world than any imam ever could with his speeches and writings.

See "Blair consults security chiefs over new powers" for more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 07:31 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

July 19, 2005

Deutsche Welle: 'Europe Must Wait For Arrest Law'

Deutsche Welle reported July 19, 2005 that, "German politicians are split on a ruling by Germany's highest court that struck a blow to the EU arrest warrant. The justice minister wants revisions implemented before September, others see a threat to citizens' rights," the German publication said. Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 06:35 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

July 15, 2005

Shields: It's Not Definite Fourth Bomber Is From Jamaica

The Jamaica Observer reported July 15, 2005 that, "Jamaica's crime chief Mark Shields huddled yesterday [July 14, 2005] with officials of the British High Commission, as news spread that a Jamaican [named Germaine Lindsay] might be one of four suicide bombers that killed 52 people in London, but denied later that any investigation was ongoing from his end." See "Nothing yet to confirm London bomber Jamaican, says Shields."

Posted by Munir Umrani at 12:42 AM | Comments (0)

Alleged Bombing Mastermind Has A Masters Degree in Chemistry

Summer Said of Arab News reported from Cairo on July 15, 2005, that, Magdi Al Nashar, who has links to the house in the English city of Leeds where the bombs [that exploded in London on July 7, 2005] were made, was described by his friends here as quiet and non-political person. He got his BA in chemistry from Cairo University in 1994 and then later obtained his masters in 1998," she wrote. She said Mr. Al-Nashar is "suspected of being the mastermind" behind the bombings, according to reports in British newspapers on July 14, 2005. For more, read "Egyptian Suspected of Being London Blasts Mastermind."

Posted by Munir Umrani at 12:30 AM | Comments (0)

Was The Fourth London Bomber Jamaican?

"It is now believed that the fourth bomber [in the July 7, 2005 bombings in London that resulted in the deaths of 54 people and the wounding of hundreds more] is a Jamaican-born Briton," according Mushtak Parker of Arab News. Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 12:20 AM | Comments (0)

July 13, 2005

What London Authorities Feared Most: Homegrown Bombers

The revelation that those responsible for the July 7, 2005 bombings in London "was the nightmare scenario that the authorities feared most - suicide bombings carried out by British citizens leading seemingly ordinary lives, slipping under the radar of the security agencies," writes Kim Sengupta of The Independent Online. See "The police's nightmare: home-grown terrorists" for more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 06:47 AM | Comments (0)

July 12, 2005

Are British Politicians Afraid To Link Bombings To Iraq War?

"Did the war on Iraq increase the likelihood of a terrorist attack on London?" According to Nick Assinder, political correspondent for the BBC News website, "It is a question in the front of many minds in Britain - but one few politicians are yet ready to ask in public."

See "London bombs:The Iraq question" for more of Mr. Assinder's analysis.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 10:33 PM | Comments (0)

Were Military Explosives Used In London Bombings?

Christophe Chaboud, "head of the French Anti-Terrorism Co-ordination Unit" sent to London to help investigate the July 7, 2005 bombings in which 52 were killed and hundreds wounded, "told Le Monde newspaper [of France] that the explosives used in the bombings were of " military origin", which he described as "very worrying," reports The Independent of London. He said:

We're more used to cells making home-made explosives with chemicals. How did they get them? Either by trafficking, for example, in the Balkans, or they had someone on the inside who enabled them to get out of the military establishment.

Mr. Chaboud, according to The Independent, "added that the victims' wounds suggested that the explosives, which were " not heavy but powerful", had been placed on the ground, perhaps underneath seats." Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 06:39 AM | Comments (0)

EU Justice, Interior Ministers To Meet In Wake Of London Bombings

Deutsche Welle reported July 12, 2005 that, "As London does what it can to continue its return to normality, the EU justice and interior ministers are scheduled to meet on Wednesday [July 13, 2005] to boost an EU-wide action plan to continue the fight against terror." The report said:

Although the talks are not expected to yield any new initiatives, it is widely expected that Britain, which took over the rotating EU presidency on July 1, will put pressure on the union to approve plans to strengthen protection of key infrastructure targets such as transport and energy networks.

Britain is also calling for introducing a regulations to oblige telecommunications companies to retain for one year records detailing customers' call and e-mail correspondents and the Internet sites they visit. But the plan has drawn widespread criticism from companies, complaining about the implied costs, and from civil liberties groups, who claim it would violate the right to privacy.According to Deutsche Welle, " British Home Secretary Charles Clarke also wants EU ministers to pass an "evidence warrant" which would facilitate the inter-European exchange of evidence to be used in court cases." Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 05:46 AM | Comments (0)

July 11, 2005

Opening Old Wounds? Were They Ever Closed?

Zaman Online stated July 11, 2005, in an article signed by the Foreign News Desk, that, "The commemoration ceremonies for the 10th anniversary of the Srebrenica massacre opens the wounds of people who witnessed the bloodbath. In the Srebrenica carnage, 8,000 Muslim Bosnians were massacred towards the end of the Bosnian War in Srebrenica, under the United Nation's (UN) protection," the publication said. Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 07:14 AM | Comments (0)

Deutsche Welle: Can Serbia Face The Past?

Can Serbia face the past? That question was asked by Deutsche Welle of Germany as noted that, July 11, 2005 "marks the 10th anniversary of the Srebrenica massacre, when Serbian forces killed about 8,000 Muslims during the Bosnian war."

The publication said, "Observers in Germany say Serbia's future hinges on a readiness to take responsibility."

In a recent statement, the Serbian government said:

When condemning crimes, it is of decisive importance not to distinguish between innocent victims according to their nationality or faith. The Serbian government strongly condemns all war crimes committed during the civil war in the former Yugoslavia.

Deutsche Welle noted that, "in this recent statement, Belgrade did not single out the Srebrenica massacre as the worst war crime committed on European soil since the end of World War II as many had hoped. Instead, it called it a "serious crime" along with atrocities against ethnic Serbs during the war. It's a sign that the Balkan country is still struggling to come to terms with its past despite recent signs that the war's worst criminals might finally be brought to justice," Deutsche Welle concluded. Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 07:06 AM | Comments (0)

July 10, 2005

Italians Debating Over New Security Measures

"Italy is debating whether it needs new tools to deal with terrorism following the London bombings, like specialized judges, incentives for informants and faster expulsion of illegal immigrants," Reuters AlertNet reported July 10, 2005.

The wire service said, "Outspoken Reforms Minister Roberto Calderoli has even put forward the highly remote option of declaring war in order to provide the state with emergency powers, while bringing troops home from Iraq to guard against a terrorist attack."

Reuters noted that, "Italy, a U.S. ally with forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, has heightened security after threats from Islamic militant groups in the wake of the Thursday's [July 7, 2005] bombings in London." Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 03:01 PM | Comments (0)

June 20, 2005

Blair Attacks EU's Culture Of 'Cobbled-together Compromise'

Simon Freeman of Times Online of London reported June 20, 2005 that British Prime Minister Tony Blair "won rare plaudits from Michael Howard today as the leader of the Opposition congratulated him for his defence of Britain's European Union budget rebate at an EU summit last month."

"Mr Howard's words of praise came after the Prime Minister, in a statement to the Commons, attacked the EU's culture of "cobbled-together compromise" and tore into the institution whose presidency he takes over in ten days time," Mr. Freeman wrote. See "Blair berates 'cobbled together' Europe" for more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 03:40 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

June 19, 2005

Is ETA Undergoing An IRA-Like Split?

