The Hindu : U.S. `megaphone diplomacy' irks E.U.

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Feb 24, 2002

International

International

U.S. `megaphone diplomacy' irks E.U.

By Batuk Gathani

BRUSSELS, FEB. 23. If the recent sharp exchanges across the Atlantic between European and American officials are any criterion, it may seem that chasm of divide between them in policy perception is widening, particularly about the European Union's role in the world. The events of Sept. 11 and the E.U.'s enthusiastic participation in the global alliance against terrorism, has brought the U.S.. and the E.U. closer.

At the same time, the Europeans have watched the Bush administration's post-Sept. 11 action with mixed feelings, of both awe and concern. The U.S. President, George W. Bush's Asian tour this week has attracted much European interest, with many wondering how China would respond to a direct request from the U.S. to stop selling missile technology to Iran, Iraq, North Korea and Pakistan as well. The first three states have been catalogued as key members of Mr. Bush's definition of "axis of evil''. They are also regular customers and friends of China.

The E.U.'s two senior most policy makers this week called for calmer tone after angry exchanges over Mr. Bush's "axis of evil' speech. Mr Javier Solana, who heads the E.U.'s department of security affairs division, warned of the need to avoid "megaphone diplomacy'' and close the widening gap between the U.S. and the E.U. Simultaneously, Mr Chris Patten, the E.U. Commissioner for External Affairs, said he wanted to convince the Bush administration that a "multilateral" Atlantic approach to foreign policy would pay dividends for both the U.S. and the E.U.

Mr Patten hailed the E.U.'s contribution to "war on terrorism'' and said: "I hope that the success America has had in sustaining the coalition will convince the Bush administration that multilateralism is the most sensible approach to American national interests as well as the global interest. Our (European) participation is absolutely crucial, not only for our well-being but the well-being of the world.'' Mr. Patten admitted that recently in a media interview he had "lost his cool'' over Mr. Bush's "axis of evil'' speech but made clear that he stood by the E.U.'s policy of engagement with Iran and North Korea.

In privately conversations, senior E.U. officials subscribe to the perception that the Bush administration is preparing to attack Iraq "to destabilise'' the so-called "evil dictator'' but are equally apprehensive about the consequences such a policy may have in the Arab world. The Europeans are equally worried about the unfolding scenario of unabated military terror and repression by Israeli leadership in occupied Palestine. The Europeans are often overwhelmed by the American policy postures on events in Palestine and many attribute this to the clout the "Jewish lobby'' has developed in the American establishment.

So far, the E.U. has maintained close relations with the Palestine Authority and the E.U. ranks among the largest contributor of development aid to the Authority.

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