+ 5 Carlo Ripa di Meana

European Commissioner for the environment

Not everyone shares the opinion of the Italian Foreign Minister De Michelis, not even in his own party

On the subject of the two intergovernmental conferences for political and monetary union, Ripa di Meana stressed the need for these conferences to lead to the definition of precise stages toward an ultimate target which can be nothing else but a federal system, expressing his "surprise" for the statements made by De Michelis as regards "small steps". (Il Corriere della Sera, 23-06-90, page 2)

0 Jozsef Antall

Hungarian Prime Minister

Too late ...

Hungary's most important goal is that of adhering to a united Europe. This also implies the adhesion to the Council of Europe as a first stage, followed by a bilateral association with the Common Market, in which we we have good chances of succeeding. In 1992 the real discussions as regards the admission could begin. (Magyar Nemzet, 6-6-90)

- 1 Helmut Kohl

Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany

To include and not to exclude ...

The United States of Europe should include "countries such as Austria, Sweden, Norway and Finland" and "not exclude the Poles, the Czechs and the Slovakians, the Hungarians or any other European people who wishes to adhere." (International Herald Tribune, 11-6-90)

- 3 Franz Vranitzky

Austrian Chancellor

Trapped

Vranitzky said that at present it would be useless to exert external pressures on the Common Market, which is concentrating on the integration plans necessary for the achievement of the single market, and above all of the monetary union. (MTI, 18-6-90)

- 4 Mark Eyskens

Belgian Foreign Minister

The cart before the horse

The European Community wishes to pursue a policy of approach toward the non-member (non E.C.) countries. As far as the possibility of an adhesion by Hungary is concerned, this largely depends on the rhythm of its economic reconstruction. (MTI, 10-6-90)

- 5 François Mitterand

President of the Republic of France

Gone with the wind

"But we see other applications coming from Central and Eastern Europe. And given that East Germany will soon enter the Community thanks to the unification, our Europe will soon unite 340 million inhabitants". "We need to catch our breath confronted with the fluid situation before us. This does not exclude, on the contrary, association agreements with the former or the latter. The discussion is open with the six countries of the Aele, as with the former Communist countries." (Le Monde, 20-6-90)

- 10 Michel Rocard

French Prime Minister

As usual, one step ahead ...

"We are following the diplomatic stages enacted by the new Hungarian government with great interest, and we support its intention to become a member of the Council of Europe." (MTI, 22-6-90)