Europe becoming ‘third super-Power’

Press, 12 April 1988, Page 9

Europe becoming ‘third super-Power’

Europe is becoming the third “super-Power,” the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Marshall, told a meeting in Christchurch yesterday. The process of Europen integration was “past the point of no return,” Mr Marshall said, speaking to the Institute of International Affairs about his recent visit to Europe. I “The E.C. (European Community),'is becoming the third super-Power between ! the Soviet bloc on the one hand and the Americans on the other, j . |“lt is the greatest market ini the world. The E.C. is growing into a Power that New Zealand has to learn Ito reckon with.”

Mr Marshall said that just as Britain identified more with the countries of its geographical region, New! Zealand identified itself as part of the South Pacific regional grouping. New: Zealand’s foreign and defence policies reflected that. “We are in an era where regional groupings are | the key to future development.” Mr Marshall said the outstanding impression of his visit was that European perceptions of !New Zealand had emerged from the colonial period. "They are now shaped not by the past but by the roleiwe are playing in our region.” .‘I - i

He i said |he believed New Zealand! must continue to “put the South I Pacific in clearer perspective ; for the Europeans.” | Mr ! Marshall said his discussions ! with the French were “unfortunately” dominated by differences over the Rainbow Warrior incident. “While neither side changed position in the key problem areas !-— French nuclear testing and the future of New Caledonia — I think we now i! understand each other; a little better and have a sounder basis on which! to build a more constructive relationship.”