Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2004-01-14-Speech-3-027"
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"en.20040114.1.3-027"2
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"Mr President, I would like to welcome the Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern, and his colleagues here today. The Irish presidency should not allow itself to be hijacked or bullied and pressurised into ensuring that an EU constitution is pushed through during its six-month term. Failure to reach a final agreement on the controversial Constitution will not mean failure for the Irish presidency – unless of course the government is foolish enough to give the impression that such an agreement could somehow be reached.
You may believe that if the Constitution were adopted during the Irish presidency, it would have a better chance of success in an Irish referendum. That will not be the case since those concerned about the issues will not be swayed to support it simply because it was finalised during that presidency. As you yourself know, Taoiseach, those in Ireland who are critical of the EU are so mainly because of the military implications of this Constitution.
If the Constitution is to become a priority, then some key issues must be addressed. These relate in particular to military aspects, including structured cooperation, but also to the issue of the Euratom Treaty, which clearly must come to an end, especially for a country which is anti-nuclear.
Much more time is needed to address the Constitution and the monumental decisions it entails, and the more time allowed the better. This would also give ordinary people throughout the European Union time to lobby for referenda on this issue. It would be a terrible blow to the democratic process if the people of Europe were not asked their opinion on this matter. The privilege we have in Ireland should be extended to all Member States.
Your party colleague, Mr Gerard Collins, was correct in saying that everything can continue under the existing rules. We were told that the Treaty of Nice was essential for enlargement. Now we are told it is insufficient. Let the Irish presidency be a constructive and positive one. Let the issues that really matter to the people take priority, such as the Irish Government's support for 100% debt cancellation for the world's poorest countries. This initiative has widespread support, so let us take this opportunity to push for its realisation.
You briefly mentioned environmental issues and you should take this opportunity to ensure that all the outstanding complaints against Ireland in relation to breaches of EU law are addressed and resolved.
On the issue of the EU-Russia summit, which you also mentioned, it is essential that the major issue of Chechnya be raised with the Russians. The issue of the arms embargo to China is also one of major concern to those worried about the arms trade.
Regarding the Middle East, I would urge Minister Cowen, who is going there today, to raise the concerns of many Members of this Parliament. Members who have just returned from Palestine say that the situation there is absolutely appalling. The walls which have been built there completely defy any kind of international logic or law."@en1
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