Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2001-03-14-Speech-3-295"
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"en.20010314.13.3-295"2
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"Mr President, in Parliament earlier today there was some discussion about the future shape and direction of the European Union post-Nice. There is much about these plans and ambitions to which some of us might object, but one of the strengths of the European Union at its simplest is its role as a pole of attraction for countries that have not had the benefits of democracy, the rule of law and economic prosperity. The prospect of European Union affiliation or membership is a great incentive for countries that have lived under communism for many generations to put their political and economic house in order and to resolve long-standing problems with neighbouring states.
In the course of this present decade Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Romania will become European Union Member States. They border Ukraine, a country of enormous geopolitical significance, whose very existence is a major factor in the security and stability of Europe, but where recent developments are cause for concern. It is in all our interests that Ukraine should be helped in its consolidation as an independent, democratic country anchored in the west but with an open, vibrant and friendly relationship with Russia to its east. In this regard we should not forget that, in addition to its association with the European Union, Ukraine also has a strong partnership with NATO, which has contributed to the sense of security of Ukraine, as well as much-needed military reform.
Mr Väyrynen should be congratulated on an excellent report, even if it is somewhat longer than he had originally intended. It is so important now for the European Union to improve the focus and implementation of its strategy.
Let me touch very briefly on one very specific aspect: the issue of anti-personnel landmines. Ukraine signed the Ottawa Convention on the prohibition of the use and stockpiling of anti-personnel mines in 1999. It has yet to ratify its accession. Meanwhile, it has the fifth largest stockpile of APL in the world, with an estimated 10 million weapons. The Ottawa Convention places an obligation to destroy stocks of APL. We should expect Ukraine to take action. I hope the Commission and Council will place emphasis on this aspect in their dealings with Ukraine."@en1
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