AMBASSADOR'S CORNER
WEEKLY
MESSAGE FROM AMBASSADOR JOHN BRUTON
May 10, 2005
I accompanied the European Union’s High Representative
for Foreign Policy,
Javier Solana,
during some meetings he had in Washington last
week. He was here to launch a strategic dialog
between the European Union and the United States
on Economic and Security relations with the
Far East. The need for such a dialog became
obvious during the recent controversies about
policy on
Arms Sales to China.
The European Union is tightening its policy
on military sales generally. Already the EU
has refused export licenses to
China for sales
of avionics, radar and other technologies that
can be used for military as well as civilian
purposes. These “dual use” items are not covered
by any arms embargo because they are not actually
arms at all, but they could still be a very
important part of a military build-up.
Europeans and Americans need to reach a common
appreciation of how best to support peace and
security in East Asia. Javier Solana acknowledged
that the United States has a unique commitment
in this area.
China is growing very fast, but its total GDP
is still only a quarter of that of Japan and
even the most optimistic predictions do not
see China reaching EU or US living standards
before 2050. Nonetheless, its rapid growth is
dramatically increasing world demand for oil,
metals and other natural resources. This additional
demand can be met, without major economic or
dislocation, so long as there is overall strategic
guidance. I believe Javier Solana’s visit to
Washington is a good start in that direction.
My wife and I were at the home of the British
Ambassador, Sir David Manning, to see his country’s
General Election returns come in. Election counts
are fraught events, especially for candidates.
I feel for all those who lose their seats, often
despite years of sincere service. For them,
the phone will stop ringing, and they will have
to remake their lives.
I am especially sorry for David Trimble, the
leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, who lost
his seat in the Upper Bann Constituency. David
is a brave and radical politician, who risked
his own support base to reach out to the other
side of the political divide in Northern Ireland.
His defeat is a caution for international statesmen,
who may be tempted to overload the shoulders
of peacemakers in other divided post-conflict
societies. Democratic Electorates often prefer
arid simplicities to necessary compromises.
The compromises that are essential to genuine
reconciliation have to be sold to the electorate
not once, but over and over again.
This week begins with
Europe Day
on May 9, a particularly noteworthy event this
year. It is the first “EU Birthday” for
ten new Member States,
including eight that spent decades behind the
Iron Curtain. It is one day after the 60th anniversary
of the end of World War II in Europe, a fact
which reminds us all of the prominent role American
support has played over the years in the birth
and growth of the European Union.
Please send me your comments
about this or any of my weekly messages, or
other EU matters. I look forward to hearing
from you!
John Bruton
Ambassador John Bruton
Teaches Washington-Lee High School Students
about the European Union, Arlington, Virginia,
May 9.
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