Nädal välismeedias: 7. - 13. aprill 2003

JULGEOLEK

EESTI VÄLISAJAKIRJANDUSES
Poliitika, Majandus, Varia

EUROOPA LIIT

Laienemine

Uudisteagentuurid

Nearly 84 percent of Hungarians voted in favour of EU membership, even though the turnout was lower than hoped for at only 45.56 percent. It is hoped the overwhelming support shown in Hungary will whet the appetite for EU membership in the more sceptical Poland and Czech Republic due to hold referendums in June, as well as in Latvia and Estonia where support figures have fluctuated. "In the end, there is no doubt that Latvia and Estonia will realise that their security and chances cannot in the long run be secured outside the framework of the community. I do not expect a rejection in these countries, either," EU’s enlagement commissioner Günter Verheugen said. (Afp, 13.04)

Germany hailed Hungary's "clear decision" in favour of joining the EU. "(It) reinforces the entire EU enlargement process," Chancellor Gerhard Schröder said, adding that he looked forward to "future cooperation with Hungary aimed at strengthening Europe". FM Joschka Fischer said the outcome of Saturday's vote was "a good sign for referendums planned in other (EU candidate) countries in the coming months". (Afp, 13.04)

A row between the EU and the EP over funding of the bloc's expansion was settled with both sides agreeing to a budget increase of 540 million euros (577 million dollars) from 2004-2006, parliament sources said. (Afp, 8.04)

The EU's enlargement passed a crucial hurdle with the EP approval of the 10 hopefuls' accession treaties, a week before the signing ceremony in Athens. (Afp, 9.04)

Just over half of voters in Latvia support membership of the EU ahead of a September 20 referendum, two polls showed. (Afp, 8.04)

Russian FM Igor Ivanov will likely attend the first meeting of all 25 members of an enlarged EU next week, Greek government spokesman Christos Protopapas said. (Afp, 8.04)

Greek PM Costas Simitis warned that Turkey would not enter the EU as long as Cyprus remained divided. "The line dividing Nicosia (Cyprus' capital) also separates Turkey from the EU," Simitis said in a televised speech. (Afp, 7.04)

Macedonian President Boris Trajkovski addressed the EP, stressing that former Yugoslav republics such as his own should not be isolated from the EU as it expands to take in more members from elsewhere in Europe. (Afp, 8.04)

Eesti valitsus kiitis põhimõtteliselt heaks liitumislepingu ELiga, lõplikult peab selle kinnitama järgmine valitsus. (Interfax, 8.04)

Vene delegatsiooni juhi NATO Parlamentaarses Assamblees Viktor Ozerovi sõnul suhtub Venemaa kriitiliselt Eesti ja Läti ühinemisse ELiga, kuna neil riikidel on lahendamata mitu olulist probleemi. Ozerov tuletas meelde, et Eesti ja Läti pole seniajani lahendanud riigipiiriküsimust Venemaaga, mis aga olevat üks ELiga ühinemise peamisi tingimusi. (Interfax, 10.04

Suurbritannia ajakirjandus

Ajal kui Ungari valmistub rahvahääletuseks ELiga liitumise küsimuses sõnastas Ungari peaminister Peter Medgyessy hoiatuse, et juhtivad liikmesriigid ei saa enam isekeskis Euroopa tegevuskava määrata. (Adam Lebor, The Times, 11.04)

Prantsusmaa ajakirjandus

Hääletada ELi laienemise poolt tähendab hääletada Euroopa edukuse poolt. Ei ELi laienemisele on Euroopa arengu takistamine. (