Franco Aleman at BarcePundit (English) has interesting questions about the Basque group Euskadi Ta Askatasuna, or ETA's "two communiqués in 48 hours, and an attack clearly contradicting the second one..."

"Are we seeing an IRA-like split between more and less violent factions, for and against laying down arms?" Mr. Aleman asks. "Or is it all just what ETA has shown several times in the past to be masters of, a carefully administered position to put a driving a wedge between the different groups in front of them? Divide and conquer?"

Time will tell. Here's more. Also see "ETA Making An Offer You Can't Refuse."

Posted by Munir Umrani at 06:20 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

June 18, 2005

Failed Budget Talks Leads To War Of Words Among EU States

The BBC reports that "A bitter war of words has erupted among EU states after the failure to reach an agreement on the union's future budget." Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 09:27 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

June 17, 2005

Are EU Leaders Listenting to Constituents, Or Themselves?

Thanks to Richard North at EU Referendum for pointing to EuActiv.Com's article "EU wants renewed dialogue, but no changes." Mr. North said, "one really does wonder whether they (European Union leaders) are listening to themselves, or are even capable of so doing." After reading the EUActiv.Com article, I wondered the same.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 07:15 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

June 16, 2005

The EU Has Faced Crisis Before

The Economist reminds its readers that "The European Union has faced crisis before." The distinguished journal noted that:

The 1970s are widely considered a lost decade for European integration. In the 1990s, Danish voters rejected the Maastricht treaty. And Irish voters did the same with the Nice treaty in 2001. So while French and Dutch voters have recently delivered a stinging slap in the face for ever closer union between the EUs 25 members, by voting to reject the Unions proposed constitution, the show will go on. This week in Brussels, the leaders of the EUs member states will be meeting to try to determine exactly how.

See "Europe's Painful Summit" for more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 12:32 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

France Raises Doubts About Turkey Entering EU

The Times of London reported June 16, 2005 that, "France opened a third front with Britain on the eve of todays European Union summit by publicly voicing grave reservations about Turkeys impending membership," Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 12:19 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Britain Will Use Veto, If Necessary, To Protect Rebate

The Daily Telegraph of London reported June 16, 2005 that, "On the eve of the two-day [European Union summit in Brussels}, Jack Straw, the [British] Foreign Secretary, told [British] MPs the only way to resolve the [European Union budget] crisis was through a "fundamental review" of EU expenditure, not through removing the UK's rebate."

"Until and unless such a rebalancing of spending takes place, the UK's rebate remains fully justified and we will, if necessary, use our veto to protect it, " Mr Straw said. See "Summit faces deadlock if Blair refuses to give ground."

Posted by Munir Umrani at 12:15 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

June 15, 2005

The Future of the European Constitution.

On June 13, 2005, the British House of Commons Research Library issued a research paper on "The Future of the European Constitution." Vaughne Miller of the Internal Affairs and Defense Section of the library makes this observation in the introduction.

The rejection of the Treaty Establishing a constitution for Europe (European Constitution) in referendums in France and the Netherlands has brought about a crisis in the EU. There is no consensus on how to proceed with the constitutional process launched by the Laeken Declaration in December 2001, or on whether Member States should continue with ratification of the Constitution. One certainty is that the Constitution cannot come into force until all 25 Member States have ratified it.

Miller noted that the paper "looks at the outcome of the two referendums, reaction to and commentary on them, and possible scenarios for future EU reform."

Posted by Munir Umrani at 07:18 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Deutsche Welle's Quick Guide to the EU Summit

Deutsche Welle offers a summary of issues confronting European leaders when they meet June 16 and 17, 2005 in Brussels, Belgium. Among the issues to be tackled is a budgetary framework. According to Deutsche Welle :

The summit will aim to agree on the EU's budgetary framework for 2007-2012. The so-called net contributors -- including Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden -- which put more into the EU coffers than they get back, want to cut their payments and limit spending to no more than one percent of the bloc's gross national income.

In the run-up to the summit, Britain has come under fire from EU leaders headed by French President Jacques Chirac for refusing to freeze the rebate it negotiated in 1984, when it was the bloc's poorest member. Currently, the rebate totals an average of 4.6 billion euros ($5.55 billion) annually, and almost 10 percent of it is now paid by the poorer EU members from eastern Europe who joined last year. British Prime Minister Tony Blair has been adamant that his country will not give way on the rebate unless agriculture subsidies, from which Britain hardly profits, are subjected to drastic cuts. Deutsche Welle noted that President Chirac "has categorically ruled out any reduction in the subsidies, which his country's farmers rely on." See "A Quick Guide to the EU Summit" for other issues.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 06:05 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

June 13, 2005

The Anglo-French Spat Over Britain's Yearly Rebate.

Honor Mahony of EU Observer.Com takes a look at "Anglo-French spat as London and Paris traded insults" at the EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels "over their respective red lines" on "the British yearly rebate" of "around 4.6 billion euros." Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 09:54 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

EU, Russia Deepen Cooperation on Judicial Matters

The European Union and Russia "have agreed to deepen their cooperation over judicial matters, examining potential joint projects to ensure the independence and effectiveness of both sides' court systems," according to The Lawyer.Com. Read more here.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 09:37 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

June 07, 2005

Doug Muir Blogging From Albania

Doug Muir at A Fistful of Euros is blogging from Albania this week. His June 7, 2005 post on the Balkan nation, which he says is "in a dead heat with Moldova for the not-coveted title of Europes Poorest Country," paints an interesting picture of Tirana, Albania's capital. Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 09:22 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

June 06, 2005

Poland: Britain's EU Position Doesn't Change Anything

"In what is clearly a move to counter the fall-out from the British announcement to postpone the ratification of the EU constitution, Polish foreign minister Adam Rotfeld has come out strongly declaring that the constitution is still alive," reports Richard North in a June 7, 2005 report in EU Referendum.

He said, "according to a report from AFX (via Forbes), Rotfeld told a press conference in Warsaw yesterday that: "The position taken by the British does not change anything." See EU Referendum's 'Stroke... and counter-stroke." The article is very informative.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 08:29 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

It's Official: Britain Postpones EU Constitution Vote

"Well, now it's official," wrote Edward at A Fistful of Euros on June 6, 2005. "Britain, which takes over the presidency of the European Union next month, has postponed indefinitely a troubled referendum on the bloc's constitution following its rejection in France and the Netherlands, Prime Minister Tony Blair's office said Monday," [June 6, 2005]. Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 08:13 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

June 05, 2005

Swiss Want Closer Ties With EU on Security, Asylum Issues

"Fifty-four per cent of Swiss have backed closer cooperation with the European Union on security and asylum issues in a vote on Sunday," June 5, 2005, according to Swiss Info. See "Swiss vote to join Schengen area" for more on the vote. Also see "Backing for Schengen/Dublin begins to slide."

Posted by Munir Umrani at 12:15 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Zapatero's ETA Policy Disavowed By Some Spaniards

Franco Aleman at BarcePundti, English-edition, has what he calls "an impressive image of yesterday's protest" in Madrid, Spain against Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero's "move towards negotiating with ETA (Euskadi Ta Askatasuna)."

