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.”







