(00:00:00) NPR's coverage of regional public policy issues is supported by a grant from the Northwest area foundation. It's 12 o'clock (00:00:07) name is Jerry Joseph and I am a senior fellow at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute of public affairs. I am also a member of the board of directors of Minnesota meeting and it is in that capacity that I welcome all of you today. We extend a warm welcome to to radio listeners throughout the Upper Midwest who are hearing this program on Minnesota public radio's midday program. These broadcasts are made possible by the law firm of Oppenheimer wolf and Donnelly and we thank them for their support. As many of you know, Minnesota meeting is a public affairs Forum which brings National and international speakers to Minnesota members of Minnesota meeting include Community leaders from business from government from Academia and also from the professions. Today Minnesota meeting is very pleased to present Andreas Von act the European communities recently appointed ambassador to the United States. It is a particular pleasure for me to introduce him because he is an old and valued friend as the Netherlands prime minister some years ago. He made this first time somewhat apprehensive United States Ambassador feel welcome and at home. He also made my job easier. He was accessible. He was straightforward and expressing his government's views, which is not always the case in diplomatic circles. He was courageous and defending the issues in which he believed and he was enormously skillful both in Dutch and English in managing a key parliamentary debate on what was then a very hot issue and one in which the United States had a keen interest the deployment of nuclear weapons. From my briefings before going to the Netherlands. I knew that he was a lawyer and that he had been a university professor of law from his extensive political career. I assumed that he was unable politician, but when we first met he explained carefully that he was not a politician at all that is still his point of view as I look at the record. I see that he was involved in drafting a new constitution for what was then the Catholic People's Party he went on to become Minister of Justice briefly foreign minister and later vice prime minister. He presided over the difficult merger of protestant and Catholic parties into the more ecumenical Christian Democratic appeal and of course, he was prime minister for six years. Now, I think with a record like that. It is not unreasonable to assume that you have encountered an effective and talented politician. But Ambassador Von Ox says it was all due to curiosity and chance so good friends, though. We may be we agree to disagree when he left the prime minister's office in 1982. He in his words took a sabbatical as Queens commissioner in the Dutch Province where he was born after four years. However, he'd had enough of rest and relaxation. He heard that a new head of the European Community delegation to Japan was about to be appointed now, it may have been curiosity or chance. But however, it happened the assignment was his and for two and a half years he and his wife Eugenie lived and learned in Japan and some of his conclusions about that country will come as a surprise to both Americans and Europeans since last January. He has been European Community ambassador to the United States where at least a part of his job is explaining just what this integration of Europe means not only To the United States, but also to the Europeans since last January, he has been European communities Ambassador and has I think done a good deal of traveling. We're very pleased to be able to have him here in Minneapolis his talk this afternoon is titled economic superpowers European Community Japanese and United States relations in the 90s. It is very special pleasure to present to this audience Ambassador Andreas Von Act. (00:04:43) I already felt very much (00:04:47) inhibited (00:04:51) in addressing this prestigious audience after this introduction. by Ambassador Joseph one of one out of many that make me be in love with the United States of America. I think to interrupt my own words. my my words of embarrassment almost Jerry you have raised the expectations too high. And I'll do I'll do my best to do to live up to (00:05:37) them. (00:05:41) dear friends until recently many politicians and political analysts described our world as divided into two triangles. Two triangles of power a political one and an economic one. People were used to speak of a dichotomy. between a political triangle the United States the Soviet Union China and an economic triangle consisting of again the United States together with Europe and Japan. Currently the first of these two triangles is collapsing with the Soviet Union and serious trouble and Desiree and even falling apart and China taking resort to a paralyzing despotism. now Europe, Japan and the United States I mentioned them in alphabetical order. Europe Japan and the United States are to dominate both the world's political and economic life. The two triangles have turned into just one. Well, this lens of course crucial importance to the question. How do these key players relate to one another? And how gloomy (00:07:49) or bright (00:07:51) are the prospects for them to be able to manage world affairs as a (00:07:56) team? (00:08:00) Let me first of all make a few observations on the