US restores EU diplomatic status ahead of trade talks

The United States announced on Monday it was restoring the European Union's diplomatic mission in Washington to its former status, at a time when the two traditional partners are embroiled in a wide range of disputes.

In a statement, US Ambassador to the EU Gordon Sondland said the move will be effective immediately and added that the State Department will again recognize the EU's representation in Washington as equivalent to that of a bilateral mission in the diplomatic corps order of precedence. He touted the EU as "a uniquely important organization and one of America's most valuable partners in ensuring global security and prosperity".

The announcement came as Stavros Lambrinidis, a former EU special representative for human rights, took over as the new EU ambassador to the US. Lambrinidis tweeted on Monday that he is pleased with the US decision.

The previous downgrade of the EU status, believed to have been implemented in October or November, covered diplomatic affairs such as invitations to events and their seating arrangements. At the funeral of former US president George H.W. Bush in December, then EU ambassador to the US David O'Sullivan was called last in seating.

The EU, haunted by an uncertain Brexit and rising populism among member states, has seen growing tensions with Washington, ranging from trade to nuclear non-proliferation.

US Vice-President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited Europe in February to press major EU nations to quit the Iran nuclear deal, but were met with strong objections. The EU has been working out ways for its companies to bypass US sanctions on Iran in a bid to preserve the 2015 deal.

The EU is upset with the Trump administration's decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord and the recent US threat to end the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty with Russia.

At the Munich Security Conference two weeks ago, German Chancellor Angela Merkel described the move as putting Europe under the threat of a new arms race.

Top EU trade officials, including Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom, are in Washington this week for talks with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and other counterparts aimed at a deal to end trade tensions, particularly potential US tariffs on European cars and auto parts.

chenweihua@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 03/06/2019 page3)