Opposition party leader criticises PM of inadequate EU leadership
Katainen says Vanhanen "was left in background" in Lebanon crisis
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Opposition National Coalition Party leader Jyrki Katainen has sharply criticised what he sees as a lack of leadership in European Union matters by Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen (Centre) during the crisis in Lebanon.
Speaking at a meeting of his party’s parliamentary group in Alahärmä on Wednesday, Katainen said that it is not possible to determine on the basis of events during the crisis, who was leading EU foreign policy during the crisis.
"I believe that I am not the only one who expected that the holder of the EU Presidency would have more clearly taken the leadership of the Union’s foreign policy", Katainen said.
Katainen referred to a speech by French President Jaques Chirac on Monday, in which he expressed the view that the EU had failed in its handling of the crisis. Chirac’s finger was pointed in Finland's direction as well.
Katainen had no complaints about the actions of Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja (SDP). "The true European leadership in a situation like this can only be taken by the Prime Minister", Katainen said. In his view, Vanhanen has been "left in the background" in international peace diplomacy.
Katainen said that he does not expect "feats of valour" or "political theatre" from the Prime Minister, but rather active international interaction to bring heads of state together and create a common will.
Katainen said that success in dealing with the crisis in Lebanon is especially important for the EU, because it gives credibility to EU foreign policy, increases its influence, and enhances security of the EU and its member states. Success at the EU Presidency, meanwhile, would boost Finnish influence in the EU, Katainen said.
Another topic discussed at the Alahärmä meeting was economic policy. Jyrki Häkämies, the chairman of the parliamentary group, said that the government should not just praise its own achievements, but should instead focus on reforms that would promote continued economic growth.
Helsingin Sanomat
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| 31.8.2006 - TODAY |
 Opposition party leader criticises PM of inadequate EU leadership
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