transatlantic relationship the transatlantic partnership. (00:08:12) Europe (00:08:13) and its metamorphosis is evidently Rising as an economic Giant and as a political power Europe's growing self-confidence breeds as of necessity a more assertive attitude. The United States on the other hand is for the time being in (00:08:44) trouble. (00:08:46) Consequently, the United States cannot afford any more being as magnanimous. Vis-à-vis the outside world as this great country has been over the preceding decades. Now you see with US representatives in international fora a more combative attitude. a greater assertiveness in securing us interests and rightly, so Bearing these two elements in mind and taking into account moreover that the backdrop of our long-standing alliance has changed dramatically in that the commonly perceived threat from the East has lost much of its binding Force. One might entertain concerns about the viability of our marriage. a new assertiveness with the Europeans and new assertiveness for completely different reasons with the Americans and the common threat has disappeared. How are we doing? What are we heading for? there are nonetheless good reasons to be (00:10:22) optimistic (00:10:24) both the Americans and the Europeans have made it perfectly clear in the recent past that they want to update and upgrade the relationship. President Bush blue the Clarion in his Boston speech of May 89 and Secretary of State Jim Baker heralded a new era of a reinforced Alliance in his book in his Berlin speech last December. And Europeans have responded in the most positive conceivable way. Consultations between the United States and the European Commission Executive body of the community as well as between the American leadership and our Council of ministers. Those consultations are taking place more frequently now and have taken on more substance than ever before. There is talk about issuing at an appropriate moment of a solemn declaration of friendship and cooperation suggestions were even made for a treaty to be concluded. We all know that perceptions of the single Market in 1992 have changed substantially in the United States both in the public and in the private sector. The warnings and admonishments against Fortress. Europe are hardly issued any longer? They have given way to a widely shared acknowledgement that a new Europe represents a great opportunity a great opportunity. Not in the least for the Americans. Admittedly, there are a few concerns left with regard to some specific subjects standards rules of origin to broadcasting directive. Some other things but unbalanced optimism prevails by now. (00:13:05) I (00:13:07) stressed the fact that most Americans have adopted another view a more positive and optimistic view about the new Europe. I think that the figures do really are really there to be quoted. and to show that developments in Europe are really in the interest not only of the Europeans themselves, but also of our American friends let me let me mention one figure here and that is (00:13:54) You know (00:13:56) EC 1992 is not something that will come into being all of a sudden like a big bang on the same, December 31 1992. But that is something that is under construction for quite a time already and that takes shape more and more every month every year and it all started in 1985. That means that the consequences of what is under construction can be measured already now to a large extent. Now what do we what do we see as regards you as EC trade relations over the years 1985 until today over this this years of construction of the single Market in 1985 and the construction (00:15:01) began. You (00:15:04) had a 24 billion deficit 24 billion dollars deficit with the EC which is quite a huge deficit. It's about half the deficit you have is Japan. Now a couple of years later, you have a slight Surplus with the community. And that all happened that turnabout happened in the very years of the construction of the single Market when it really took shape. Of course, you are going to find stronger competition in the new European (00:15:44) market (00:15:48) European firms. That will be larger. (00:15:53) More (00:15:53) modernized better able to cope with the needs and requirements (00:15:59) of huge markets. (00:16:02) But that is something you can you can deal with quite well and I think that reinforced European competition you will meet which is something completely different form protectionism. Of course that new European competition. You will meet will be just inspiring for you. Isn't that so As is as is every day the Japanese competition inspiring for you. So that just fine. DM It's remarkable what has what has what has happened in Europe over the last year's to be perhaps he could go into that more in detail during the Q&A time. Let me tell you what what what I experienced during the last reception. I had I was been given in Japan before I left for Washington. one of my Japanese friends Japanese investment banker climbed onto the Rostrum and gave a speech and he said Ambassador. You've done a great job here. We greatly admire (00:17:21) you (00:17:23) and all the nonsense you always here. Yeah, but then he said now is the time to make a confession. And the confession is we have never believed. That Europe would ever be united we didn't believe it and we hardly believe it now. Yes, he said it can happen it can happen if a full set of conditions