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Home arrow newsitems arrow EU Commission President Juncker to EF : I doN't know how Long will take BREXIT Talks !

EU Commission President Juncker to EF : I doN't know how Long will take BREXIT Talks !

Written by ACM
Thursday, 13 December 2018
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*Brussels/EU Summit/Angelo Marcopolo/- Replying to an "Eurofora"s Question, at a meeting with Journalists just after the 1st Press Conference on what is expected to be the most Crucial EU Summit before the EU Elections of May 2019, the Experienced EU Commission's President, former Long-Time Prime Minister of Luxembourg and €uroGroup's Head, Jean-Claude Juncker, surprised by his honesty :


- "I don't know, how long might take BREXIT's Talks, between the EU and the UK, Juncker simply acknowledged, speaking after MidNight, at the very End of a longer than expected working day, during which UK's BREXIT reportedly came Twice at the table : Once with a Briefing by UK Prime Minister Teresa May, and, Later-on, in a "27" Member States' Format.


He had Earlier shared the regrets of other EU Heads of State/Government, and EU Council's President Donald Tusk, for UK's recent incapacity to endorse the latest Agreement on London's Withdrawal from the EU, added to what he Criticised as "Foggy" stance, by most Groups of MPs, inside Westminster, about what might be UK's Future Relation with the EU (See Infra, + ..., etc).


+ EU Parliament's President, experienced former twice EU Commissioner and Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, speaking Previously here, during the Afternoon, with EU Heads of State/Government, had Denounced the fact that "Europe suffers from UnCertainty", inter alia. And this meets a relevant Premonitory Warning, by the Secretary General of the ChristianDemocrat/EPP Party, and mainstream MEP, Antonio Lopez-Isturez, who, speaking to "Eurofora" in Brussels on BREXIT, already as early as from 2016, had denounced that "some seek to provoque UnCertainties"..., (See: http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/eppsummitoutcomeafterbrexit.html).

 
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+ Earlier Today (13/12/2018), replying to "Eurofora"s Questions, an eminent representative of the current EU Presidency by Austria, Minister of Justice and Reforms, Josef Moser, (experienced Top Lawyer and former President of Austria's Court of Accounts, etc : See also Infra), evoked a possible Period of Time for eventually more forthcoming EU - UK Talks on BREXIT, (even Beyond the End of March 2019 Deadline for Withdrawal, according to Article 50 of Lisbon Treaty, in the Agreed or in a "Hard" way), which might extend as far as the European Elections of a New EU Parliament at the End of May 2019, (itself electing, as usual, a New President, new EU Commission, etc., between July and September 2019).


- Meanwhile, the key Austrian Minister (an experienced Jurist, recently elected 3rd in the ChristianDemocrat/EPP List of Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, at the 2017 National Parliamentary Election, after serving as former FPÖ Parliamentary Group Head and Director of Rightist Leader Jörg Haider's Office, while being politically Independent), also estimated that "EU Parliament might, eventually, need about 3 Weeks, or so", in case of a New EU - UK Deal, if not on the Withdrawal as such (See Infra), possibly on the Future Relations between EU and the UK, naturally in addition to the laps of Time that would be necessary also for EU Commission and, mainly, EU Council's Heads of State/Government themselves, in order to broker a really working deal between Brussels and London.


A previously published Draft Paper evokes 2020 and, perhaps, a 2 Years extension of transition (up to 2022) for the finalisation of EU - UK relevant Deals.


But, could EU Summits continue to be kept so Busy on BREXIT, at the Same Time that EU Citizens expect to see some Interesting Advances in European Integration, particularly in €urozone, and an elementary Protection from Deadly Islamist Terrorism which has just targetted cowardly even more innocent Civilian People even at Europe's Heart : Strasbourg, during EU Parliament's plenary session (See : http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/euparliamentlockedinbyterrorattack.html, etc) ? It's obviously on such Big, Vital and "Hot" Issues that the Crucial forthcoming EU Elections of May 2019 will be decided, and Not on the mere matter of Northern Ireland's Border...

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 juncker_speaking_with_tusk_at_1st_press_conf._eu_summit_brx_eurofora_400

=> In order to Shorten such extensive Periods, both Presidents of EU Commission and Council, Jean-Claude Juncker and Donald Tusk, speaking at their Joint Press Conference, at the End of this 1st Day of December 2018 EU Summit, (which, already took Longer than scheduled, arriving at around MidNight), stressed together that EU does Not Intend to Re-Negotiate anew the latest Draft WIthdrawal Agreement alrteady brokered with the UK Government, But accepted to "give Clarifications", at least on certain Points, which seem to be the Most Controversial inside the UK. As, f.ex., concerning the wish to Prevent a "Hard" Border between the Republic of Ireland and UK's Northern Irish area, (where a provisional Precaution has been foreseen Only as a Possibility, and until that matter will be settled in an adequate way at a forthcoming EU-UK Deal on their Future Relations).


