In Brief New French Senate President Larcher to Germany, after Russia, to help Minsk Peace process in Ukraine
New French Senate President Larcher to Germany, after Russia, to help Minsk Peace process in Ukraine
*Strasbourg/Angelo Marcopolo/- Experienced, twice President of French Senate, Gerard Larcher, a ChristianDemocrat/EPP politician who was brillantly re-elected recently (See Infra), is starting an apparently important trip to meet with Germany's political Leadership, just after a previous one in Russia, and probably before a concluding one in Ukraine, in a possible, Timely Attempt to try to help Boost also the Political aspects of the Minsc Peace process, which have notoriously a Key Importance in efforts for a sustainable Solution of the Eastern Ukranian Conflict, now that the Military aspects, of Cease-Fire and withdrawal of Heavy Weapons, seem to have Advanced decisively, despite some Difficulties which still remain to be lifted here or there, according to relevant information send Today to "EuroFora" by Senate's Press service.
Advancing well beyond the natural exchanges of views on "exploring how to strengthen the Bilateral", Franco-German, as well as EU "Cooperation" on "Energy" (issue at the table of the forthcoming, March 2015 EU Summit in Brussels), and "Digital" Economy and Society, added to the current "Situation in €uro-Zone", Larcher is reportedly due also to focus on certain "Priority Issues" currently "at the European and International Agenda", such as "the Ukiranian Crisis and relations with Russia", during 2 Days, between Thursday and Friday, March 5 and 6, at nearby Wiesbaden (Laender of Hessen) and mainly in Berlin, where he'll meet with Joachim Gauck, Federal President, his counterpart Volker Bouffier, Bundesrat's President : Volker Bouffier, Bundestag's President : Nobert Lammert, Federal Minister of Finance, Wolfgang Schauble, and Chancellor Angie Merkel's Chief of Federal Chancelry, Peter Altmaie, Minister in charge of Special Missions.
+ At the same time, Berlin Talks will include also the "Fight against Terrorism", which is both an obviously Topical Issue and a GeoPolitical complement of EU relations with Russia, with whose leadership, Larcher has just discussed, at the End of February in Moscow, "the Anti-Terrorism Fight, against Radical Islamism" of ISIL, as well as "the Need to Stabilize the situation at the Middle East", and "to Protect Oriental Christians", which are of "Common Intrest", as he had pointed out last week, while meeting with Russian President Vladimir Poutin, his counterpart at the Russian Council of Federation, Valentina Matvienko, etc., on February 25 and 26.
Comming after the End of January 2015's controversial clash at the PanEuropean CoE's Parliamentary Assembly in Strasbourg, which prolonged a lack of normal collective inter-Parliamentary contacts existing since the beginning of April 2014, followed by an unprecedented Deadly War with more than 5.700 Victims, including many Civilians, a series of Heavy Destructions and Blockades, etc., provoking in addition a Humanitarian Crisis denounced by several International NGO's and even the UNO, Larcher's February 2015 move towards Moscow naturally aimed, with a "Frank-speaking", but also "Friendly" approach, to "Keep Open the Channels of Dialogue", as he reportedly stressed with Russian Presisdent Vladimir Poutin.
=> Today, after "renewing a Capital of Trust", since the Minsk Agreements of February 12, 2015, the 4 Countries whose Heads of State/Government sponsored the Talks and endorsed the Deal into which they concluded, must do everything they can in order to Guarantee that the agreed Peace Process will be effectively Respected, Larcher stressed, pointing, in particular, after the Advances made these last Days on the Military aspects (Cease-Fire and Withdrawal of Heavy Weapons), mainly on the remaining, Political ascpects of that Deal, where, Territorial "DeCentralisation" notoriously is the Key for Peace :
>>> Together with the Heads of State/Government, it's also "the Parliamentarians of those 4 Countries : France, Germany, Ukraine, Russia, who could "Share Experiences" on that Crucial point, including, f.ex., that of France itself, which is, among the "Minsk's 4", the only Third Country which is "Not a Federation", (something that Kiev's Authorities and Ukranian President Poroshenko notoriously reject), but a Unitary State which has realized a large DeCentralisation, with Various Forms, (from regions, Departments/Districts and Municipalities, up to the Specific forms of Corsica Island and of manifold "DOM-TOM" "OverSeas Territories", spread all over the Indian or Pacific Ocean, South Pole or Latin America, etc., whose Ethnic and Historic, as well as GeoPoliticaly special characteristics have resulted in a refusal of Independence, and even of any Federal structure, but on a series of various degrees and kinds of Regional/Local DeCentralisation, from which Eastern Ukraine's forthcoming Reforms might be usefuly inspired.