The photos are impressive. I wonder whether the size of the demonstrations will make Mr. Zapatero change his mind about the negotiations.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 08:50 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Can EU Keep Crisis From Widening?

Deutsche Welle of Germany has an article today, June 5, 2005, that says, "The EU risks further turmoil as it fights to avoid a escalation of one of its worst crises even as French and German leaders underlined Saturday[June 4, 2005] that the ratification process of the new constitution should go on."

"The 25-nation bloc is desperately grappling for a way ahead after French and Dutch voters dealt an apparently fatal double-blow to its long-cherished constitution last week," Deutsche Welle reported. "But there is no obvious solution, and the crisis is threatening to drive a wedge between key EU governments not only about the fate of the constitution, but about the whole future of the European project," the article said. See "EU Battles to Keep Crisis From Widening" to read more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 08:02 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Will Tony Blair 'Stay In Power To Sort Out EU Crisis'

"Tony Blair could carry on as British Prime Minister for another two to three years, now that plans for a European referendum have been dropped, his old ally Peter Mandelson claimed today," reports Ireland On-Line. The publication said, "Mr Mandelson, now Britain's EU commissioner, said that the crisis facing the EU following the rejection of the new constitution by French and Dutch voters, would provide Mr Blair with a fresh challenge." See "Blair 'could stay in power to sort out EU crisis'" for more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 07:24 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

May 31, 2005

Dominique de Villepin: France's New Prime Minister

As Scotsman.Com noted in a profile on him, Dominique de Villepin, France's new prime minister, "captured the worlds attention with an impassioned speech in 2003 supporting France's opposition to an invasion of Iraq."

The 51-year old poet, politician and former foreign minister from 2002-2004 was "named prime minister of France" May 31, 2005. He succeeds former Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin, who was replaced by President Jacque Chirac following the May 29, 2005 majority "Non" vote in France on the EU Constitution. Scotsman.Com calls de Villepin's elevation "the latest leap in a charmed career as foreign minister, writer, trusted adviser to President Jacques Chirac and, since last year, interior minister." Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 07:18 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

May 30, 2005

Views of Some European Politicians After France's EU Vote

EurActive has interesting quotes from European politicians in the aftermath of the May 29, 2005 French referendum on the European Union Constitution. See "Disappointment in yes camp after 'non' to Constitution."

Posted by Munir Umrani at 09:09 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

The Blair EU Presidency and the EU Constitution

Scotsman.Com asserts in a May 30, 2005 editorial that, "yesterday's French rejection of the European Constitution is seen by Tony Blair and the European establishment as posing a "profound question" for the Continent's future. The fact that on Thursday [June 2, 2005] the Dutch could follow suit could make life even more difficult for the Brussels bureaucrats who have staked their future and their considerable salaries on its acceptance," the publiation said.

"Their instinct will be to persuade Mr Blair, when he assumes the rotating EU presidency on July 1, to try and save this blueprint for the future," Scotsman.Com opined, adding: "And indeed it will be his also. The Prime Minister believes that his place in history could be assured by persuading Britain to vote in favour of the constitution, perhaps not as good as his original ambition to persuade a sceptical UK population to join the euro, but in the wake of the French vote that would appear to be virtually impossible." See "Blair should grasp opportunity with both hands" for more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 08:15 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

BBC: French Press Stunned By 'Non'

According to the BBC, "Several French papers see the country's rejection of the proposed European constitution as a major blow to President Jacques Chirac. Other commentators trace the defeat of the "Yes" campaign back to the shock second place won by the National Front's Jean-Marie Le Pen in the 2002 presidential election," the BBC added in a May 30, 2005 report. Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 07:52 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Straw to Address House of Commons on France's EU No Vote

This is London reported May 30, 2005 that, British "Foreign Secretary Jack Straw is to make a Commons statement next week on the implication for Britain of the French 'no' vote on the new EU constitution." See "Straw Commons speech on EU crisis".

Posted by Munir Umrani at 07:19 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

May 29, 2005

Is EU Membership a Priority for Iceland?

Hjortur J. Gumundsson, editor of the EU Related News From Iceland blog, said in a May 29, 2005 post that, "Today, a week after the Social Democratic Alliance (Samfylkingin), held its biannual general meeting, nothing has been reported in the Icelandic media concerning what was decided during the meeting on matters concerning Iceland's relationship with the European Union.

"Not one word!," the editor said. "Furthermore, it has proved very hard to find any documents concerning that on the Internet. In fact I haven't been able to find any yet. This all points to what actually comes as no surprise that EU membership is no priority for Icelandic social democrats, at least not at the moment. And more than that it hasn't been since before the Icelandic general elections in the spring of 2003." Here's more of "EU membership no priority for Icelandic social democrats."

Posted by Munir Umrani at 05:07 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Update: French Voters Reject EU Constitution

"French voters were said tonight to have resoundingly rejected the EU Constitution, sending a defiant message to France's political establishment and dealing a blow to plans for further European integration," reports Philippe Naughton of Times Online of Britiain. Other publications are also reporting that French voters rejected the constitution.

Mr. Naughton noted that, "As polls closed around the country, the three major French polling organization all reported a no vote of around 55-56 per cent, in line with opinion polls before todays vote." Despite claims to the contrary, the French rejection is not the end of Europe or France. French voters simply voted no out of economic concerns, which is one of the strongest motivations for maintaining the status quo. Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 04:22 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

'Blair Should Campaign for EU Constituion'

The editorial position of the Sunday Herald of Britain is that "Even if France votes no, Blair should campaign for the EU constitution." The paper said:

For Tony Blair and the UK government there are serious lessons to be learned in this debacle. Under Blair, Europe has been an almost silent issue. The anti-European prejudices he inherited in 1997 were supposed to be addressed immediately by the numerous promises to transform Britain into a country that would be at the heart of Europe. Such promises disappeared like thin ink on a damp page. If Britain follows the French example, then Blair has no chance of winning a Yes vote. Chirac started the referendum campaign 12 months ago with a 30-point lead over the No camp. Blair, if he began a campaign tomorrow, would start well behind the No vote. And unlike Chirac he would not have a sympathetic press backing Europe.

The publication added: "Britain remains unsure about whether Europe and deeper European integration is beneficial or even necessary. The EU is still regarded as a continental venture dominated by our senior European partners and we still largely distrust the entire project as somehow just not British enough. And whose fault is that? Chirac perhaps took too much for granted. But Blair has done even less. European roadshows were at one stage offered in his mission to explain. But again they failed to materialise. Should Brussels even with the prospect of a French No vote and a No in the Netherlands later this week still want to see all EU member states lay their constitution colours on the table, then Blair faces a year of begging. Chirac at least confined his appeal to one night of live television."

Could it be that Mr. Blair feels more American than European and wouldn't dare make a foreign policy move without approval from U.S. President George W. Bush? Commentary on this question would be appreciated.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 01:36 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Hugh Schofield: 'How Did It Come to This'?

"How did it come to this?" asks Hugh Schofield in a May 29, 2005 Sunday Herald article on France's referendum on the EU Constitution treaty. He wrote:

The Yes camp claims to believe that victory is still in its grasp. Valery Giscard dEstaing the former president who led the drafting of the EU constitution predicted a Liverpool-style comeback in the political equivalent of extra time. The rallies, in the presence of various European leaders, whooped it up till the last minute.