where to be met if the Italians were to become more disciplined. And and the French less arrogant and the British less conservative and the Germans would acquire a bit of humor sense of humor. And the Dutch were to be more generous. That was the assessment of our Japanese friends not long ago. Back to the new relationship between that revived Europe and the United States. The main Challenger had of course is the successful completion of the Uruguay round And I would say for Americans and Europeans like and in a long-term perspective for virtually every nation interests are at stake of such a vital importance that a failure of the round would be tantamount to (00:19:03) disaster. (00:19:09) We spoke about joined management of world affairs Europe Japan the United (00:19:19) States. and these (00:19:23) joint management these on no longer esoteric words, see what see what is happening with regard to Eastern Europe the operation to assist Poland Hungary and others is in full swing now with the European Commission in the driver's seat as coordinator and Japan and the United States and many more countries making their contributions to this InterContinental effort for democratization and the establishment of market (00:19:59) economies, (00:20:02) and that's not the only example of not the only here this this really proves that Nothing, like World management is coming into being is developing. There's another example it's fascinating that the United States launched the suggestion some month ago to set up a similar operation on behalf of Central America and the Caribbean. And this not only shows that the United States does not regard that area anymore as its exclusive backyard. Or that the u.s. Cannot put up the financial resources needed on it for that purpose on its own but also shows that the United States and Europe and Japan are more and more viewed as partners who's calling. It is at this juncture of History to manage the global firm. United States Europe Japan the contribution of the letter Japan is essential. So let us focus our attention for a moment on Japan. How are as a European views it? How are us Japan relations doing? (00:21:31) And (00:21:31) how is the state of play between Japan and Europe? My God time is running (00:21:38) out but part of what's the time now my God, it is written. (00:21:48) Japan in five minutes is impossible. a few observations the structural impediments dogs have just been finalized and first of all, congratulations Do the American negotiators very well done indeed the concessions made by the Japanese. Exceeded most observers expectations. It's I think that the right time now however to add some caveats. May I some caveats one (00:22:30) is (00:22:36) a misperception could readily settle now. Americans as well as Europeans might infer from this recent success that saber rattling and banging the table is the only way to produce results and that such operations could be repeated at random. And that would be a serious error the success of the latest mission is largely attributable to the fact that the American demands were in unison with those for which Japanese consumers are clamoring now. Just a couple of months ago quite recently the Nihon keizai shimbun, Japan Economic Journal. Published the outcome of an opinion poll showing that nearly half of those interviewed believed that the u.s. Allegations on Japanese trade trade barriers were right mind you interviewees in Japan. And 85% of the Japanese interviewees wanted the Japanese government to deal positively with the United States demands and proposals. That's quite something. So with the Japanese consumers rising to their feet now. And siding with the demands from abroad considerable adjustments may be brought about much faster than Skeptics would have dared to predict. And it's now time I feel for Congress to rein in its emotions. for a while for lambasting Japan now and hitting it with punitive measures has the potential to create a backlash a collective response dictated by national pride. now the second caveat do not underestimate that the implementation of the Japanese concessions is bound to be a painstaking and time-consuming affair. Americans are wonderful people I don't I do not say that only when I address American audiences the same I say to my European friends wonderful people you have (00:25:26) a few few (00:25:29) vices and shortcomings only. One of them is lack of patience. Yeah, yeah, you recognize something. This D. The implementation of the Japanese concession will necessarily be a time-consuming affair the Japanese distribution system, for example. Employees some six million people in small mom-and-pop stores many of whom are too old or unqualified for industrial office jobs industrial jobs are offered jobs and their representatives will fight for their economic survival. It will be quite a fight. Now the third caveat relates to the effects of the implementation. the effects of the implementation of all these Japanese concessions on us Japanese trade figures and on the deficit I think it's wise to heat the comments on First and most predominant American businessman in Japan. That is Bill Franklin the incumbent president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan. A man position data vantage point a man who knows both American Business and Japan as well as his as his pocket. He says the reforms promised by Japan are not going to have any