DIFFERENT VOICES

Date: 04/07/1996

“I hope the Irish presidency will be capable of bridging the intellectual and conceptual gap to some degree.”

Ireland's Prime Minister John Bruton expressing the hope that his country could help improve relations between the UK and the rest of the Union during its time at the EU's helm.

“First, Italy is effectively renouncing full adherence to Europe and second, the Italian choice risks creating complications for the very launch of monetary union.”

Internal Market Commissioner Mario Monti attacking the three-year budget plan drawn up by his country's government.

“Monti achieved the rare result of contradicting his own government and the European Commission.”

Italian Prime Minister Romani Prodi commenting on Monti's suggestion that the budget plan had effectively dashed Italy's chances of joining EMU in January 1999.

“We raised this issue in an amicable but firm way, asking the American president to do his utmost to ensure that this matter does not sour our otherwise excellent transatlantic relations.”

Commission President Jacques Santer speaking at the G7 summit in Lyon about the continuing row over the

US' Helms-Burton legislation which targets European companies with dealings in Cuba.

“They certainly seem to be on the road towards a common currency. All of this is a very positive development with respect to Europe, and what is good for Europe is good for all of us.”

US Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin welcoming the move towards EMU, while expressing concern that this should not be achieved at the expense of a massive slow-down in the European economy.

“This episode is an embarrassment for Bildt and the entire international community, who are once again being made to look extremely foolish.”

A western diplomat in Sarajevo commenting on the way International mediator Carl Bildt was duped over Bosnian Serb President Radovan Karadzic's resignation letter.

“Carl Bildt will go up the escalatory ladder if necessary.”

Bildt spokesman Colum Murphy warning that his boss was prepared to use sanctions to try to force the Serbs to back down.