EU-DIGEST

Scotland - Salmond Out To Block Blair From Eu Presidency - by Paul Hutcheon

First Minister Alex Salmond of Scotland wants Tony Blair to be blocked from becoming the first president of the European Union.The SNP leader says the former prime minister should be "disqualified" from the post because of his staunch support for the Iraq war. He also said he hoped Scotland would become independent as quickly as possible so he could veto Blair's candidacy himself. The post of EU president is likely to be created as a result of the Lisbon treaty being agreed by the union's member states. Blair, who stood down as prime minister last year, has been touted as a potential candidate by allies and is known to have the support of French president Nicolas Sarkozy. However, the former Labor leader also is not thought to have the backing of German Chancellor Angela Merkel - and the first minister made it clear he will have no support from Edinburgh. Salmond said: "I'm hoping Scotland will proceed to independence quick enough to have a vote so that we can vote against him. I think Tony Blair would be a deeply controversial figure to be EU president." He added: "I think he's disqualified his candidacy because of one word, and that word is Iraq."

Labels: EU, Salmond, Scotland, Tony Blair

End of the Road for the United Kingdom? - by Mark P.Denee

The United Kingdom—which consists of the British isle states of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland—has undergone its own decline.

In 1922, Ireland split into two states, one declaring independence and becoming the Republic of Ireland; the other remaining a part of the UK, becoming Northern Ireland. In 1998, Scotland was granted the resumption of its own parliament in Edinburgh. In recent months, calls for Scottish independence have increased (they were also somewhat popular during the 1970s). Could this spell the end of the United Kingdom?

In 1997, the Labour government called for a referendum on the creation of a Scottish Parliament. It passed with support of more than 74% of voters, and in May 1999, its first members were elected. The SNP staged a historic upset in the 2007 elections, winning the most seats (47 of 129). Its leader, Alex Salmond, was subsequently named the First Minister of Scotland. Mr. Salmond has announced plans for a referendum to be held in 2010, aimed at securing independence for Scotland for the first time in 300 years. The referendum date gives the SNP “plenty of time to demonstrate competence. I’m committed to a new chapter in Scottish politics, one that’s written by the people,” Mr. Salmond said, launching what he called a “national conversation” on the referendum proposal.

Labels: Britain, EU, Scotland

Scottish Beef watchdog to argue for immediate ban on Brazilian meat imports - by Dan Buglas

THE Scottish Beef Cattle Association (SBCA) is taking its case to Brussels on Monday arguing for an immediate ban on all imports of beef from Brazil. A delegation from the SBCA, including its president John Cameron and the chairman Jim Kennedy, will address the European Commission's council agricultural committee. The Scots will be joined by representatives from the Irish Farmers Association and the Irish Farmers Journal who earlier this year on a fact-finding mission uncovered what they allege are widespread failures regarding animal health and welfare as well as an apparent lack of traceability in Brazil.

Labels: Beef, Brazil, EU, Scotland