And maybe supporters of the treaty are right. The last opinion poll to be published before official campaigning ended at midnight Friday had the No vote down to 51%. It is conceivable that the one-fifth of the electorate who are undecided will have a crise de conscience and keep the constitution alive. "Conceivable but only just," he added. Why? "Because the opposition has run a brilliant campaign, leaving supporters of the constitution mealy-mouthed and platitudinous. Because, within the space of a few weeks, it has become perfectly correct in bien pensant left-wing circles to say one is pro-European but still voting No in todays referendum. Because Jacques Chirac is a discredited president. Because France is in one of those moods." Read more of "How did it come to this?"

Posted by Munir Umrani at 01:16 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

France's 'Yes' Lobby Offered Glimmer of Hope

Daily Telegraph of London correspondents Henry Samuel in Paris and Patrick Hennessy wrote in a May 29, 2005 article that, "France's beleaguered Yes lobby was offered a glimmer of hope in the last opinion poll carried out before today's referendum on the European Union constitution, which showed the rival camps running almost neck and neck."

"The survey, released late on Friday [May 27, 2005] by the polling company TNS Sofres, put the No vote at 51 per cent, predicting its win by a whisker," they noted, adding: "A TNS poll earlier in the week, however, had put it on 54 per cent, suggesting a late surge in support for the constitution. About 20 per cent of voters were still undecided." Former French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing, "who was in charge of drawing up the constitution," thinks the Yes vote can prevail. Here's why.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 01:02 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

China View's Backgrounder on the EU Constitution Treaty

China View offered its readers a "Backgrounder" in the form of a "Q&A" about the EU constitutional treaty. The vote is being watched with interest by ordinary citizens and political analyst in various parts of the world.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 12:49 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Some British Politicians' Views on France's EU Vote

What is the opinion of British politicians John Major, Peter Mandelson, Lord Kinnock and Sir Menzies Campbell on today's referendum in France on the European Union constitution? Guardian Unlimited of London has the answer.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 12:29 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

May 28, 2005

Some Say EU Constitution Will Survive French No Vote

"The European Union's constitution will not be scrapped even if France votes against the treaty tomorrow [May 29, 2005], European leaders said yesterday [May 27, 2005," according to Scotsman.com. "That would mean [British Prime Minister] Tony Blair will still have to hold a UK referendum on the constitution regardless of the result in France," the publication said in a dispatch from Paris. See "EU constitution 'will live on' even if France votes No."

Posted by Munir Umrani at 09:07 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

The EU Show 'Must Go On'

George Parker of the London-based Financial Times reported in a May 28, 2005 dispatch that, "European Union leaders are preparing to send out a defiant message that the "show must go on" tomorrow night after what they fear will be a No vote in the French referendum on the EU constitution.

"In Brussels the EU is resigned to France rejecting a treaty that was intended to reconnect Europe to its citizens; diplomats expect a second No vote from Dutch voters on June 1," Mr. Parker wrote.

He said, "The prospect of a No vote in France has provoked apocalyptic warnings in recent weeks" He noted that, "Michel Barnier, French foreign minister, claimed there would be "a serious political breakdown". Many diplomats privately fear a gridlock, but the EU will attempt to put a brave face on what looks likely to be a humiliating setback," Mr. Parker noted. A No vote probably will prove embarrassing to France, which views itself as one of the leaders of Europe. Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 08:53 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

May 27, 2005

The EU's motto is 'United in Diversity"

Demystifying the EU Constitution provides good commentary and interesting tidbits about the European Union. Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 09:26 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Giscard-d’Estaing on the EU Referendum Vote

EURealist's May 27, 2005 post headlined "Giscard-dEstaing Elitists one way street" notes that LeFigaro has reported that Valery Giscard-d'Estaing has said that the (European Union) ratification process will "obviously continue" if France votes no and that, "What we'll say at the end, is that those who have not voted for the Constitution, we will ask them to revote." Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 09:18 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

The EU Referendum and Stability and Growth Pact

Edward over at A Fistful of Euros has an interesting perspective on the France's May 29 referendum on the European Constitution and what a "no" vote could mean. He wrote in a May 27, 2005 post:

Looking forwards rather than backwards, I can't help trying to imagine what the world will look like on Monday. (We may all be in for a surprise, but the latest poll seems to put the no at 55%, which is quite a large margin of error if its wrong, *and* Le Monde today makes the point that as the no rises and rises in the polls, the number of undecided voters continues to reduce).

"Well," he added, " ironically I think one of the consequences will be an attempt to enforce the Stability and Growth Pact. This is why I mention being fair and balanced, since in the past I may have been a little too cynical about this: although not without reason. I now think The Pact Mark II may have considerably more bite." Click here to read why. Here's an explanation of the Stability and Growth Pact.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 08:47 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

'The EU was France's Baby'

Alice Thomson of the Daily Telegraph of London quotes Marie-Laure Vigreux, a publisher, as saying "We [French] love a good philosophical debate." She was referring to the heated debate in France over the May 29, 2005 referendum of the EU Constitution, which, polls show, most French voters will reject.

"Like 50 million other French citizens," the Telegraph said Ms. Vigreux "and her husband, François, were sent a copy of the constitution by post.

"We read it in bed together," she said, according to the Telegraph. "My husband says he will vote No but, in the end, I think we will both vote Yes. The European Union was France's baby. We conceived her, we nurtured her - we can't throw her out now." Read more here.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 08:21 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

French Overseas Territories to Vote on EU Constitution

Voters in French overseas territories begin voting in the country's referendum on the European Union's constitution on May 28, 2005 with the "No" camp holding its lead in the opinion polls," according to Reuters. Overseas territories is a euphemism for colonies. Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 07:54 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Chirac: Britain Must Hold European Rreferendum Even if...

"French president Jacques Chirac will tell Britain to go ahead with a referendum on the EU constitution even if his own country rejects the treaty, it emerged today," according to the May 27, 2005 issue of This is London. Read more here.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 05:53 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

IOL: 'Germany to Ratify European Constitution'

"The European Union constitution was set to clear its final legislative hurdle in Germany today as the upper house of parliament votes on the charter, two days before French voters have their say in a referendum," according to Ireland On-Line. The publication said, "The constitution enjoys broad political support in Germany and was expected easily to obtain the necessary two-thirds majority in the upper house, which represents the country's 16 states and is controlled by the conservative opposition." Read more here.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 05:46 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Will Chirac's Final 'Yes' Pitch for EU Constitution Be Persuasive?

Deutsche Welle reports that, "President Jacques Chirac [of France] has made a last televised plea to the French people urging them to vote in favor of the European constitution on Sunday [May 29, 2005]. But rejection may not mean the end of all the draft's 448 articles," the German publication said. Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 05:34 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

May 26, 2005

Deutsche Welle: 'Europe Can Weather Constitution Refusal'

Deutsche Welle of Germany noted May 26, 2005 that, "Politicians have warned the French that voting down the EU constitution would push the EU into a period of introspection and even lead to the collapse of the union. Other observers say it's not as bad as all that."

"Whether reading newspapers, watching TV, or even just sitting in a café, it's been impossible to get away from the constitutional debate for weeks -- and rightly so, both sides agree," Deutsche Welle said, adding:"This Sunday's decision will play a fundamental role in the future face of the European Union."

