Karamanou (PSE). – (EL) Mr President, the ambitious but
nonetheless realistic programme of the Greek Presidency, which aims to breathe
new life into basic policy areas of the European Union is, unfortunately,
already overshadowed by the threat of war with Iraq, a war which has galvanised
international public opinion which, as the President of the Commission pointed
out, is not divided. Nor, would I say, is it divided in the United States
where, as we know, two-thirds of the people oppose this war.
We are talking
about a war which is both pointless and destructive, as members from all sides
of this House have pointed out. However, the main brunt of any military attack
will be borne by the Iraqi people themselves, who have been suffering under the
economic embargo for years now. A military conflict will completely wipe out
any hope of combating poverty, hunger, child malnutrition and the lack of medical
care; these are the problems which the millions of people who are victims of an
autocratic regime and a harsh western policy have to live with. The twelve-year
embargo has itself operated as a weapon of mass destruction; it has cost the
lives of one million people, half of whom were children. Anyone in any doubt
need only visit the hospitals in Iraq, where children are dying of malnutrition
and a lack of rudimentary medical care. I have seen them with my own eyes.
Ladies and
gentlemen, we have a saying in Greece; you see who the good captains are in a
storm and the European Union is fortunate to have at its helm a very able
captain and an equally efficient crew, who have clearly demonstrated their
courage, combined with caution, efficient management of national and European
affairs and an inspired foreign policy which has made Greece a pole of
stability in the problematic Balkan area, a pole that promotes dialogue and the
resolution of differences by peaceful means.
I am positive
that the Greek Presidency will meet the challenges and play its historic part.