effect on the trade deficit on the short run. They will he thinks benefit Japan's economy and help us companies after some years. If they take advantage of the newly created opportunities, I'm quoting Bill Franklin and this then leads me to the fourth and final caveat. We Americans and Europeans alike. Yes, we Europeans. Do we have to do our homework as well? the S II packed also contains American promises to lower the budget deficit improve education system and hence competitiveness of u.s. Industries and encouragement of to encourage exports. All these things have to be done and Europeans have the same kind the same the same as assignments the same kind of homework to do. (00:28:15) Then I think I should not. (00:28:21) Finish this dog before (00:28:23) having told you (00:28:27) what I feel. Very bad biases that are prevailing both in the United States and in Europe. biases about Japan we all know that the prevailing view (00:28:46) is (00:28:48) Goal at the slogan Japan is different. That's okay. Japan is different. But what is important is that judgment? Japan is different carries two, critically important and partly mistaken. Connotations. And it is about that he would like to make a remark. One connotation of Japan is different is that country is deviant. Aberrant it should be more like we are. And I think that's nonsense. Why should it be more like we are? I think we should challenge the challenge that bias and ask ourselves that question explicitly and we rarely do we Americans and Europeans alike. I keep saying. And the other connotation of Japan is different is that Japan is basically unchangeable. Standing as a rock and shattered in Gales of change sweeping the world. And also that I think is wrong Japan is clearly and really changing undergoing a process of change as a result of external as well as internal pressure and the changes are due fault. The change is pertain on the one hand to Japan's economic structure and on the other hand to the norms and values prevailing in that society. And of course it goes without saying these two changes are Interactive. Now first about the changes in the economic (00:30:48) structure (00:30:49) the structure of the economy. The recommendations of the so-called Mari Kawa reports Micah was the formal Central Bank, governor. the make our report recommended a few years ago that in tune with the demands of Japan's trade Partners basic restructuration was needed from an export-oriented to a domestic demand let economy (00:31:25) And (00:31:25) that objective. Has already now being detained. Japan is much is predominantly now believe me or not. I'll give you the figures in doing Q&A. If you want is predominantly now a domestic demand oriented economy. And that's it. That's turn about it has that has been done in a couple of years. The country has taken many fault and considerable Market opening measures over the last year's. Agriculture is still a problem. Yes that not only goes for Japan. If I'm a blink for a moment to (00:32:08) you. And (00:32:13) look about the percentage of of imports of manufactured goods as a share in their total Imports a few years ago was the well known well known well known complaint. We all had you will remember that you are taking in raw materials and you're exporting nice finished products. You don't import enough manufactured goods. Now a few years ago. These Imports of manufactured goods made for less than a third of their total Imports. Now, it's over 50% already that is not enough yet over 50% already. But what I would like to bring to your attention is the trend the trend is Good from 1/3 to over half in a couple of years only is a very rapid change in the right direction. (00:33:11) Now (00:33:12) behold the results the results are no less than impressive. Japan's Global account Surplus has fallen from 87 billion dollars in 87 to around 60 billion now, which is a dramatic reduction in a couple of years only. As for the corrections in bilateral terms, these were Global figures. (00:33:43) of (00:33:43) course as for the correction in bilateral terms It should not remain unnoticed that over the last three years Japan's imports from the United States have risen six times as fast as its exports to the United States. Now time is not available anymore to talk about the sociological and cultural changes. And that is a Pity because these are the most interesting. These are really the most interesting. So you give you a flavor to minute flavor? Look after after centuries of isolation the Japanese. Like butterflies awakened by the Sun. Have written themselves of their cocoons and they start now discovering the (00:34:41) world and they fly out by 9, 10 11 (00:34:47) million a (00:34:47) year and they discover a completely new (00:34:51) world. They fly around and they experience the cultural shock. Of suddenly realizing that other people less well-to-do live in better houses. Enjoy more Leisure Time and Facilities pay less for their food in short that for them. The Japanese. The quality of life is appalling Lilo that they have never known and they find that now we're rapidly defined it out. They also found a Japanese cameras and things the like a market with cheaper and Hong Kong and Tokyo. (00:35:35) or in Hawaii or in (00:35:37) Singapore And as a result returning back home, they start asking questions. entertaining doubts leveling criticisms and they criticized many things which they