Deutsche Welle quoted former European Commission president Romano Prodi as saying about a French constitutional rejection. "We will go through a great period of crisis. The problem will not only be a catastrophe for France, but the fall of Europe."

Europe will survive despite claims to the contrary. Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 06:56 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Some Observers Say 'French EU Referendum Lost’

EUPolitix.Com reported May 26, 2005 that European newspapers say, "Senior French politicians have given Sunday's [May 29, 2005] crucial EU vote up as lost."

"Former French finance minister, leader of ruling centre-right UMP and rival to President Jacques Chirac, Nicolas Sarkozy has predicted a non on May 29," EUPolitix.Com said.

"The thing is lost," Mr. Sarkozy "is reported as telling Elysée colleagues" on May 25, 2005, according to EUPolitix.Com, which noted that, "Le Figaro has reported Mr. Sarkozy as forecasting a definite rejection with the French non only a matter of degree. "It will be a little no or a big no," he said. Read more here.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 06:43 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

May 23, 2005

Deutsche Welle: 'German Elections Affect EU Budget Talks'

DW-World.DE Deutsche Welle reported on May 23, 2005 that, "EU foreign ministers sparred Sunday [May 22, 2005] over budget questions, as the prospect of early general elections in Germany injected fresh uncertainty into the talks, already dogged by Britain's vow to hold onto its budget rebate.

"The ministers met over dinner in Brussels to sound each other out over their positions on the EU's long-term budget, before getting down to bargaining at an official gathering on Monday [May 23, 2005]." Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 10:57 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

May 22, 2005

Muslims in France and the EU Referendum

"France is home to Western Europe's largest Muslim community - about two million are citizens and two to three million more are residents who do not have French nationality - but analyzing anything from jobless figures to voting intentions of citizens of immigrant origin is difficult." according to Katrin Bennhold of the International Herald Tribune. She recently tried to find out how Muslims in France feel about the May 29, 2005 vote on the EU Constitution? Here's her analysis.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 02:12 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Will French 'No' on EU Constitution Help Tony Blair?

Andrew Rawnsley of The Observer of London contends in a May 22, 2005 article that "it will be one of the more piquant ironies of the "tempestuous relationship" between British Prime Minister Tony Blair and French President Jacque Chirac "if the unpopularity of the mercurial French President in his twilight years at the Elysée Palace extends the life of Tony Blair at Number 10."

"France votes on the European constitution next Sunday," Mr. Rawnsley noted. "Should that vote be a non, gales of relief will gust through Downing Street. Ministers have been emitting mixed signals in public about would happen next, but their private assumption is that a victory for the French nonistes will kill the constitution stone dead. Tony Blair will be released from his promise to hold a referendum in Britain next year, removing the threat that this could hasten him into involuntary retirement." Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 02:00 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

European Nations Drawing Up Plans to Keep EU Constitution Alive

David Cracknell, Political Editor of The Times of London, reported May 22, 2005 that, "Britain is working with other European states to draw up plans to keep the European Union constitution alive if there is a narrow non vote in France next week." Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 01:49 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Assessing the EU Constitution's Chances in Paris and The Hague

The Independent of London said May 22, 2005 that, "When France and Holland vote on the new EU constitution they will shape the future of Europe, and of Tony Blair." The paper sent its "Foreign Editor, Raymond Whitaker, to walk "the streets of both capitals to assess the likely results of two historic polls". Read "From Paris to The Hague, the answer is definitely 'maybe'" for his opinion and analysis

Posted by Munir Umrani at 01:43 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

May 21, 2005

Balkanalysis.com: An Informative Blog

If you are interesting in the Balkans, visit Balkanalysis.com. I find it very informative and helpful.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 05:52 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

'German Conservatives Seek Tougher Anti-Terror Laws'

Berlin Sprouts noted in a May 19, 2005 post that, "In an interview with the Frankfurter Rundschau, Wolfgang Bosbach, who is the opposition Christian Democratic Union's home affairs expert, said his party will seek tougher anti-terror legislation once it comes to power in 2006" in Germany. Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 04:35 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

May 20, 2005

Steele: 'A No Vote Could Be Just What Europe's Constitution Needs'

Jonathan Steele of The Guardian contends in a May 20, 2005 commentary that, "Panic is sweeping through the French elite over the looming referendum on Europe's draft constitution, but one wonders why. Jacques Chirac invited Poland's president and Germany's chancellor to France yesterday to warn voters not to vote no," he added, noting that, "Spain's prime minister, José Luis Zapatero, will be doing the same on a French socialist platform next week." Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 07:18 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

BBC Looks At News of Interest to European Press

The BBC noted May 20, 2005 that, "With the French referendum on the European constitution only nine days away, papers continue to speculate on the likely outcome and its wider implications. " See "European Press Review."

Posted by Munir Umrani at 07:12 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Will French Voters Back EU Constitutional Treaty?

"Europe's eyes are currently riveted on 29th May 2005, the day when project Europe could potentially start to unravel," reports Kilian Strauss in Newropeans magazine. Strauss said, "On that day, France will hold its referendum on the Constitutional Treaty whose authors had famously promised to bring Europe closer to its people. So far with little success." Read why.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 07:06 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

May 09, 2005

Is This a Reason to Vote Against EU Constitution?

Richard North at EU Referendum reported May 10, 2005 that, "According to a poll published today in the Belgian French-language daily Le Soir, 49 percent of respondents said they would "probably or certainly" vote for the EU constitution, compared to 12 percent who said they would definitely vote against it. Frankly, if the Belgians are in favour of the damn thing, what more reasons do you need to vote against it?" he asked.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 10:49 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

May 07, 2005

The Economist and the Capitalism Debate in Germany

Henry Farrell over at Crooked Timber says The Economist is doing "its little bit to try to shut down the Capitalism debate that's starting to happen in Germany." The post is headlined "The Wreck of Modell Deutschland? It's worth reading.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 05:54 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Bulgaria, Serbia-Montenegro to Set Up Common Border Checkpoint

Svetla Dimitrova, writing in the May 5, 2005 issues of Southeast European Times, said "Bulgaria and Serbia-Montenegro signed an agreement last month that will establish the first common border checkpoint and railway station in the Balkans. The aim of the deal, signed on 15 April, is to reduce substantially the time passenger and freight trains currently need to cross from one country into the other," she wrote, adding: "It is also expected to boost cargo traffic along the Belgrade-Sofia-Istanbul route." Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 02:35 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

May 06, 2005

British Conservative Party Leader Michael Howard to Step Down

British Conservative Party leader Michael Howard "has announced that he is standing down as leader of the Conservatives in the "best interests" of the party," according to politics.co.uk. Read why.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 08:29 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Blair's Statement After Queen Elizabeth Approved His Cabinet

On May 6, 2005, the day after winning a third term, British Prime Minister Tony Blair met with Queen Elizabeth. She approved his appointees. Afterwards, he addressed the media at 10 Downing Street. Here is a transcript of his statement.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 08:12 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Tony Blair's Cabinet as of May 6, 2005

Here is a full list of British Prime Minister Tony Blair's cabinet members as at May 5, 2005. Here's a link to Her Majesty's Government's website'

Posted by Munir Umrani at 08:00 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Blair opponent, Reg Keys, Urges Him to Apologize for Iraq Foray

Reg Keys, who stood as an independent against [British Prime Minister]Tony Blair in the Sedgefield constituency, polling 4,252 votes in the British elections on May 5, 2005, wants Mr. Blair "to apologize to the families of those killed during the war," according to BBC News. Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 07:14 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Is Chancellor Gordon Brown Britain's Real Prime Minister?