In fact, Time is pressing for full implementation of Minsk Agreements, since the Measure earlier taken by Kiev to foresee a "Special Status" for the Autonomist Lugansk/Luhansk Regions, according to the Minsk 1 Deal of September 2014, expires on March 14, 2015. Moreover, Decentralisation Reforms are linked also with several other key issues, at the core of the Peace process, such as, f.ex. the Local Elections there, etc. The February 12, 2015 Minsk Agreements' Summit having decided to use the "Normandy format" of France - Germany - Ukraine - Russia, 4 parties groupings, also in order to discuss and settle a whole series of necessary Reforms and other decisions, Time has obviously come for those 4 Countries to prepare and form such Working Groups whenever needed. ,,
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It's interesting to note that, at this same moment, Larcher, (whose demarches reportedly are always in conformity with the official Foreign Policy of France), has been invited by French President Hollande, to assume a special Mission about "reflecting on the way to strengthen the Republican Feeling of Common Belonging", after the Dramatic Massacre of "Charlie Hebdo" on Jan. 2015, which asks for new ways to ensure "National Cohesion", despite Social, Religious and/or Ethnic Differences".
SIgnificantly, moreover, Larcher succeeded recently to be twice re-elected at the Senate's Presidency with More Votes than his Center-Right parties (attracting almost 200 Senators' support, against only 140), , which had already won a Majority at the Autumn of 2014, breaking an Historic Record, after having also served for many years as former Minister, mainly on Labour, under the French President Jacques Chirac, and chaired two Inter-Ministerial Comittees on Economy and Health Reforms, under the Presidency of Nicolas Sarkozy, during which he was initially elected for his 1st term at the Head of the Senate as early as since october 2008, after serving there as vice-President between 1997-2001.
By doing so, Larcher came, mutatis-mutandis, in closer Harmony also with the example given in Germany by his counterpart, current Bundesrat's President, Volker Bouffier, who has also notoriously succeeded to broker a Pioneer ChristianDemocrat - "Greens" Coalition at his Laender of nearby Hessen, as Chancellor Angie Merkel had tried, for the 1st time, to do at a National level, just after her landmark Win at the September 2013 National Election, but regretted (as she said at the 2014 Annual Conference of CDU/CSU) to have faced a quite Negative stance, mainly by a controversial part of the "Greens" former Leadership, which was sanctioned by the Majirity of its own militants at the subsequent National Conference of the Party, where a partly New collective direction was elected, more Open to the perspective of such a collaboration in the foreseable Future. In addition to the Energy policy Change, it's mainly various "Hot" BioEthical issues, more and more important Today, which could really bring together the Christian-motivated and Ecology-motivated Movements, particularly in Germany, (given its Post-World War II tradition and Popular reactions against NAZI Crimes such as those notoriously committed f.ex. by the infamous "Dr. Mengele" in some Tests on Human beings inside certain Concentration Camps), inspired f.ex. by the Idea of "Human Ecology", launched by Pope Emeritus Benedict at his landmak Speech at the Bundestag in Berlin on September 2011, (Comp. :..... + ......), able to face the Issues analysed by "EuroFora" during our 2010 visits at the nearby Karlsruhe and Fribourg Annual Conferences of the Governing CDU and Dissident Green Parties, respectively (See : ...........).