have hitherto taken for granted. And there's more going on this but let me let me point out one more thing. That's I think psychologically sociologically very important. There is a growing discontent in that Society. particularly (00:36:19) a (00:36:19) growing discontent with the widening discrepancy between the Haves and Have (00:36:24) Nots we all know (00:36:27) Japan has been noted has been well that has been known and respected admired. I think for its homogeneity and that was important source of its strength. So homogeneous society. And that Society is breaking up now. There is now in yawning gap between the Haves and the Have Nots that new phenomenon that has not existed before and is making for cracks in that Society. Why'd that yawning Gap (00:37:05) because there are some who (00:37:10) have been fortunate enough to own some real estate or stocks. And are others who are entirely excluded from the windfall profits stemming from such ownerships. That's a new phenomenon and that makes for a lot of discontent and dissatisfaction in the country. Later in the discussion. I hope to see a bit more about other psychological changes that are taking place in particular declining proclivity to saving and greater propensity to spending which I think is very important for Japan's trading (00:37:58) partners now. Yeah, of (00:38:02) course, I cannot end up without say to say that having said one word about Europe and Japan. Unless you say the following. (00:38:12) Europe and Japan, how do (00:38:15) they relate to one another? There is no not a simple and single answer to this question for there is a variety of opinions within the communities. So let we confine myself to just do remarks one is in the areas of trade and Investments one comes across the same criticisms and frustration vis-à-vis the Japanese as the ones haunting American mines basically the same. The European critics are less vociferous than the Americans. Partly because the Japanese presence in our markets in Europe has not yet reached the same degree of visibility and partly perhaps also owing to differences in style. We understand each (00:39:10) other (00:39:12) remark number two is EC Japan relations are much narrower in scope than those between the u.s. And (00:39:22) Japan (00:39:25) there is hardly any political Dimension to our relations with Tokyo and none pertaining to security. Consequently, there is nothing to offset trade and investment related tensions. And that's why such tensions between Europe and Japan could more readily turn nasty and sour. I feel it's high time for the three economic world powers to embark on more policy coordination and cooperation to jointly manage world affairs. Why should we that's my last remark German we go now, I know my my behaving in a very undisciplined way. Why should we not take a more positive look to mention just one example? More positive look at the potential for Japan to make substantial contributions to the recovery of economies in Latin America, Mexico, Panama, Nicaragua and particular as well as an Eastern Europe. Why should we allow ourselves to react to Capital inflows from Japan into these ailing regions in a paranoid way disqualifying such vital shots in the arm as she returns at at economic colonization. In a recent encounter in California with prime minister Cai Foo, who by the way did an excellent job in Houston at the economic Summit. You have noticed that in his counter with mr. Chi food, the president of the United States mooted the idea of a new triangular cooperation structure and this is still an embryonic concept very worth elaborating on. And you are very worth being thank for your patience. (00:41:42) On the station's of Minnesota Public Radio our guests at the Minnesota meeting today at the st. Paul Hotel is Andre Hispano from 1977 to 82 the prime minister of the Netherlands. Formerly the European communities ambassador to Japan and now the European communities ambassador to the United States questions, please Now that the problem of a United Germany has been resolved to apparently the satisfaction of Gorbachev coal and Bush. What would you think would be the feeling of (00:42:26) the EC if the (00:42:29) remaining troops of Russia and the United States in Germany are would be turned over to the United Nations as peacekeeping forces? (00:42:46) The recent occur between President Gorbachev and Chancellor Kohl I think is a good thing the thing to be to be happy (00:42:56) about (00:43:00) whether or not the concerns about a unified Germany are Justified or not. I think they're unjustified. But that's a personal opinion many entertain those those concerns in Europe and not only in Europe. So it's good to have Germany firmly anchored. In into a European community and into NATO now, your question basically is about about the future of NATO. It comes down to that. DM However, bright the the prospects may may seem to be however interesting developments are taking place in the Soviet Union every day. There is still a lot of uncertainty. the process of liberalization of establishing market economies (00:44:08) of (00:44:12) types of type of society like ours is has not been completed by far not and it is certainly not not inconceivable that something unpleasant and expected would happen out there. It's not inconceivable that a backlash would occur that mr. Gorbachev even after his successful conference Congress would be ousted. And