EU Foreign Ministers Meet Amid Iraq Crisis, Britain Keeps Distance from EU's Views

EU foreign ministers gathered in Brussels on [no specific date mentioned] for crucial talks on major foreign-policy issues, including the Iraq crisis, yet Britain's stance dominated the agenda. Despite being an EU member, Britain has taken a solo approach to dealing with the crisis, leaving its European partners feeling frustrated and left out. The UK's presidency of the EU until June has not encouraged EU involvement in the Iraq matter, with Foreign Secretary Robin Cook prioritizing US diplomacy over EU ties.

Key Takeaways:

• The Iraq crisis is the least pressing issue on the EU's agenda, with South Africa, Switzerland, China, and Iran taking priority.
• Britain has not encouraged EU involvement in the Iraq crisis, with Foreign Secretary Robin Cook emphasizing that he only represented Britain and carried no message from the EU.
• The Dutch foreign minister, Hans van Mierlo, has expressed concerns about Britain's role in the EU, stating that it has "big problems" in meeting its obligations as an EU member.
• France has been openly critical of Britain's stance, with diplomats arguing that the UK's dual role as a permanent Security Council member and EU president creates a dilemma.
• Germany has been generally supportive of Britain but has accepted the possibility of military action in Iraq.
• The Italian diplomat views the situation as a "test of strength" between Britain and France.
• There is a consensus that Saddam Hussein must comply with UN resolutions, but the use of military force is a divisive issue.

Statistics:

• 15 EU member states are involved in the Iraq crisis talks.
• 7 out of 8 items on the EU agenda are more pressing than the Iraq crisis.
• The UK has prioritized US diplomacy over EU ties in dealing with the Iraq crisis.

Sources:

• Le Monde - "France 'leading a final battle' to avoid war"

"The French are the only Western country directly involved in seeking a peaceful solution".

• A diplomat - "Other European countries will probably go along with military action if push comes to shove".