"Council weak and inconsistent in defending democracy abroad" says Watson

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 15th May 2006

Graham Watson MEP (Leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament) commented today on discussions being held in Brussels amongst EU foreign affairs ministers on a wide range of issues.

"The lack of transparency of Council debates coupled with the lack of accountability of Council to either the European Parliament or national parliaments in the area of foreign policy means that Council's statements often go unchallenged and uncontrolled," said Watson

"If CFSP conclusions were to be submitted to rigorous parliamentary scrutiny, their failure to take a consistent and unfailing defence of democracy and the rule of Law would be utterly exposed".

"Although a discussion on aid to Palestine is scheduled, no decisions are expected. The longer the EU foreign ministers withhold the means to support the Palestinian people, the more Palestine will edge closer to the abyss and the greater the likelihood that Mr. Abbas will be forced into the embrace of Russia, Iran or other unpredictable foreign sponsors," he added.

"Europe is at risk of sending confusing and contradictory messages on its commitment to democracy. Council opens its arms to Communist mainland China whilst shunning democracy in Taiwan. We cut off aid to Palestine because we are unhappy about the winners of parliamentary elections and we ride rough-shod over international law by pursuing a fisheries agreement with Morocco involving territorial waters subject to a dispute with Western Sahara."

"The EU, in its reflections on the Future of Europe, must insist on an effective mechanism for upholding democratic standards and the Rule of Law in our relations with foreign powers."