New exchange of letters between Cathy and this "dear Bernard"
(BRUSSELS2) This time, it is on the Middle East that the High Representative of the EU (HR), Cathy Ashton, polemicized with Bernard Kouchner, the Minister of Foreign Affairs (read also, on Iran: Sakineh case: Ashton says yes to joint action). The "dear" Bernard had complained by letter to the EU's chief diplomat that Europe was not represented at the opening of direct talks between Palestinians and Israelis, which takes place in Washington on September 2, under the aegis of the American administration. Cathy Ashton has, in fact, declined Senator Mitchell's invitation for the start of negotiations on the Middle East. But the EU's chief diplomat is fed up with these endless reproaches. And the reply that she sent - through the media - to the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, does not hide a certain... annoyance. To say the least! The British would almost lose her phlegm.
Between China and the Middle East, we had to choose
The HR is, in fact, traveling to China, a trip planned for a long time - and of which, of course, B. Kouchner (like the other foreign ministers of the "27") has been kept informed. She will meet her counterpart, who has the title of State Councillor, Dai Binguo, as well as Premier Wen Jiabao. "This will be the first strategic dialogue with the highest interlocutor in China" she explains, this before the European summit of September 15 which will have China on its agenda and before the EU-China Summit, a little later.
Also, it was impossible to be in both places at the same time. Cathy Ashton has even examined the possibility of leaving China earlier - it is said on the HR side - but the key meeting was on September 2, i.e. at the same time as the opening of direct discussions between the two Middle Eastern protagonists.
It remained to balance the two subjects. The question of China as of the Middle East are "equally vital and important" we note in Brussels. The presence at the dinner on the Middle East seemed less important for European diplomacy. It will be a "informal dinner and discussions will take place strictly between the two parties. This is the right recipe for success." she remarks. As for finding a replacement, it did not seem possible. Ashton was invited "personally by Senator Mitchell".
It's not a "choreography" and a fanfare thing!
"The appearance (of RH) during the dinner would not have had a substantial influence on the discussions". And to add: "for the HR as for the EU as a whole, the emphasis is on the success of the negotiations, especially during the first meetings, and not on the choreography or who goes to Washington or not". (and knock! you might say). "The United States and President Obama, who are the hosts of this event, have been very clear on these subjects. There will be no marching bands or Annapolis-style events."(1).
The EU will be represented anyway. Since Tony Blair, the EU special envoy to the Quartet will represent the Quartet (and also the EU) in Washington. This with the agreement of the Russian Lavrov and the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon who, "neither will be present as they respect what they consider to be the best way forward and the spotlight should be firmly on the discussions themselves".
It should be noted that the HR should make a report of the discussions which were held, and of the report which Tony Blair will make to him, to the 27 Member States.
There remains a problem ... institutional
It cannot be said that the arguments developed by Cathy Ashton are laudable, substantiated and, all in all, justified. And B. Kouchner's (new) request seems a bit irritating. But the fact remains that, in substance, a European presence, of a high level, even choreographic, would not have been too much for this resumption of direct discussions on peace in the Middle East. It can thus be seen that the absence of a "Deputy High Representative" is completely detrimental to European diplomacy. It is not the first time. But it's not the last.
The alternative means that we have been able to find so far - appointing a minister from a Member State or another commissioner - are rather "cautery" which is not always very usable. Because the very function of the High Representative presupposes relationships of trust with his counterparts around the world. When trust is established with a European character, a Chinese, a Mauritian or an Iranian (let's dream!) does not want to see a Spanish, Polish or... French minister arrive as a replacement. There is a legal vacuum here which leads to a political vacuum, which it is important to think about and find a solution, quickly. Perhaps this "dear" Bernard could come up with an idea at the Gymnich, the informal meeting of foreign ministers on September 10 and 11.
(1) The conference for peace in the Middle East in which Ehud Olmert and Mahmoud Abbas took part, in November 2007, which ended with a joint declaration... but did not give birth in concrete terms (Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)
