Interview with Václav HAVEL, President of the Czech Republic, following a press conference during his visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg where he met with Egon A. KLEPSCH, EP President. This transcription is a result of an authomatic process. Please check against delivery.

statement

Strasbourg

HAVEL, Vaclav

EU - Czechia (T)

Interview with Václav HAVEL, President of the Czech Republic

Journalist, Mr. President, first of all, you've made it clear he wants Czechoslovakia, the Czech Republic rather, to join the European Union sooner rather than later. Why do you feel it is so important for your country and for the European Union that you and perhaps the other Visegrad countries should become part of it?

V&aacute;clav HAVEL, President of the Czech Republic, For us, this is certainly most important because we do not want to be apart from the mainstream of European developments and we do not want to be in a sort of vacuum. This is why it is our objective to achieve both political and economic integration into the structures which are close to us in terms of traditions of our civilisation and our culture. As my country is situated in the very centre of Europe, it is, I believe, quite understandable that we want to be part of the shared life and common decision making and to also take our share of responsibility for European developments.

Journalist, There have been fears expressed by some citizens which have shown up in referenda held in the European Union. Not all of the citizens here seem to be completely convinced by the direction that it's taking by, for instance, the Maastricht Treaty, which you yourself have praised. You feel that perhaps Europe needs a different direction, or is it just that the perception of it amongst the citizens is wrong?

V&aacute;clav HAVEL, President of the Czech Republic, I think that the sudden resistance or reluctance perceived in certain countries when it comes to the question of joining the European Union stems from a certain voice of possible adverse economic consequences of that step for the population or worries that by joining the union, a state may lose a part of its own identity. Personally, I do not share these anxieties, and I believe that it is the task for the governments of the nations that want their countries to be part of the European Union to explain it to their citizens and to defend their position. To show to the people that being part of the Union would not be detrimental to the countries concerned, but on the contrary, that it would create room for a free development of the national identities of the nations concerned.

Journalist, Thank you very much indeed, President, thank you.