Ireland cannot veto mini military alliances Lisbon
Published: 12 May, 2008
Sinn Féin Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald has once against called on the
government to engage in a truthful and transparent debate on the Lisbon
Treaty.
The Dublin MEP said:
"Is it any wonder that over a third of the electorate remain disengaged
from the Lisbon Treaty debate when government Ministers refuse to debate
in a mature robust manner on the Treaty contents and its implications
for the Irish people. Sinn Féin is ambitious for Europe and it is in
this spirit that we come to the debate. Ireland's place is in Europe.
This is a given and uncontested fact.
"It is astonishing to me that Micheál Martin appears unaware that
Ireland will be unable to stop other EU states coming together in mini
military alliances and operating in the name of the EU.
"While Ireland will retain the right to opt out of military
interventions, a new procedure contained in Lisbon, called 'structured
cooperation' would allow a smaller number of member states to agree a
foreign policy or military intervention to be carried out with the
imprimatur, finance and logistical resources provided through the EU.
The Minister is incorrect when he states that these mini alliances need
the unanimous approval of all member states. Member states do not have a
veto, Article 28E clearly states this.
"With just over four weeks to go to the referendum I am putting it to
the government that perhaps now is the time to end the school yard name
calling and let's simply debate the facts."
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