Dublin South East Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

A united Europe can only be achieved through peace and tolerance - Doolan

Published: 20 February, 2007

Following Polish President Lech Kaczynski's address today to the 76th
plenary session of the National Forum on Europe in Dublin Castle Sinn Féin's
Dublin Spokesperson on Europe Cllr. Daithí Doolan said a united Europe can
only be achieved through peace and tolerance.

Cllr. Doolan questioned the wisdom of President Kaczynski's recent call for
a multinational EU army of 100,000 troops to support NATO missions.
"Military force will not sustain unity within Europe. In fact such policy
goes against the very spirit from which the European community has evolved
over the decades."

Cllr. Doolan continued "only an EU that promotes peace, demilitarisation,
nuclear disarmament and the just resolution of conflicts under the
leadership of a reformed, renewed and democratised United Nations can
sustain meaningful unity."

"We must also aspire to respect all European citizens regardless of their
religion or sexuality" said Cllr. Doolan. "Giving so called 'Christian
values'' primacy over other religions and liberal social cultures will
undermine the positive aspects of European integration. The Polish
government's ill treatment of its gay community cannot continue. The
decision of the Law & Justice Party to ban a Gay Movement march in 2005 yet
allow the 'Parade of Normality'' by a homophobic far right grouping is
totally unacceptable and should not be repeated."

Cllr. Doolan concluded "Next month to coincide with the Berlin Declaration
Poland will unveil their proposals for a revised EU Constitution. This will
be an important intervention in the future of Europe debate. However
President Kaczynski and his colleagues will have to work hard to ensure that
their valuable contribution is not over shadowed by talk of superstate
militarism and Christian orthodoxy. European unity can only be sustained
through mutual respect and consistent diplomacy."