Only one mediator can save Spain from dismemberment
Re: “Spanish brutality a taste of things to come”, Have Your Say, yesterday.
The actions of the Spanish National Police are reminiscent of the Francoist era rather than the modern era. The EU is rooted in the rule of law. JC Wilcox’s letters are full of half-truths and distortions. The EU has its origins in the European Coal and Steel Community. The ECSC was run by four institutions: a High Authority composed of independent appointees, a Common Assembly composed of national parliamentarians, a Special Council composed of nation ministers, and a Court of Justice. It was not just a free-trade agreement.
The idea of defence cooperation in Europe is not new. The Treaty of Brussels was signed by the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands on March 17, 1948. It set up what became the Western European Union. It was a mutual intergovernmental self-defence organisation that also promoted economic, cultural and social collaboration. After the end of the Cold War, WEU tasks and institutions were gradually transferred to the Common Security and Defence Policy of the EU.
The current crisis in Spain needs to be resolved by dialogue. There is one global organisation that can provide mediation. Let us pray that the Roman Catholic Church can do so.
Ian Martin
Bangkok
