EU moves to use of force to halt spread of arms

EU foreign ministers agreed to a new policy on dealing with weapons of mass destruction in a marked move towards the US position of using force if necessary to combat their spread.

They also made a significant shift in strategy towards Iran that has been branded one of the “axis of evil” countries by the US and accused of manufacturing nuclear weapons illegally. The European ministers threatened not to continue discussions on a trade deal with Iraq, if they fail to allow tougher UN inspections of their nuclear programme. They agreed to have and continuously update an assessment of the threat from WMD. The policy commits the EU to finding political solutions to the underlying problems that lead countries to feel they need WMD.

It says a common approach and co-operation with key partners such as the US and the Russian Federation is essential to effectively implement a WMD non-proliferation regime. Their strategy will be based on increased dialogue with countries suspected of proliferation and making this a strong element in relationships with some countries.

The ministers were anxious to stress co-operation with the US in an effort to encourage them not to go it alone and to avoid the kind of rows the two blocs had over the war in Iraq. As part of the EU’s drive to strengthen this multilateral approach, they also agreed to ensure international organisations active in non-proliferation get the support and resources they need.

The final basic principle cites “considering, in case political and diplomatic measures have failed, coercive measures, including as a last resort the use of force in accordance with the United Nations Charter”.

Foreign Minister Brian Cowen who attended yesterday’s meeting in Luxembourg said the reports about Iran developing their nuclear capability were very worrying.

The EU began discussions over a year ago with Iran despite US annoyance on a trade co-operation agreement and political dialogue that included human rights. When they opened, Iran insisted that both sets of talks must not be linked. However, yesterday this was clearly set aside by the EU. Foreign Affairs Commissioner Chris Patten said progress in one area depended on progress in the other.

The ministers strongly and urgently urged the Iranian authorities to sign the protocol on nuclear weapons which would allow extensive inspections by the International Agency for Atomic Energy (IAAE). Mr Patten said that setting further dates for trade discussions with the Iranians depended on making progress on inspections.