President Bouffier has, indeed, at least 1 Strong stance on such Topical BioEthical issues by being notoriously Opposed to current attempts to oblige Poor Children, Orphans, etc., to submit to the Parental Authority of Homosexual couples under pretext of "Adoption", which, in addition also to Other Moral and/or Practical Problems, could risk to boost Trafficking of Children, and/or the Atrocious Exploitation of "Surrogate Mothers", while also pushing towards a Dangerous Control of Human Reproduction by Technocrats, via replacing of Natural Births by Artificial Procreation of Human Beings, (using f.ex., in Vitro Fertilisation, Pre-Natal Tests, Sperm and Ovaries or Embryo Banks, etc), with obvious Threats against all Humankind, particularly when Genetic Manipulations of Human Embryos is been allowed at the same time. Risks against which was Traditionaly Opposed the Historic "Green" Movement in Germany, as well as several current and New, Authentic Representatives of it even Today, to whom have recently been added also certain New Allies even from the French "Green/Ecologic" Movement, such as, f.ex., the well-known MEP José Bové, etc., (Comp. relevant Statements by Bové to "EuroFora" since Autumn 2013 already, later confirmed by similar Statements also to other Journalists in France the next year, on 2014, in view of the latest, May 2014 EU Parliament's Elections, to which he notoriously was "Greens" Co-Candidate for the post of New EU Commission's President), etc. Such possibilities of new Coalitions, based on Solid Foundations of Core Issues, could obviously become of Decisive Importance in the forthcoming 2017 Elections in both France and Germany...
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3 EU Parliament votes to boost EuroGroup !
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After EuroZone Paris Summit's succes, Sarkozy calls to "think anew how to re-construct Europe !
"EuroZone and EU Institutional debates pave the way to 2009 discussions on EU Future, including Enlargment, Turkey etc. ?
23 October 2008
After EU Parliament strongly suppported in 3 successive Votes this week in Strasbourg French EU Chairmanship's move to boost Euro-Group at EU's core, while ideas on EU Institutional problems are awaited on December, "it's an open Question now" if this may lead to a debate on EU's Future, or not, told us French President, Nicolas Sarkozy''s Spokesman, Pierre-Jerome Henin.
MEPs voted on Thursday fresh Funds to support EuroGroup, after adopting on Wednesday a Resolution asking a "further Evolution" to "the 1st ever meeting of Heads of State and of Government of the Euro-Zone, taking decisions in that capacity", while earlier this week a Report asked "a stronger Institutional setting" for "EuroGroup", extended from "competitiveness/industry" to "environment, employment and education", with "increased powers for Political decision-making", according to a text drafted by French MEP Francoise Beres and German MEP Werner Langen, "10 Years after the creation of Euro" (1999 - 2009).
- Brussels' subsequent "EU Council ..(simply)..ratified the measures decided by EuroGroup on October 12" in Paris, which "were necessary to contain the current Financial Crisis", Resolution observes, expressing also support to the new process succesfully initiated by Sarkozy and due to be completed by agreements with USA and other countries at a Global level.
From now on, it's between two differend but parallel moves : EU's delay, and EuroZone's acceleration, that Enlargement and particularly Turkey's controversial EU bid, will have to search its way :
Indeed, EU's 27 expect a "Roadmap on how to deal with the Irish problem" on Lisbon Treaty ratification after December, risking to pass even 2009 Elections and next Commission with the old Nice Treaty of 2000, out-dated and unfit even for 2004's Enlargement...
On the contrary, EU's core launches a real "Economic Governance for EuroZone at the highest level of Heads of State/Government" of the 15, which started in Paris on October 12 and was strongly supported this week in Strasbourg by Sarkozy and EU Parliament.
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- "It's a good idea, to launch such a debate ("on EU's Future") in EU Parliament in view of 2009 Euro-Election : Perhaps some MEPs will seize an opportunity", told us mainstream French MEP Alain Lamassoure, former EU Minister and EU Spokesman for France's governing party UMP.
- "All MEPs' debates on such EU Councils are also part of the larger debate on Europe's future : Now with EuroZone, and even more when, on December, Irish Prime Minister is due to table proposals in Strasbourg on how to deal with EU Treaty's ratification", replied earlier to our question EU Parliament's Press Director and Spokesman, Jaume Duch.