+ In Addition, Juncker, speaking earlier to Journalists, including "Eurofora", during that same Press Conference on the 1st Day of December 2018 EU Council in Brussels, (Comp. Supra), also Announced that EU Commission intends to Publish "All useful Informations" concerning, precisely, the Future EU-UK Relations, already as early as since "December 19", 2018, while also Urging the UK Authorities to make officially known their own Expectations on this Key Issue, in a period of about "4 Weeks", (i.e. in the middle of January 2019).


- EU is prepared and Ready, both for the case of a "Hard" BREXIT (i.e. withOut Agreement between EU and the UK), and to "Immediately" Start "serious" Negotiations on the Future EU-UK Relations, as soon as London Authorities would Ratify the already brokered Withdrawal Agreement, Juncker went on to say, (while also feeling that, normaly, it's up to the UK to say "First" what it wants for its Future relations to the EU, since it has taken that BREXIT initiative).


+ Later-on (Partly UPDATED), Both Juncker and Tusk stressed their Support to British Conservative Prime Minister Theresa May, for the "serious efforts" that she reportedly does in order to finalise asap. a full EU - UK Agreement, while also Urging the EU to be well "Prepared" "for All possible Outcomes".

 


(../..)
 

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(NDLR : "DraftNews", as already send, Earlier, to "Eurofora"'s Subscribers/Donors. A more accurate, full Final Version, might be Published asap).


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    The incoming Swedish EU Presidency (July-December 2009) may still remain in favour of Turkey's controversial EU bid, despite June 2009 EU Elections' results, but it has "very strong demands on Turkey"'s obligation to respect EU Rules, said the Head of Swedish Foreign Ministry's Press Service, Cecilia Julin, to "EuroFora", reacting to critical Press reports.

    - "I know (that) the link is often made also to Sweden's position on Turkey"'s controversial EU bid. Indeed, "we (Swedish EU Presidency) are very much engaged in the future membership of Turkey, but not without fullfiling all the Criteria".

    - "It's very clear that we (Swedish EU Presidecny) have very Strong Demands on Turkey, in a sort of concept for Future membership of the Union, ...which will be a Long Process...", she stressed.

    This means, in particular, "the Copenhagen Criteria (on Human Rights, Democracy and Rule of Law), and also the adaptation to the Acquis of the European Union".

     - "If you listen to what Mr. Bildt (the Swedish Foreign Minister) says on Turkey at different occasions, it's very clear : We want Turkey to become part of the Union, in the Future. But we want it to fullfil all the Criteria : The Acquis of the European Union. That's very clear", she concluded.

    The Senior Official of the Swedish Foreign Ministry was reacting to critical Press Reports, from Brussels' Journalists invited by EU Commission's secretariat to Stockholm, who claimed that Bildt was abusing of a ..."Whip" (sic !) against Cyprus, by "threatening" the presence of UNO's Peace-keeping force at the "Green line" which separates the island's Government-controlled areas from the territories occupied by Ankara's army, if Nicosia didn't accept any political solution, regardless of Turkey's demands, before the end of 2009.

        Governing AKEL Party's new Secretary General, Andros Kyprianou, reacted by declaring that no-one can threat the People of Cyprus : -"We shall decide for our Future, and nobody else",  he reportedly said, asking to "keep calm". "In order to find a Solution soon, certain basic Principles must be respected", he stressed, calling those who feel an urgency to use their influence on Turkey. Other Political Parties were more critical.

    This was a reference to recently reported statements by Turkish Minister Bagis, Prime Minister Tayip Erdogan and Turkey's National Security Council (a Military-Political body), accused to push towards a partitionist "2 States" solution, contrary to UNO SC Resolutions for Cyprus' reunification.

    December 2009 is a crucial moment for EU's appraisal of Turkey's controversial EU bid, because EU Council has decided to review then Ankara's compliance with the European position on the recognition of Cyprus' Government, which was clearly set out by an EU reply of 21 September 2005 to Turkish Prime Minister Tayip Erdogan's claims, refusing to recognize even the existence of EU Member Cyprus, in controversial statements he made to London (former EU chair) on July 29, 2005.

    EU Parliament's latest Resolution on Turkey, adopted on March 2009 in Strasbourg, warned Ankara that "the non-fulfillment of Turkey's commitments... by December 2009, may further seriously affect the process of Negotiations" with the EU.

    In practice, the issue boils down to Ankara's "embargo" against Ships and Airplanes using Cyprus' seaports or airports at the strategic EU island, which traditionaly hosts one of the World's biggest Shipping flags. EU has already "freezed" 6 relevant Chapters in EU - Turkey Negotiations since December 2006, after Ankara refused to fullfil a commitment it had undertaken when EU had decided to open controversial "accession" negotiations with Turkey, back on December 2005.

