asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the address given to the European Parliament by the current President of the Council of Ministers; and if he agrees with the views expressed in that speech.
Written Answers. - Address to European Parliament.
17.
I am aware of the speech to which the Deputy refers. It was made by the Foreign Minister of the Federal Republic of Germany on 20 January during a winding up debate in the Parliament on the programme for the German Presidency of the EC.
Mr. Genscher made it clear that he was speaking in his national capacity only when he entered into the military aspects of security in part of this address. In accordance with the provisions of the Single European Act, the Twelve are not committed to co-ordinating their positions on the military aspects of security. No useful purpose would be served by my expressing an opinion about German policy regarding European defence.