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Sarkozy has formally anounced his intention to open EU Debates on Economy, Identity/Enlargement (i.e. mainly Turkey), etc. both linked to a popular Political view of Europe, since his Historic speeches on EU in Strasbourg, on February and July 2007, when he stressed that "Europe needs a New Renaissance". At the beginning of the French EU Presidency, on July 2008, replying to a MEP, he suggested that EU Parliament takes an active part in Debates on EU's Future.
- Now, in 2008, "Crisis are an opportunity to re-think how to re-construct Europe", Sarkozy stressed. At any case, the Historic 1st EuroZone Summit of Heads of State/Government, which started replying to the Financial crisis,"is a Turning Point : After that, Europe cannot be governed as before, but differently" : People "like a Europe with Strong Will".
- "We must make the System move !", "Europe needs Innovation" and free political debates. EU "Elections are in a few Months", Sarkozy warned.
He invited EU Parliament to fully play its role as "the Democratic Heart of the Europe we want : United, Independent and Voluntarist, because the World needs Europe's voice".
- "It's no more possible for Euro-Zone to continue without an Economic Government" at the Highest Level of Heads of State/Government, who provide "Democratic Legitimity" and can take important decisions, he announced, strongly supported by EU Parliament's Economic Committee which just voted to boost the "Institutional" aspects of "EuroGroup".
Plasticity offered by the current absence of a special Treaty on EuroZone's Institutions "made it easy to adapt the organization of the 1st Summit with imagination, to efficiently meet urgent needs", he observed, on the occasion of Brittish Prime Minister's exceptionnal presence at the greatest part of EuroGroup's Paris Summit.
- "In EuroZone we have the same Bank, the same Money, and, thus, a same duty for Unity" : "By bringing together EuroGroup's 15 members States we suceeded to find a solution and prepare a Giant Plan of 1.800 Billion euros", Sarkozy reminded of Paris' 1st Historic EuroZone's Summit.
Afterwards, Brussels' EU Council followed the move, and USA's Paulson II Plan was inspired from that. "Europe must promote the idea of Global Economy's Refoundation", he stressed.
- "I was frankly astonished when I found, at the EU, a rigid system, where any New Idea was seen from the outset as a sacrilege, while, on the contrary, Europe needs Innovation !", he described.
F.ex. ,"'When we first spoke about the "Union for the Mediterranean", it was misunderstood as something extraordinary.. When later we had the Russia -Georgia crisis, it seemed against EU's custom to act "in the middle of August", instead of staying a passive spectator ! And when, in front of the Financial ciris, we gathered the 1st EuroZone Summit of the "15", some thought of it as a lese-majesté", he denounced.
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On Geo-Political Principles :
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- But, by moving resolutely, "EU obtained the ...withdrawal of Occupation Troops in 2 Months !", reminded Sarkozy, observing that Russia "fulfilled its commitments", in the Georgian crisis, where a "disroportionate reaction" from Moscow followed a "totally inappropriate action" from Tbilisi's troops. "It would be crazy to reply by military means : EU should not become accomplice of another Cold War, imposed by lack of cool heads".. as he said.
In future, "the creation of a common European Economic Area with EU and Russia, would also obtain a raprochment on our Human Rights and Democratic Values", added Sarkozy, in a statement which should logically be applied, a fortiori, to controversial EU "candidate" Turkey..
Particularly when, the same week that EU Parliament voted 2009 EU Funds for Turkey's controversial EU bid, ECHR took a series of judgements condemning Turkey for grave Violations of Human Rights, such as : Torture, death of a political prisoner in unclear circumstances followed by failure to conduct a proper Investigation, "enforced Disappearance" of a youngster aged 17, Killing of a sepherd with Tank Shells, persecuting Journalists for articles on "Missing" People, even a former President of Human Rights' Association, (etc)
- "We (EU) can defend our ideas on respect of Sovereignity and territorial Integrity, on Human Rights and other differences ... without confrontation", Sarkozy stressed, on the occasion of Russian/Georgian conflict, reminding that : "we were only 2 steps from catastroph", when a Peace agreement brokered in Moscow prevented, at the last minute, Russian troops' advance towards Tbilisi.
