MEPs refuse to back diplomatic isolation move

MEPs yesterday called on EU member-states and the European Commission to be ready to punish Austria if it violates Europe's principles of democracy and respect for minorities. But, reflecting an unease at the political fallout in Austria, MEPs refused to back the initiative of the Portuguese presidency in diplomatically isolating Vienna.

A cross-party resolution "welcoming the political intent" of the initiative was adopted by an overwhelming 406-53 vote. The issue has also created tensions within the largest group, the European People's Party to which Fine Gael is affiliated. The expulsion of the Austrian People's Party of Mr Wolfgang Schussel over its willingness to associate with Mr Jorg Haider will be debated by the national parties. Leaders of the main EPP parties are meeting in Madrid today. The expulsion of the PP is supported by the Fine Gael MEP for Munster, Mr John Cushnahan, but his party has yet to adopt a position. The eight-point parliamentary resolution in Brussels, put forward by conservatives and Christian Democrats, Socialists, Liberals and Greens, said: "The admission of the Freedom Party into a coalition legitimises the extreme right in Europe."

It instructed EU member-states and the EC "to monitor developments especially regarding racism and xenophobia in Austria and throughout Europe".

Both institutions must be prepared to suspend Austria's rights as an EU member "in the event of the existence of a serious and persistent breach" of EU principles of democracy and human rights".

Speaking in the debate the leader of the Liberals, Mr Pat Cox MEP, recalled the expulsion of Mr Haider's FPO from the Liberal group in 1993. "He is a man who plays on fear and has exploited vulnerability - and that is why the debate is important, to put down a marker that when you mainstream extremism something important is happening in Europe today."

He insisted, however, that "like President Prodi" he preferred the Community method to that of the leaders of the 14 states. That meant using Articles 6 and 7 of the Treaty if and when Austria became involved in a serious and persistent breach of fundamental values. In the debate on Wednesday, Mr Cushnahan said "some members of this parliament expressed worry that we were interfering in the internal affairs of a member-state. Such a concern is misplaced. The European Parliament has never been slow to comment on developments in member-states with which they disagree. We have condemned Basque and Irish terrorism. We have opposed racism and the infringement of the rights of minorities.

"It is our responsibility as a parliament, particularly as the democratically elected voice of the European Union, to comment on current political developments in Austria, which are in conflict with the policies of this parliament."

Green MEP Ms Patricia McKenna abstained in the vote, arguing that it was dangerous to "combat intolerance with intolerance".