More nations condemn Euro army as a threat to Nato

The Daily Telegraph ^ | May 1, 2003 | Robin Gedye and Ambrose Evans-Pritchard

[MadIvan]

Diplomatic warfare over proposals for a "Euro army" intensified yesterday as Greece and Russia came out in support while others, including Britain, condemned them as a divisive threat to Nato.

Greece became the only other European Union member to support a call by France, Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg to boost Europe's self-reliance in defence, a day after the four countries met in Brussels.

Russia added its weight, to the consternation of its erstwhile central European satellites, saying it considered "that yesterday's meeting marks the start of a process at the heart of the European Union". Igor Ivanov, the foreign minister, said Russia would "follow closely how it develops."

Condemnation of the initiative spread across the rest of Europe as concern grew over what was being seen as an attempt by a small caucus of countries to loosen American and Nato ties to Europe. "The very reason that the meeting was held is that those countries weren't satisfied with our initiative which tied European defence to Nato," Tony Blair told Parliament.

"There were four involved yesterday, there were 11 that weren't. We are part of the 11.

"The United Kingdom believes it is important that decisions on European defence and security are taken together in consensus, not only with the existing 15 members of the EU but also with those countries who are about to join."

Italy, Portugal and Spain, which also backed America over Iraq, reacted with dismay, while Nato said a new military command could lead to duplication.

[MadIvan]

This is showing who our friends are.

Regards, Ivan

[MadIvan]

Bump!

[ruready4eternity]

It doesnt surprise me Ivan, If your a biblical Prophecy student this may be the (anti-christ's) army where He rises to power. But seeing the the World could not stand against the U.S and G.B and Australia and the coalition of the willing they now have to RIVAL the great power that over threw Iraq. Im not surprised they are pissed off that no one listened to them and went ahead without there "ok".
Screw them. But this is not good. I see a war on the horizon bigger than just economics.

[stylin19a]

Maybe it's time for NATO to ride off into the sunset.

[Non-Sequitur]

NATO is dead. They're just in denial as to where the wake should be held.

[tiamat]

I really am wondering if they will be able to get it together to do this.

They would have to compromise and that means some egos will have to back down.

Then there is the issue of paying for the mess, and most of those economies are on the rocks at the moment.

This might be a case of "All hat, no cattle". (grin)

Tia

Who wonders if we're going to have to do Normandy again.....

[FreedomCalls]

NATO should have been disbanded before the Warsaw Pact was. It is an anachronism. It serves no purpose other than to give U.S. Generals cushy jobs in Brussels where they can live in opulent houses.

What is NATO's mission again?

[ruready4eternity]

ANy country mentioned here to join the army would do it @ a drop of a hat. This would mean many many benefits for these counties. Egos dont matter when it comes to Hate over the USA. They will band together. This will take place.

[ruready4eternity]

General Wesley Clarke loves NATO. He was living the past war when he bombed the hell out of the yugoslavs and almost started WW3 when he told one his men to bomb the russians at Pristina Airport. NATO? US can go it alone anytime. But that will look like its an empire and doesnt have to answer to on one. States can do it alone if they really had to anytime anywhere. But NATO should now become the Coalition Of The Willing. Anyone agree? disband NATo and create the coalition of the willing

[Faraday]

Give the axis of weasels five years to establish their army. I would wager that the Israelis could defeat it in less time than we took to "do" Iraq.

[McGavin999]

Ivan, I just read an article that said the four were planning on funding this new army with a European Union defense budget. You know what that means, higher taxes, just as I've been saying. Germany and france want YOU guys to pay for their ambitions. They will also expect the Brits to form the core.

[Howlin]

I certainly wouldn't want the security of MY country to depend on France and/or Germany!

[McGavin999]

LOL, the Germans want to run the thing, just have the rest of europe pay for it. This ought to be fun to watch.

Personally, I think the other countries in the EU ought to withdraw and form their own union with the 10 who want to join. That would leave the EU and their glorious army with only france, Germany, Belgium, and Luxumborg to fund it. Oh yeah, and the Russians :o)

[CharacterCounts]

Should the U.S. be part of the new union?

[SwinneySwitch]

11>4

[The Wizard]

if this continues they are going to destabilize the Euro and inhance the dollar....so I guess I hope they keep at it

[winner3000]

11>5. Don't forget about Greece which has always been more communist than the communists.

[friendly]

Give the axis of weasels five years to establish their army. I would wager that the Israelis could defeat it in less time than we took to "do" Iraq.

Boy you got that right.

As a techno-nut I reviewed the demographics of the Axis of Weasels current armies: Average age in the 40's, out of shape, technically obsolete.

The NFL on a bad day could make them girlie cry in a matter of minutes.

[ruready4eternity]

IF America Joins America IS finished
Israel would be all alone without its "friends" to come and defend it if some country that hates them attacks.
America would be finished. Sovereignty done! Freedom done.

It just amazes me this talk is occuring . Why all of a sudden is this great big push for Europe to Unify? America Is the E.U's greatest threat . WIth America out of the way, un thinkable horror will take place. Wolrd Health Org. Euro Army. Euro Currency? This is scary folks, Not America & the Coalition of the willing Liberating Iraq. United Euro is .

[ruready4eternity]

I dissagree, Greece is Socialist! Half NAzi and half Communists . Not 100 % commie.