DIFFERENT VOICES

Date: 17/10/1996

“Some of our big countries still perceive European foreign policy as one option among others, which should be used or left aside according to circumstances ... The second infant malady of European foreign policy is this temptation of some of our member states to act as trail-blazers, or simply to act alone.”

Commission President Jacques Santer chiding the French government, without naming it, for preaching a common EU foreign policy while pursuing a solo route when it really mattered.

“If you are not in the conference, have no illusions, those who are in the conference - the Germans, the French, the Italians - will fix the rules against us.”

UK Deputy Prime Minister Michael Heseltine explaining why the UK should not make up its mind about whether to exercise its single currency opt-out prematurely and should take part in negotiations on the way the system will operate.

“We want to see Britain 'at the heart of Europe' and not on its periphery - but for that, a few things have to be moved forward.”

German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel speaking in the Bonn parliament on the Intergovernmental Conference.

“Decision-making must become clearer. That is why I think there should be European referenda where all citizens would be consulted.”

Economics Commissioner Yves-Thibault de Silguy citing defence as one of the issues on which the European public should be consulted.

“We are against Maastricht and we will join with all members of the European Parliament who think the same way ... We want a Europe of the fatherlands, one that gives power to the people.”

Austrian politician Jörg Haider, speaking after his hard-right party won nearly 28&percent; of the vote in the country's first elections to the European Parliament.

“This state of affairs absolutely must not go on. It must be remedied at a time when Italians are being asked to make significant sacrifices in order to reduce the public deficit.”

Italian President Oscar Luigi Scalfaro speaking after offering to have his official income taxed as his contribution to Italy's drive to prepare for EMU.