that that's some old old-fashioned General will take over. Even when the whole thing would fall apart then still Russia is is big enough. Russia proper to pose a threat if the wrong leadership would would come to power out there as a product of very bad circumstances for the population. So for the time being at least it is wise if not necessary to maintain NATO adjusting it adapting it having it make forthcoming moves towards Eastern Europe as has been done in the London Summit recently at American at an American initiative high praises for that. It's all fine, but we should we should not hurriedly and do NATO. And we should not inherit Lee take out the American Military presence from Europe. What I think is should be done is that the Europeans should take a considerably higher share of the burden. Of those drops tubes being there that is fair. That is fair. And I think the Americans could rightly ask for that. But to take the the troops out to physically separate America from from Europe in that vital respect. I would not be in favor of that at all even not when all the Russian troops have disappeared from Germany. They are still then in their own home country and that's just matter of them. Thousands of miles no more Overland they could be back soon in a worst case scenario. but certainly our European Duty to shoulder much larger share of the defense burden. (00:46:59) Thank you. Mr. Ambassador. We have a question here from professors 80. Mr. Ambassador. I'm delighted you to say something about Japan your European relations. My own Impressions were that if the Fortress Europe term applied at all that most of the European felt little more Danger from Japan in the trading case, then they did with the United States and that change has occurred recently. My question is mr. Ambassador that within Europe we have other three entities beside he see there is after and then there is a new block Eastern Europe and Russia. Would you say that given these changes taking place and given the current trade between EC and after and then the relationship or after 2:00 Eastern Europe and the EC effort towards Eastern Europe and Russia what sort of impact you see on the three blocks you have talked about United States, Japan. And vis-à-vis what's happening in (00:48:06) Europe? Yeah in Europe. Three dimensional process is going on towards more integration dots making Europe and even more important partner in the management of world affairs. These three dimensions are the following one is about efta Yeah, you mentioned efta after as most of you may know is a loose Association of free countries outside the EC basically the Scandinavians plus Austria plus Switzerland. These six efta countries are going to be linked up with the European community in what we call an economy European economic area. And that is to that is that's the intention to be brought about Before 1993 so we are done if old this is developing the way we hope it will then we are going to have a 1993 not only in an open market comprising the 12 sec countries, but an open market comprising 18 countries the 12 EC plus the 6 F dot countries Scandinavians, Austria and Switzerland. That is one development. Another the second dimension is how do we relate to these newly emerging democracies in Eastern Europe? the policy is to conclude before long say before one or two years from now Association agreements that will constitute a firm link between these countries in Eastern Europe and the EC. These Association agreements will provide for technical assistance and financial help and political dialogue and cultural cooperation. But the most important element of it will be a gradual opening up of markets. In order for the is Europeans to sell the products of their products of the new productions. They are going to set up in the in their revamped Economist to sell them to the purchasing power of Western Europe. That's the most important contribution. I think we can give we can extend to them. Soviet Union is quite a different quite a different issue that that country is so large that it has to be dealt with in a completely separate separate (00:51:07) way (00:51:11) as I said as a three-dimensional development going on in Europe to Third Dimension, perhaps should have been should have been mentioned to First and that is what is happening within the EC itself. That is the economic and monetary Union the central bank system and the single European currency that will be there. My hunch is as early as 1996. And what we call bit to ambitiously the political union, which means that the EC is growing more and more into a political entity. Not only an economic entity only. that that all that will I think have consequences comparable to what will result from the the construction of the free trade zone in this in this part of the world. Canada u.s. Mexico that kind of things. So what is in the cell which is just fine. Not not not a serious problem about that. What is important is that of that we of course secure and open Communication in terms of trade and other economic relations between the between the groupings between the groupings That these channels should really should be kept open and that's why the Uruguay round is soy awfully important that is a vital importance for the economic future of the world. (00:52:54) Thank you. Mr. Ambassador. Here's a question from John Richter. (00:52:57) Mr. Ambassador. Now that European