An EU Parliament Resolution adopted Wednesday in Strasbourg on the occasion of Russia - Georgia conflict, outlines a set of Principle which apply elsewhere too, (particularly when EU Rapporteur for Russia and Turkey is one and same person ; Dutch MEP Ria Oomen-Ruijtanen !)
Clearly rejecting any "military solution to the conflicts", MEPs "condemn ..all those who resorted to force and violence". They denounce a "disproportionate military action", "as well as (an) unilateral decision to recognise the independence" of brekaway regions, "calling.. to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity" of the concerned country, "and the inviolability of its borders recognised by all EU Member States". They warn that "EU must review its policy towards" a 3rd Country, "should .(it)...not comply with its commitments", and "stress that the withdrawal of.... troops from the areas ....is an essential additional step".
EU Parliament "calls for the safe and quick return of refugees, (accepted by Russian President Medvedev) accompanied by the deployment of EU observers on the ground", and "regrets ...that ..EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM) is not allowed to enter the ...breakaway regions". Moreover, "It's important to ensure that persons and NGOs ..engaged in defending human and civil rights can operate". "Until ...all remaining issues (are) resolved..., and notably the continuing ...Military presence", "relations with the EU ..cannot be fully normalised", MEPS warned.
As nobody likes to be accused to practice "Double Standards", this should be regarded as "Principles" applicable to any Third Country at EU's Neighborhood.. No ?
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On Economy :
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- "When Financial crisis shook US and EU's Banks, without result from the 1st (American) Paulsen plan, it was the common reply of the 1st EuroZone's Summit, involving some 1800 Billion euros, which started a positive move in the markets, soon strengthened by the follow-up of the US Paulson 2 Plan, noted Sarkozy.
- "Europe should not be only on the defensive, but, if necessary, know also how to take an offensive", he said, brushing away hesitationsto act on Economy: - "I'm for a refondation of Capitaliism, but against Speculators, who betray its values" : "Lack of Rules was profitable to speculators, Not to businessmen !" We must make sure to prevent any such crisis in future". "We, the rest of the World, cannot continue to bear the deficits of the 1st World power without saying anything !", the French President said, applauded by EU Parliament. All this needs "a New Global Governance", on which EU Parliament must debate. That's why "we proposed together with USA, several Summits from mid-November", to which G-8, enlarged to China, India a.o. countries, should participate. UNO's SG; Ban Ki Moon, the IMF, etc.
Financial crisis lowered shares' prices even for healthy companies, sometimes to 1/3 of their initial price, so that strangers might buy EU industries for only a portion of their real value, and Europeans may wake up one day with their main industries sold out to foreigners !
That's one of the reasons for which EU should debate about creating "Golden Shares" for States to jointly take Strategic participations to help European Industries until the end of the Crisis, particularly against distording competition, he suggested, pointing at USA's 35 billion $ plan for American Car Industry."We shall struggle for Europe to be able to build Airplanes, Ships, Trains, Cars, because we need a strong Industry", he concluded.
"F.ex. as we did back in 2004, when as Finance Minister, we bought Alsthom's shares for 800.000 euros, and, after restructuring, we sold them for 2 Millions : Help a company and make money is not so bad"...
As for the UK, "when Ireland announced that it would guarantee only Irish Banks, London City emptied from liquidities in 24 hours : It's the EU which helped to restore the situation, Not the UK alone !", reminded Sarkozy to nationalist British MEP Nigel Farage.
On the contrary, in a last-minute attempt for the EU to catch-up with its Institutional delay "before the European Elections" of June 2009, MEPs simply voted a call for a "set of proposals" to be made for the "Irish public opinion" at the end of the year...
- "As long as Lisbon Treaty is not ratified by all 27 EU Member States, there is an unanimous decision to stop Enlargement, reminded Wednesday in Strasbourg the French Minister for EU affairs, Jean-Pierre Jouyet..
Added to an indirect but clear warning that, without Lisbon Treaty, all 27 EU Member Countries may not have a Commissioner in the 2009 resuffle, MEPS in the Constitutional/Foreign affairs Committees applauded hoping that this might motivate their Irish friends..