Bill Jacobs and Ian Swanson of Scotsman.com contend that Chancellor Gordon Brown emerged from yesterday's General Election [in Britain] as the real British Prime Minister. Although Tony Blair was celebrating a historic and unprecedented third successive Labor victory, it was clear that much of his power had ebbed to his Downing Street neighbour," the wrote. See "Brown's in charge."

Posted by Munir Umrani at 07:08 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

May 05, 2005

Britain's Labour Party Vows to Listen and Learn

Jon Smith, Political Editor for Scotsman.Com reports that, Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, "promised today that Labour will listen and learn as the party seemed set for an historic third term in power but with a reduced majority. His comments came as one prediction put the size of Tony Blair's Commons majority as low as 66, compared to the 161 with which he went into the General Election," Mr. Smith wrote. Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 09:10 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Iraq Was a Key Issue in British Election

Guardian Unlimited of Britain said, "The Labour leadership last night continued to play down the significance of the Iraq war in the election campaign in spite of new evidence that it had been a key issue among floating voters." Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 08:49 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Cuthbertson to Readers: Please Vote Conservative

British blogger Peter Cuthbertson, proprietor of the always interesting and popular Conservative Commentary, encouraged his readers to "Do the right thing today. Please vote Conservative." It seems that the majority of British citizens who took time to vote wanted the Labour Party to continue ruling.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 08:34 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

May 04, 2005

If He Wins, Blair is Expected Keep the 'Big Three'

Philip Webster, Political Editor of The Times of London reports that, British Prime Minister "Tony Blair is expected to leave his "big three" ministers in their current jobs in a reshuffle on Friday if, as expected, he wins the general election. "Contrary to weekend suggestions," he wrote, "Jack Straw is believed by members of Mr. Blair's inner circle to be almost certain to stay on as Foreign Secretary in the event of a Labour victory.Mr. Blair has already announced that Gordon Brown will stay as Chancellor and it is understood that Charles Clarke, appointed as Home Secretary as recently as December, will keep that job." Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 09:23 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Roy Greenslade: 'No Vote for a Criminal

In a May 4, 2005 column headlined "No vote for a criminal," Roy Greenslade of Guardian Unlimited said, "everywhere around me people are announcing that they are about to vote Labour with the greatest reluctance. Forget the war, they say, that's all behind us now. So the Guardian's Polly Toynbee urges us to wear nose pegs as we vote for Blair while Tony Parsons, the Daily Mirror columnist, says he will vote Labour with a sigh. Meanwhile the Sun, perversely, wants us to vote Labour because of the war." Read other British opinion makers' suggestions on whom to vote for.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 09:00 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Anatole Kaletsky: Why British Labour Party Recovered in the Polls

Anatole Kaletsky, Economics Editor of The Times of London, in a long opinion column headlined "How a bit of lateral thinking solved my voting dilemma," said , "one of the fascinating ironies of this election [in Britain] ... is that Labour's recovery in the polls during the past month a recovery which, if confirmed in todays voting, will have far-reaching implications for British politics in the years ahead was largely due to the viciousness and intensity of the Tories negative campaign." His analysis of the election is quite interesting.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 08:51 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

The Independent: Blair Fears 800,000 Voters Will Stay at Home

Colin Brown, Deputy Political Editor of The Independent of London, opined on May 5, 2005 that British Prime Minister Tony Blair "was dogged by doubts surrounding his decision to invade Iraq throughout the last day of election campaigning. At his final campaign press conference," Mr. Brown wrote, "the Prime Minister warned wavering voters not to act against him over the war, saying: 'If people make a protest vote, they could end up with a Conservative government.'"

"Labour strategists fear the party's lead in the polls could be overturned in the marginals, where abstentions among 800,0000 disgruntled voters over the war could hold the key," Mr. Brown noted. Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 08:21 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

May 03, 2005

Guardian Unlimited's Election 2005 Blog

Guardian Unlimited's Election 2005 Blog is very informative reading. Markos Moulitsas, founder of the Daily Kos, has a post there today.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 10:06 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Nick Fealty on 'The Battle of South Belfast

Nick Fealty at the Irish blog Slugger O'Toole has an interesting take on what is called "The battle of South Belfast." "When asked by a journalist outside Sinn Fein's Belfast Headquarters this morning, Gerry Adams (standing in the rain) said "Alisdair McDonnell has no chance of winning South Belfast," Mr. Fealty wrote, adding: "It was something of a throwaway line. But he argued that McDonnell was motivating Unionists to come out and vote for their people. So it's a safe bet that Sinn Fein's hard core will not be backing McDonnell for this one."

"Butmuch against the trend elsewhere, they don't really figure in this run off," Mr. Fealty continued. "The SDLP in South Belfast has already calculated the margins discounting that Sinn Fein support. They think it's a three-way fight, with the winner taking it by less than 1000 votes. The idea that it is possible is motivating their activists to get out on the streets." Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 06:43 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Reuters: 'Blair Stands Firm on Iraq as Poll Lead Grows

Reuter's reports that, "Prime Minister Tony Blair entered the final two days of Britain's election campaign on Tuesday [May 3, 2005] still under fire over Iraq but with polls showing him on course for an historic third straight term in office." What does this say about Britain's Conservative party? Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 06:38 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Belfast Telegraph: "Iraq Takes its Toll on Tony Blair

The Belfast Telegraph says, "What was expected to be a predictable, lack-lustre election, both in Northern Ireland and Britain, is suddenly becoming much more interesting. Here, more seats are likely to change hands than ever and in Britain, another Labour landslide may yet be averted, thanks to the growing unpopularity of the Prime Minister," the paper said on May 3, 2005.

The paper also said, "Because Labour's vote is more concentrated, the Conservatives would have to win by up to six per cent nationally to finish with more seats _ an unlikely event - but in the key marginals there is everything to play for. A swing against the government is inevitable, in the light of recent events, and the emergence of the Liberal Democrats as a third party threat could upset the predictions of the opinion polls," the paper predicts. Read more here.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 06:37 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Will Most Eligible British Muslims Vote Against Blair?

Zaman Online, a Turkish publication, reported May 3, 2005, that, "The attitude of British Muslims towards the current Prime Minister Tony Blair has become negative as a result of the Iraqi war and they might likely to reflect this attitude at the ballot boxes in the general elections that will be held in two days time." Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 06:35 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Iraq Overshadows Blair's Final Hours of Campaigning

Simon Freeman of The Times Online reported May 3, 2005 that, "The war on Iraq continued to cast a shadow over the last 48 hours of the election campaign today as [British Prime Minister ]Tony Blair was blamed personally for the death of a young British soldier." Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 06:34 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

May 02, 2005

Will Wallstrom Lead Sweden's Social Democratic Party?

Margaret Wallstrom of Sweden, the European Commissioner for Institutional Relations and Communication, is a blogger. In her latest post, which was on April 25, 2005, she reveals that her "oldest son called from Sweden to say that he doesn‘t understand the media reporting on an open letter that I sent to one of the Swedish daily newspapers."

