Posted on 02/04/2003 8:04:09 AM PST by Michael Sidiropoulos
Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis has objected to the action of eight European leaders to give full support to the US war with Iraq. The objection was made in the name of european "unity" in foreign policy and was made by Mr. Simitis in his capacity as the current rotational president of the EU.
This is actually a very new concept. Europe has never had a uniform policy, foreign or otherwise. The question then arises: is a uniform foreign policy possible, or even desirable?
I think not. The formation of a European Union is still in a prolonged infant stage in almost every aspect: economic, cultural, psychological. A uniform foreign policy would involve, by definition, either a unanimous position (and vote) by all 25 or so members or at least a majority position and vote. In the latter case (of a majority position), there still would be room for dissention of eight members and possibly more. In the former case, the requirement of unanimity would render impossible the formation of any foreign policy position.
The objection by Mr. Simitis is mechanical, thoughtless and unworthy of the history and culture of Greece, birthplace of democracy. The great majority of Greek Americans will continue to give their full hearted support in the fight against totalitarianism, rogue states and terrorists.
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