Werner FASSLABEND: “We want to speed up Ukraine’s rapprochement with the European Union”

Over the past decade, Austria has been transformed from a Cold War neutral into an active member of the European home; it joined the European Union on January 1, 1995, and even chaired this organization from July 1 to December 31, 1998.

One of the active architects of Austria’s new policy and Minister of Defense, Dr. Werner Fasslabend agreed to give an exclusive interview to The Day.

“The EU December summit in Vienna discussed the working-out of a common foreign and security policy of EU member states. How would you sum up the summit?”

“Working out a EU common foreign and security policy depends on the EU’s three largest members — France, Great Britain, and Germany — as well as, undoubtedly, on the consensus they reach on European security policy. I think the EU common foreign and security policy will be clearly defined during the current chairmanship of Germany in the EU. An important step in EU reform will thus be made. The three major states’ views of a common European security system have come closer very much, and their mutual cooperation has only strengthened.

“For example, evidence of this is the treaty signed between France and Great Britain in Saint-Malo (France). The provisions laid down in the treaty allow us to conclude that relations between Paris and London will strengthen. Relations between Paris and Bonn are also on a good partnership level. This cooperation has laid a solid groundwork for pursuing a common security policy in Europe. The Amsterdam Treaty will soon take effect which includes most important clauses on crisis management.”

“What do you think are the prospects for cooperation between Austria and Ukraine in the military field in general and in the Partnership for Peace framework in particular?”

“Austria and Ukraine are geographically close and thus have common interests in European security policies. Moreover, the new system of European security and political situation that has emerged in Europe after the Cold War make such cooperation quite useful. For on top of the agenda today are such important issues as the prevention and joint settlement of crises. Last year Ukraine and Austria held fruitful negotiations on bilateral military cooperation. Our countries have concluded a cooperation treaty which regulates our relations in the military sphere. In last October I visited Ukraine by invitation of your Minister of Defense Oleksandr Kuzmuk. The documents we signed during the visit formed the basis for further development and strengthening of our relationship. For example, we closely cooperate in the sphere of military law and justice.”

“What is your viewpoint on the role and place of Austria and Ukraine in the European security structure?”

“In my opinion, after the end of the Cold War, Europe has a historic chance to create an organization based on the good will of European nations. Real preconditions have emerged for the making of a stable Europe. It is only via integration that we can achieve stability on the continent. This is why I welcome EU and NATO expansion as the most important factor of security and stability in Europe. I am sure Austria and Ukraine will occupy a fitting and important place in the architecture of European security. I want to stress that partnership and overall European cooperation will put an end to the threat of crises and conflicts on the European continent.”