“You declared black on white that you don‘t want to be part of speculations about a new leader for the Social Democratic Party and then they draw the conclusion that you want to become a new leader!" the son told her. "What is this?!"

"And I said that that was the proper question to ask from somebody studying political science," Ms. Wallstrom wrote. "The debate has a life of its own now and it does not seem to matter whatever I say.BUT I AM SERIOUS! I am committed and enthusiastic to fulfil my task as Vice-President of the European Commission. The task before me is not an easy one. I am responsible for Commission‘s actions to advocate and inform about the European Constitution. I have a full agenda of visits in Member States, meetings, speeches etc. I am preparing a new Communication Strategy for the Commission and actively working with national parliaments."

She couldn't have been more clearer about her intentions. yet, the speculation will continue. Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 04:09 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

May 01, 2005

Tony Blair Hit With More Leaks

Gavin Cordon of News.Scotsman.Com reported may 1, 2005 that, British Prime Minister "Tony Blair today mounted an impassioned defence of his decision to take Britain to war with Iraq in the face of fresh disclosures about the build up to the conflict. A leaked memorandum drawn up after high level Downing Street talks suggested that planning for military action was already well underway, eight months before the invasion took place," Mr. Cordon wrote. Will the revelations affect Mr. Blair's chance for re-election later this month? Here's Mr. Cordon's analysis. /font>

Posted by Munir Umrani at 01:43 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

April 28, 2005

Tony Blair: 'I Acted With a Clear Heart'

Trevor Kavanagh, political editor of The Sun of Britain, reports that "Tony Blair has blasted anti-war critics and insisted he helped topple evil Saddam Hussein with "a clear heart." It's still aggression, Mr. Blair. Here's Mr. Kavanagh's report.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 10:35 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Peter Goldsmith's Legal Advice to Blair on Invading Iraq

Peter Henry Goldsmith, the British attorney general, to British Prime Minister Tony Blair:

You have asked me for advice on the legality of military action against Iraq without a further resolution of the [UN] security council. This is, of course, a matter we have discussed before. Since then I have had the benefit of discussions with the foreign secretary and Sir Jeremy Greenstock [the then British ambassador to the UN], who have given me valuable background information on the negotiating history of resolution 1441. In addition, I have also had the opportunity to hear the views of the US administration from their perspective as co-sponsors of the resolution. This note considers the issues in detail in order that you are in a position to understand the legal reasoning.

Click here to read Mr. Goldsmiths advice to Mr. Blair regarding the legality of invading Iraq.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 10:09 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

The Telegraph: 'The Voters May Forgive Him: His Party Never Will'

The Daily Telegraph of London: Tony Blair does not make it easy for those who supported the war to remove Saddam Hussein from power in Iraq. The arguments in favour of the war were - and still are - compelling, and the difficulty of Iraq's journey towards democracy and stability should not obscure the real progress that is being made. But as Michael Howard has said, even when the Prime Minister is right, he uses the wrong arguments." Read more here.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 04:48 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Simon Jenkins to Blair: 'Try the Truth Next Time, Tony'

Simon Jenkins of The Times of London, in commenting on Lord Goldsmith's legal opinion on whether invading Iraq without the support of the United Nations was legal, said:

The recently published advice from the Attorney-General confirms what most people suspected. Mr Blair could not have won Cabinet and parliamentary support for the war in March 2003 without two crucial pieces of publicisable information. One was that Saddam posed an “imminent” threat, the other that an invasion not backed by the UN was still legal. When he read Lord Goldsmith’s March 7 opinion, which was unequivocally hostile to the war, he knew it had to be changed. The crusader was armoured, mounted and half way to Jerusalem.

Mr. Jenkins said Mr. Blair "needed a blessing not a permit from the Mother Church that is the law. Since its vicar on earth was Lord Goldsmith, a man whom he had preferred and ennobled, he duly got what he wanted." Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 04:33 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

The Times Gives Blair the Benefit of the Doubt on Iraq

The Times of London, in an April 29, 2005 leader headlined A Reasonable Case: The difficulties of distinguishing international law and international politics," told its readers:

When selective extracts of the advice that Lord Goldsmith provided to Tony Blair on the legal status of any war in Iraq were first leaked, a number of observers argued that the Attorney-General’s cautious and balanced thoughts were proof positive that the Prime Minister had “lied”. Lawyers are supposed to weigh the arguments for and against, a fact that was lost on those fighting an entirely different war. The release of the full memorandum that he sent to the Prime Minister on March 7, 2003, suggests that much of what has been said about his alleged position on the war has been exaggerated or distorted.

The Times said, "His text helps to settle at least some of these matters." Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 04:19 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

April 27, 2005

EU Referendum Says the European Consensus is Under Pressure

EU Referendum takes a look at "The consensus under pressure" as the May 29, 2005 French vote on the European constitution draws nears. French voters' ratification of the constitution is not a sure thing.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 09:37 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Is Professor Liam Kennedy Brave or a Fool?

Atlantic Blog calls Liam Kennedy, a professor at Queen's University in Belfast, a "genuinely gutsy professor" for opposing opposing Gerry Adams in west Belfast in the forthcoming Northern Ireland election." The independent candidate, according to Atlantic Blog, "says he is standing because of continuing IRA punishment attacks." The blog said, "Normally, that would be a lead for making fun of someone doing something inane, but not in this case."

The professor of economic and social history "said his campaign will focus on the "grip" paramilitaries have on communities and the threat to democracy they represent," Atlantic Blog reported.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 09:28 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Europe Will Still Exist If French Say No to EU Constitution

Daniel W. Drezner, assistant professor of political science at the University of Chicago, has an April 25, 2005 post that asks:"What happens if the French say "non"?" The question is in reference to the European Union's constitutional treaty, which comes up for a vote in France on May 29, 2005. So far, French public opinion seems to be running against it despite efforts by French President Jacques Chirac to drum up support for it.

Romano Prodi, former president of the European Commission, warned on April 24, 2005, that, "There would be no more Europe," if the vote fails in France. "We will pass through a long period of crisis. The problem will not only be a catastrophe for France, but the fall of Europe," he told a French newspaper. Surely, Mr. Prodi exaggerates. Europe will still be Europe.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 01:10 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

April 16, 2005

Is Mass Immigration Good for Britain?

"There is, at heart, a simple reason why immigration has more than doubled" under British Prime Minister Tony Blair, according to Charles Moore of Britain's Opinion.Telegraph. "It is because Labour wants it. Its current policy states: "Controlled and managed immigration is essential to the economic wellbeing of the United Kingdom and the health of the public services." This sentence sounds reassuring, but actually it is saying that mass immigration is a good thing. I do not believe that most British voters accept this. It is high time it was submitted to a clear electoral test." Read more of "Blair believes mass immigration is good for Britain - do Britons?"

Posted by Munir Umrani at 06:18 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Drezner: Will Realpolitik Sell the EU Constitution to the French?"

University of Chicago assistant political science Professor Daniel W. Drezner asks: "Will realpolitik sell the EU constitution to the French?" His conclusion:

It will be very interesting to see how this plays out over the next six weeks. My hunch is that support for the "yes" side will increase as the vote nears -- and even if the referendum fails, the French can simply schedule another referendum. On the other hand, if the quixotic combination of realpolitik and social democracy doesn't generate majority support in France, then I'm not sure where it will work.

