Fed: EU Ambassador calls for sky-high dplomacy

AAP General News (Australia)
12-18-2007
Fed: EU Ambassador calls for sky-high dplomacy

By Susanna Dunkerley

CANBERRA, Dec 18 AAP - The European Union wants to engage Prime Minister Kevin Rudd
in sky-high diplomacy by taking him for a ride in their new air balloon.

At the crack of dawn today EU Ambassador Bruno Julien, along with diplomatic colleagues
from Portugal and Slovenia, floated over Canberra in the balloon adorned with the EU emblem.

The balloon, set to become a regular feature of the Canberra skyscape, is part of the
union's bid to promote political ties with Australia.

"I hope the balloon will fly over Kevin Rudd's residence (The Lodge) everyday to remind
him that we are here," Mr Julien said.

Although Australia is a good partner with the EU more could be done by the federal
government to promote the relationship, Mr Julien said.

"We have very good economic relations, but we have to have a look at political relations."

One way was for Mr Rudd to join EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso for a balloon ride.

"If he (Mr Barroso) comes (next year) of course I will try to organise the ride between
Kevin Rudd and the president."

"But if he (Kevin Rudd) wants to do one before with me, of course he will be my guest."

Mr Julien admits he has taken quite a liking to ballooning despite today's hard landing
that saw the basket skip and turn up-right.

It is a new hobby for the French national who took to the skies for the first time 10 days ago.

"It's (ballooning) a French discovery but I had never been in the balloon," he said.

The experience also was new for ambassador Gregor Kozovinc, of Slovenia, who particularly
enjoyed the landing.

"Obviously we are not into the European traditions as far as flying is concerned," he said.

"It was fun and the landing was nice, I very much like these three to four bumps that we had."

"We managed to spare the kangaroos and animals, but I did appreciate getting myself
out of the tipped basket."

AAP sld/rl/maur/bwl

KEYWORD: BALLOON EU (PIX AVAILABLE)

2007 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.