Posted on 03/15/2002 8:05:48 PM PST by TaxPayer2000
TONY BLAIR faced the prospect of a confrontation with France at today's European Union summit in Barcelona after it emerged that he wanted to give America a veto over any EU military action.
A leaked Ministry of Defence briefing confirmed that the Government would block any attempt by Brussels to use the European rapid reaction force without American approval.
The tough line is seen as a reassertion of the Prime Minister's pledge that the European Defence and Security Policy launched in December will not undermine the role of Nato.
The disclosure, which came as Mr Blair arrived at the summit, will infuriate France, which has expressed a desire to see the EU assert independence from Washington. The MoD document was prepared last week for Gen Sir Michael Walker, Chief of General Staff.
It rejects the claim made by critics of the European defence force that it will undermine Nato, saying: "It is sensible planning for those circumstances where the US may not wish to participate, but where there is a clear need for action by EU states."
But in an apparent hardening of the Government's line, it adds: "We would reject any attempt to go for an EU-led operation in circumstances where the US did want to take part."
This will be seen in Paris and other EU capitals as tantamount to giving America a veto on any operations by the European rapid reaction force, which European member states have agreed should be able to put 60,000 troops into any trouble spot within 60 days and keep them there for at least 12 months.
The EU decided to set up the force at the Helsinki summit in December 1999, and laid down 144 capabilities which it should be able to carry out for an operation. Brussels admits that it has to depend on the Americans to supply at least 55 of them.
The disclosure that Mr Blair is insisting on American approval comes at a sensitive time for the Prime Minister. He is already at odds with other European leaders over his support for President Bush's determination to topple Saddam Hussein in Iraq and destroy his stockpile of weapons of mass destruction.
At the summit, Mr Blair may come under pressure to urge Mr Bush not to take military action in Iraq.
Although Mr Blair has been a strong supporter of the European rapid reaction force, he is anxious to reassure Washington that it does not mean Europe is preparing an alternative military force to Nato.
Last night Mr Blair attended a dinner with fellow socialist leaders in an attempt to revive the EU's stalled programme of economic reform.
At the summit Mr Blair will be pressing the EU to agree to lift the barriers to creating a single financial market, which would lead to cheaper borrowing for firms, better returns to savers and cheaper insurance policies.
Progress on economic reform and the liberalisation of energy markets will help Mr Blair make the case for Britain joining the euro.
Ministers have already begun a campaign to soften up the British public for the single currency amid growing expectations that a referendum could be held in May next year.
I think thats the first time I've seen them admit that the labour party is socialist. Now if we could just get the democrats to admit that they are to.
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