countries are working together. How can we encourage the Middle East to accomplish the (00:53:05) same? Sure. (00:53:14) That is some the Middle East problem is so complex. We all know that can be of course no, no viable and permanent solution for the Middle East without a solution of the Palestinian question is not the only problem. I fully realized that but without that can be no no solution. So no solution at all. Europe is trying not very successfully as yet but who is successful in dealing with the Middle East is trying to play sort of--and into mediation role not formally, but in fact between the Arabs and and Israel what we may hope for but is that is long-term thinking is that the success? Of the European integration will be an inspiring Force for the peoples in the Middle East as it certainly has been for the peoples in Eastern Europe. It's quite clear that European integration. I see it with any Professional Pride. I'm too old to a display Professional Pride. But I really do believe that the success and the the acquire prosperity in Western Europe has been a lodestar. Really a lodestar a magnet for Eastern Europe. Some of these effects may also make themselves felt later on in further a parts of of of our world in particular in in the Middle East. I think it's important to add one. One more thing Europe is building a better relations with the Arab world in particular by giving special privileges to the Arab countries around the Mediterranean. That is not only because we are that Noble. We are no nobler than you are. No less by the way, but no better either. It is also because the V there's there's a fear for waves of immigration coming from the Middle East from North Africa and the Middle East bit of your Latin American problem. Yeah, and this is for that reason that large and important rescue programs. Economic aid programs are being developed to help these countries in North Africa and the Middle East and to help people stay there instead of coming to Europe by millions of millions. (00:56:18) Thank you. Mr. Ambassador question here from Glenn School vault. (00:56:23) Mr. Ambassador, one of the important dimensions of the single Market program is the social Dimension. It's been a priority for president dolor and organized labor and for many members of the European Parliament. It's also provoked a number of fears the part of people who maybe aren't familiar with what the community is considering in that area and wonder if you could comment on what is likely to result as part of the white paper the single Market program in the area of workers participation business and other elements of the single social Dimension as yet the results in that sector as you know are not really impressive. His reluctance all over the place to reach important far reaching agreements on that kind of subjects. Part of the resistance comes from from London, but not only from London. By now that is sort of stagnation sort of stands still in the process. There's only one not only but the most pressing actor in the game is the European Parliament that is now dominated by Social Democratic majority. But as soon as yet the results are not not not very striking. I think it will take quite a lot of time before. Really that before before results are can be posted that are worth with describing. And being proud of no it is not not not not our success area and it is not likely to be that in the foreseeable future. (00:58:27) Mr. Ambassador time for one quick question and one quick answer Bill icky Quest (00:58:33) and your recent trips to Japan. Do you have the feeling that the (00:58:38) greater East Asia (00:58:39) co-prosperity sphere which Japan is set up before just before World War one is eventually is a foregone conclusion again. No, there is as real as we all know. There are in bit ambivalent feelings all around all around Japan in the in Asia are ambivalent ambiguous feelings on the one hand people have Lively memories of the 30s and the 40s and they do not like that kind of thing to be repeated on the other hand. They are all in need of Japanese capital and Technology. Yeah, is it makes for a very ambiguous attitude ambivalent? And the Japanese know that and of a cautious in handling these matters, I would say look the asia-pacific cooperation initiative the Pacific Basin cooperation initiative. What is the correct name for it? The Japanese could have taken that initiative, but it didn't they refrain from doing it. Deliberately. They left it to draw Australians. What strikes me nonetheless is that the Japan in a subtle way in a very cautious way is developing more and more into a spokesman for easier. And at that point we come to this conclusion of the Minnesota meeting Andreas fan act ambassador to the European Community giving the presentation today live broadcast of Minnesota meeting made possible by Oppenheimer wolf and Donnelly providing commercial corporate litigation and international legal services to businesses in 40 countries around the world. That's our midday broadcast for today. This is Bob Potter. This is K. No W Minneapolis-Saint. Paul. Sunny skies, 80 degrees a dew point of 67 high today around 90. Minnesota public radio's news and information service is your source for the most comprehensive political and government reporting on radio. No radio service devotes more time to political analysis commentary or live coverage. This is where you get the whole story.