Posted on 02/05/2003 5:05:58 AM PST by kattracks
Ten central and eastern European countries are set to bravely publish a joint letter of support for US policy on Iraq, diplomats said, a week after another such letter blew open EU splits on the crisis.
The Vilnius Group, which includes five states set to join the EU next year, will likely publish the letter after a presentation by US Secretary of State Colin Powell to the UN, said Lithuania's ambassador to NATO.
"The Vilnius group countries are serious about making a statement," ambassador Ginte Damusis told AFP Wednesday, adding that the letter was still in draft form.
In Riga, Latvian foreign ministry spokesman Rets Plesums said: "The 10 countries are working on it in Washington. It will be (presented) right after Powell's speech."
The initiative follows a letter published last week by eight government heads backing the US threat of military action against Iraq, including five EU states and three EU candidate states.
That letter shattered the already clear divisions within the 15-member EU over Iraq, ranging from staunchly pro-US Britain to Germany, which has refused to back any military action against Baghdad.
The letter, seen as a sharp snub to France and Germany which have led the EU seeking to stick with diplomacy, was signed by EU members Britain, Spain, Italy, Denmark and Portugal, as well as Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary -- all NATO members, and set to join the EU next year.
The Vilnius Group consists of 10 countries: Albania, Croatia, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Romania, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Slovenia. The latter five are due to join the EU next year, while all but the first three were invited last November to join NATO.
Damusis said the group would not release its letter before Powell speaks in New York, in what is expected to be a presentation of new evidence that Iraq is concealing weapons of mass destruction and has failed to cooperate with UN inspectors.
"The feeling is there is more or a less a consensus in the group that a statement should be made but we don't want to prejudge what Colin Powell will say, so we're waiting," she added.
The ambassador added that last week's letter -- an initiative spearheaded by Spain and Britain -- had emboldened the Vilnius Group to write its own letter. "The letter .. last week did have an impact on our decision to go foward," she said.
The European Commission meanwhile reiterated its desire for Europe to speak with one voice on foreign policy issues.
"Europe will be fully credible when it speaks with one united voice," said Jonathan Faull, spokesman for Commission President Romano Prodi, admitting that EU foreign policy coordination is "not perfect."
Saw last night a congress-critter (R) proposing legislation for the US to boycott the Paris Air Show.
If the frogs aren't careful, these screws will get tighter and tighter until even they have to admit they are irrelevant.
The alliance of Ia's against the Axis of Weasels.
"In 1990 Albania ended 44 years of xenophobic communist rule and established a multiparty democracy. The transition has proven difficult as corrupt governments have tried to deal with high unemployment, a dilapidated infrastructure, widespread gangsterism, and disruptive political opponents. International observers judged local elections in 2001 to be acceptable and a step toward democratic development, but identified serious deficiencies which should be addressed through reforms in the Albanian electoral code.
Religions:
Muslim 70%, Albanian Orthodox 20%, Roman Catholic 10% note: all mosques and churches were closed in 1967 and religious observances prohibited; in November 1990, Albania began allowing private religious practice."
Source: http://www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/al.html
Maybe if we had allowed France, Germany et. al. to fall under communism for half a century, and then be liberated by our determination we would have their support today as well.
No disrespect intended towards these countries - but they're no fools - they know where they want to be, as we let the world know we are choosing up sides. Do they want to be with the US - a superpower that had demonstrated more benevolence and generosity than any other world dominator in history? Or a bunch of sniveling, traitorous, arrogant and self-serving pissant wannabe's (Did I miss anything?), who have given us multiple world wars and traitorous sell-outs - and who will be increasingly shown to be up to their armpits in illicit commerce with Iraq.
Chances are - they say the steely look in Bush's eyes at the State of the Union - and are streaming over to our side - with not a little bit of well-justified trepidation in their hearts, about defying our overwhelmingly justified cause.
Oops.."they saw the steely look in Bush's eyes"
Our "moron" President is sure lucky, huh?
Lesson learned? Charles H. Spurgeon said it best . . . "None are more unjust in their judgments of others, than those who have a high opinion of themselves."
Our wily, Texas "moron" is showing those Euro-elites a few diplomatic dance steps and they'd best pay attention. Our man doesn't play games.
Gives a new meaning to the phrase "French Toast"
Where do the Stans stand?
Last night on Fox, it was reported the terrorist who fled to Iraq use France as a stopping area as they pass through Europe. France has something like 50 known terrorist cells, and it's not been widly reported they too have found Riacin in an apartment there.
France also once built nuclar power for Iraq.
Hey France, isn't immigration great - not?
PS, the nation of Islam has claimed France and Germany as theirs.
LOL. Good point!
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