DIFFERENT VOICES

Date: 20/06/1996

“Our answer will give Turkey a good lesson that it will remember for many years ... We will use arms to defend our national sovereignty and whoever attacks us will bitterly regret it.”

Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis warning that his country would use force to defend its territory if Turkey made any move against Greek islands in the Aegean Sea.

“The credibility of Europe is at stake over this issue.”

Social Affairs Commissioner Pádraig Flynn speaking at last weekend's tripartite conference of labour ministers, union leaders and employers' organisations held to discuss ways of combating unemployment.

“A longer adjustment period would be more convenient for many, but would not achieve anything.”

European Monetary Institute President Alexandre Lamfalussy reiterating his opposition to postponing the 1 January 1999 start date for EMU.

“We have never had such deep, strong and fruitful cooperation in such a difficult job.”

US President Bill Clinton referring to the combined efforts made by the Americans and the EU to bring peace to Bosnia.

“If we are to stop using the environment as a sort of sink where we can steadily dump unwanted pollutants for free, at no cost, there will be a bill for somebody.”

Environment Commissioner Ritt Bjerregaard insisting on the need for

EU-wide rules on environmental liability but arguing the 'polluter pays' principle could be made to work without placing too great a burden on industry.

“Everyone must choose what to do with their own money. Lady Thatcher must answer for her own actions ... personally, I would have given it to the Conservative Party.”

UK Prime Minister John Major criticising former Premier Margaret Thatcher for making a “substantial” donation to an anti-EU think-tank run by the Conservative Eurosceptic MP Bill Cash.

“I think England is still living in the dream of its past ... There is a deep British malaise. I don't know how we can get out of this unless the British prime minister acts more like the others and stops looking at the mad cow affair as his Falklands War.”

Former Commission President Jacques Delors commenting on the UK's policy of non-cooperation over beef.