    - "As far as EU - Turkey relations are concerned, it's clear that Turkey needs to fullfil its obligation of full, non-discriminatory implementation of the additional Protocol (to "EC-Turkey Association Agreement"),  This is an important issue....and should be addresseed as soon as possible as it clearly affects the pace of the accession negotiations.Issues covered by the Declaration of September 2005 will continue to be followed up, and progress is urgently awaited", warned earlier in Strasbourg the out-going Czech EU Presidency (former vice-Prime Minister Alexander Vodra).

    But the Head of the Swedish Foreign Ministry's Press Service, Cecilia Julin, dismissed "interpretations" by "some" that Foreign Minister Carl Bildt was reportedly "threatening" Cyprus with consequences on the UNFICYP, if it doesn't accept any solution until December 2009, while Turkey is reportedly delaying in an attempt to impose a partitionist "2 States" solution.

    On the contrary, Julin, stressed that "Sweden has strong demands on Turkey'"s respect of "Copenhagen Criteria and EU Acquis".

    Meanwhile, Sweden  is "concerned" about the risk of "Stalemate" in Cyprus' Talks, but is well aware that "the main responsibilities lie with the two leaders and the UNO", Europe playing only a role of "facilitator".

    After carefully verifying, the Head of Swedish Foreign Ministry's Press Service, stressed to "EuroFora" that Bildt's reference to UNFICYP "was not linked to a Threat", and dismissed those who "interpreted" it so.

    On the contrary, the Swedish EU Presidency acknowledged the fact that Peace Talks are mainly for the UN and the leaders of the Cypriot communities, EU's role being limited into that of a "facilitator".

    As for Turkey's reported attempts to impose a "2 States' solution", the Head of the Swedish Foreign Ministry's Press Service sharply replied by stressing that Turkey must respect the "EU Acquis" rules.

    In particular :

    - "Basically he (Bildt) underlined that it's the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus and the UN that have the main responsibilities for solving the problem", started to say the Swedish Senior Official to "EuroFora", referring to the above-mentioned "briefing".

    - "But the EU had a role in sort of pointing out the benefits and facilitating a little bit the outcome for the settlement of the whole Cyprus' issue", she added.

    - "And he did state the Fact, that the rest of the World (i.e. USA, etc) will, of course, look at the differend issues which are at the table, and the future of the UN Peace keeping force is part of what is at the table", she admitted.

    - "I understand that some have interpreted that as a Threat, by the Swedish Minister" "But", in reality, "it's a statement of a Fact, that, when we'll look at the differend issues, one of the issues on which we shall have to take a stand on, is the future of the UN Peace keeping force in Cyprus".

    Indeed, one of the questions usually raised for a Solution of Cyprus' issue is what International and/or European or other Guarantees, by a Peace-keeping force, might be needed afterwards, eventually for a transitory period.

    Questioned anew by "EuroFora" whether (according to critical Press Reports) this could be taken as a veiled warning that, if Cyprus didn't accept any Turkish demand for any solution whatever, it might be left alone to face Ankara's Military Invasion/Occupation, she denied :

    - "He (Bildt) didn't say it in that way"... "It was not linked to a threat, or anything like that", the Head of the Swedish Foreign Ministry's Press Service stressed.

    On the contrary, "he (Bildt) underlined that the main responsibility lies with the parties concerned on the island". "The EU can try to facilitate and show the benefits of reaching a settlement. But also, when the EU and the rest of the World (i.e. USA) will have to look at it, they will look at all the Facts on the table, and the presence of the UN Peace-keeping force is one".

    And "he (Bildt) didn't speak about that at all", she replied to "EuroFora" question on Turkey's reported attemps to impose, in one way of another, a partitionist "2 States solution".

    Asked whether Bildt's aim was to incite both parties to move forward efficiently, she agreed :

    - In fact, "the EU is really very concerned with the Stalemate in the situation. Yes !", the Head of Sweden's Foreign Ministry's Press Service anounced. That's why Bildt "was hoping for the two parties (i.e. for Turkey's also) to engage and break, a little-bit, the present stalemate, come to a solution of the issue" of Cyprus.

    But, replying  to a "EuroFora"s question on the risk, denounced by several politicians in case of strict Time Deadlines, for Turkey to provoke a stalemate and wait for the time to come to impose a partitionist "2 States' solution", she reacted by pointing at Turkey's obligation to respect "EU Acquis" :

    - "Turkey must fullfil the EU Acquis : That's clear !", the Swedish Senior Official stressed.

    More details are expected when Swedish Prime Minister Reinfeldt will debate his Programme with new MEPs at EU Parliament's plenary mid-July in Strasbourg, that he has visited already in 2008.

    Foreign Minister Carl Bildt became familiar with Strasbourg's CoE last year, when Sweden chaired the PanEuropean organization of Human Rights. As EU chairman-in-office, he will also chair the 27-member States strong EU Group inside the 47-member States strong CoE.

    Minister for EU affairs, Cecilia Malmstrom is well known at EU Parliament, where she has been an active MEP of the Liberal Group for many years, following also Press Freedom issues.

    Both have already made various statements at "EuroFora", on differend topical matters.

    ***

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