战略与国际研究中心-Select-Briefing-Vol-2,-No-20_2页_135kb

Central European Update Summary

Poland

• Belarus Relations: President Aleksander Kwasniewski called for international efforts to support democratic changes in Belarus and condemned the authoritarian policies of President Alyaksandr Lukashenko. Poland, along with Latvia, Lithuania, and Ukraine, is working to launch an independent radio station to broadcast information to Belarus.
• Minority Rights: On 1 May, Poland introduced a new minorities law allowing the official use of minority languages in communities with at least 20% minority population. The law was discussed with leaders of the Union of Ukrainians in Poland.
• Interior Minister Resignation: Ryszard Kalisz, the Polish Interior Minister, announced he would resign if corruption allegations in the police force were confirmed. He believes the allegations are false but is prepared to step down if they are true.

Czech Republic

• Diplomatic Tensions with Cuba: Czech Senator Karl Schwarzenberg was expelled from Cuba, highlighting ongoing diplomatic issues. He criticized the regime's reaction as showing nervousness.
• EU Constitution and Military Presence: Prime Minister Jiri Paroubek met with British Prime Minister Tony Blair to discuss EU constitution ratification, EU expansion, and the Czech military presence in Iraq. The Czech Republic has a 100-strong military police force in southern Iraq and is considering extending the mission.

Hungary

• Military Cooperation with Greece: Hungary and Greece agreed to extend a 1993 military cooperation agreement, which includes security information exchange and personnel collaboration.
• Media Assessment: U.S. Army media experts evaluated the media landscape in Hungary, suggesting it should be less partisan.

Slovakia

• EU Rapid Reaction Force: Slovakia signed an agreement with Germany, Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania to form a EU rapid reaction force of 1500 troops, expected to be operational by 2007. The force is intended for humanitarian and peacekeeping missions.

Baltic States

Estonia

• EU Constitution Referendum: A poll showed 68% of Estonians want a referendum on the EU Constitution, with half supporting the current version.
• Tax and Labor Mobility: Prime Minister Andrus Ansip hopes the Estonian income tax model will spread in the EU and expects the lifting of labor mobility restrictions next year.

Lithuania

• Afghanistan Deployment: Lithuanian troops will be deployed in Ghor province, Afghanistan, to assist in reconstruction and security, not to destroy poppy plantations.

Latvia

• Border Disputes with Russia: Prime Minister Aigars Kalvitis and Estonian Prime Minister Andrus Ansip discussed border issues with Russia, particularly the disputed Pytalovo district. They also agreed to cooperate on tax and energy matters.

Southeast European Update

Croatia

• Strategic Defense Review: Croatia's SDR recommends reducing the size of the armed forces and phasing out conscription, with input from NATO military experts.
• EU Accession Concerns: Ambassador Vladimir Drobnjak criticized the EU for unfair treatment during Croatia's accession process, citing issues with the Hague tribunal and the inability to apprehend Ante Gotovina.

Bulgaria

• EU Accession Delays: President Georgi Parvanov opposed delaying Bulgaria's and Romania's EU accession, even if the French referendum rejects the constitution. The country is preparing for parliamentary elections, with no single party expected to win a majority.
• Leadership Change: The Bulgarian Interior Ministry appointed Maj. Gen. Ivan Tchobanov as the new general secretary, replacing Lt. Gen. Boyko Borisov, who will campaign for the elections.

Romania

• Hostage Crisis Resolution: Three Romanian journalists returned home after being held hostage in Iraq for 55 days. The resolution is expected to boost President Traian Basescu's popularity.
• Military Deployment: Opposition leader Mircea Geoana called for the withdrawal of Romanian troops from Iraq, but the government rejected the demand, citing commitments to the Atlantic alliance and security concerns.

Slovenia

• Joint Combat Group: Defense Minister Karl Erjavec announced Slovenia's intention to form a joint combat group with Italy and Hungary by 2007 and to consider participation in the EU mission in Darfur.

EU Constitutional Treaty

• French Referendum Uncertainty: The pending 29 May French referendum on the EU Constitutional Treaty has raised concerns about its viability across Europe.
• Public Support and Opposition: Eurobarometer survey results indicate support for the treaty based on European identity, institutional efficiency, and integration, while opposition is driven by concerns over loss of national sovereignty, bureaucracy, and lack of information.

Other Developments

• Select Briefing: This report is produced by the Eastern Europe Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a nonpartisan, non-proprietary research institution. It provides daily updates on developments in East, Central, and Southeast Europe.