Mr. Drezner, whose blog is widely read, offers several links to articles on the Chirac effort to get French voters to back the referendum. I think they are worth reading. His blog is also worth reading.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 05:36 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Chirac, French Voters and the European Constitution

Joseph Britt, who is the guest blogger at The Belgravia Dispatch while its proprietor, Gregory Djerejian is on a brief hiatus, made this interesting observation about French President Jacque Chirac's attempt to get a favorable outcome in the May 29, 2005 referendum on the European constitution. He said:

Suppose French voters really do reject the new European constitution in the referendum scheduled for May 29. Dan Drezner outlines some of the difficulties Jacques Chirac and the rest of the French political elite are having in persuading voters that the greater glory of Jacques Chirac and the rest of the French political elite requires them to vote for this gigantic monstrosity. If it's rejected it could be resubmitted to the voters later, but would more likely have to be renegotiated.

Mr. Britt said, "Obviously this would have implications for the other European countries. A European political identity defined as much as anything by not being American would suffer a heavy blow indeed if French voters of all people decided that they do not really want what their president is commanding them to vote for. What could replace it"?

Good question although I can't imagine why any independent-minded European would support Mr. Britt's suggestion of "a new political party with a platform for making Europe more like the United States." If Europe becomes more like the U.S., then the U.S.' imperial mantle would be complete. European citizens would be expected to become docile spectators on the global stage, like many of their cousins on this side of the Atlantic, who support whatever adventures a U.S administration would choose to undertake.

As it now stands, Europe, or should I say France and Germany, offers a good counterweight to the U.S. The diplomatic role France played leading up to the U.S.-British invasion of Iraq was a good example of an effort to use diplomacy to prevent a war launched under false pretenses. This independent stance did not sit well with many Americans, who thought the world should fall in line behind the plan to attack an Arab nation that posed absolutely no threat to the U.S. Here's more of Mr. Britt's analysis.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 04:42 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

April 11, 2005

Chirac Faces Uphill Battle on France's Upcoming EU Vote

Alex Duval Smith comments in the April 10, 2005 Sunday Observer on France's upcoming European Union vote: "Once they were seen as the most loyal of all Europeans, but this week President Jacques Chirac faces one of the biggest battles of his political career as he launches a crusade to persuade the French to vote 'Oui' in next month's referendum on the EU constitution. Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 06:00 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

April 03, 2005

German Foreign Minister Reportedly Running for Political Life

The Times Online of London's Roger Boyes notes in an April 1, 2005 dispatch from Berlin that, "Joschka Fischer, the German Foreign Minister, once wrote a bestselling fitness book called Finding Myself Through Running. Now he is running for his political life, fending off a revolt by officials in his ministry and trying to dodge the flak from an immigration scandal," Mr. Boyes has concluded. The question is: Will Mr. Fischer resign? Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 04:04 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

March 16, 2005

'Hypocrisy and Pusillanimity' in the Face of IRA Terrorism

Foreign Dispatches opined in a March 16, 2005 post that "Simon Jenkins says all the right things today about American hypocrisy and British pusillanimity in the face of IRA terrorism." Read more here.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 10:25 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Croatia's EU Membership Negotiations Hit a Snag

Zaman Online reported today that "Great Britain and the Netherlands have announced that the start of European Union (EU) membership negotiations with Croatia will be postponed." The Zaman report said "British Foreign Minister Jack Straw said in an announcement that:" Negotiations cannot begin tomorrow. The conditions outlined for Croatia to begin negotiations demanded that they cooperate with The Hague; however, I am sorry to say that the evidence we have obtained shows that Zagreb has not cooperated with The Hague." Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 09:20 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

February 28, 2005

Norway May Initiate Talks After 2007 for EU Membership

The EU Observer reported today that "Norway might resume discussions on EU [European Union] membership after 2007." The publication added:

After closely following this weekend's heated EU debate in Iceland, [Prime Minister Kjell Magne] Bondevikr personally phoned Icelandic Prime Minister Halldór Ásgrímsson to keep abreast of the latest developments.

According to the Observer report by Lisbeth Kirk , Mr. Bondevikr said developments in Iceland could influence the Norwegian debate. Here's more.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 06:30 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

February 22, 2005

Reuters: 'Chirac Backs German Call for Revamp of NATO'

Reuters, citing "speaking notes released by [French President Jacques] Chirac's staff, reported on Tuesday [February 22, 2005] that Mr. Chirac "endorsed a controversial call by German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder for a revamp of NATO, which the United States has rebuffed."

"Europe and the United States are real partners. So we need to dialogue and listen to each other more," Chirac told a NATO summit with President Bush, according to the speaking notes.

"We must also, as the German chancellor has underlined, continue to take account of the changes that have occurred on the European continent," Chirac said, referring to the end of the Cold War and the rise of an enlarged and increasingly integrated European Union.

Reuters said Mr. Schroeder "said in a speech delivered to a Munich security conference 10 days ago that NATO was "no longer the primary venue where transatlantic partners discuss and coordinate strategies." He "suggested a high-level panel should recommend how it could be reformed," according to Reuters.

The wire service said "some analysts interpreted [Mr] Schroeder's call as implying that the EU, rather than NATO, should be the main partner in future transatlantic cooperation."

Posted by Munir Umrani at 06:31 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

February 20, 2005

What is the Meaning of the Outcome of Spain's Vote on the EU?

The blog EU Referendum told its readers on February 20, 2005 in post headlined "The people have spoken... (not)" that "Provisional results in from the Spanish referendum give 79 percent to the "yes" campaign, with 16 percent voting "no" – according to an exit poll carried out by state television. Interestingly, about five percent of votes cast were blank. The blog added:

Hailed as an "overwhelming victory", the turnout paints a different picture, estimated at 41.5 percent. That means that just under a third of Spain's 35 million voters endorsed the constitution. For Spanish prime minister José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, this result is something of a rebuff. He had staked his reputation on a high turnout, looking for at least fifty percent to make the vote credible.

"In fact," Eu Referendum opined, "at four percentage points less than the turnout at the June Euro-elections, Zapatero's credibility has not exactly improved, especially as his pre-poll speech verged on the hysterical when he appealed to voters to participate with the words: "Today we are taking a decision of huge importance for the future of a united Europe. A very important decision for Spain, for its future and well-being."

Posted by Munir Umrani at 04:40 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Deutsche Welle: Spain Says Resounding Yes to EU Constitution

Deutsche Welle of Germany reported February 20, 2005 that "Spaniards gave a strong seal of approval to the new European constitution in a Sunday [February 20, 2005] referendum, with four in five of those casting ballots backing the text, exit polls showed." The publication noted that:

More than 14 million people voted, lifting participation to 40-42 percent of the electorate, proving wrong analysts' forecasts which had feared a showing of below 40 percent. Around 11 million voted in favor of the constitution, which is designed to facilitate decision-making in the expanding European Union and which was approved by EU government leaders last year.

According to Deutsche Welle, "Spain was the first of 10 EU states who are called upon to give the proposed a seal of popular approval, with the remaining 15 member states of the bloc, including the largest nation, Germany, preferring parliamentary ratification. In theory at least, all 25 member states must back the constitution for it to take effect," Deutsche Welle said.

Posted by Munir Umrani at 04:30 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack