Mediterranean Forum in Agadir

At the invitation of Moroccan Foreign Minister Benaïssa, the president-in-office of the European Council of Ministers, Louis Michel, attended the extraordinary informal meeting of the Mediterranean Forum in Agadir on 25 and 26 October. This Forum comprises 5 members of the European Union (France, Portugal, Spain, Italy and Greece), Turkey and Malta, and Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt.

The Forum, which is chaired by the Greek minister Georgio Papandreou, mainly discussed the economic, cultural and political consequences of the events of 11 September.

Minister Michel attended this Forum in preparation for the EUROMED ministerial conference to be held in Brussels on 5 and 6 November. That conference will bring together the 11 members of the Mediterranean Forum within a larger circle of 27 countries, namely the members of the European Union plus all the countries bordering the Mediterranean.

Dialogue between civilizations

The meeting in Agadir dwelt for much of the time on the dialogue between civilizations. As Louis Michel said: "It is important that this dialogue between civilizations is well prepared and goes off well, like the discussions in Agadir. There must be no taboos!".

Louis Michel also wondered "if it might not be a good time to appeal to the religious and philosophical authorities to mobilize and become involved in an approach based on dialogue?"

Afghanistan

The issue of the future of Afghanistan was also discussed. The Belgian minister underlined the importance of seeing a new regime established in Kabul under the aegis of the United Nations. That government will have to have a large majority, represent the various ethnic groups, guarantee a solid understanding with the neighboring countries and commit itself both to good relations with the neighboring countries and to a process of democratization and respect for human rights.

Louis Michel also mentioned the humanitarian problem affecting the people of Afghanistan. "Our responsibility is to succeed in channelling humanitarian aid to those who need it", he said. This is the framework for the President of the Council's mission to Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kirghistan next week.

Economic consequences

Louis Michel was happy with the meeting in Agadir, which he maintained, would serve to strengthen the coalition against terrorism by reiterating the condemnation of terrorist acts and solidarity with the people and government of the United States.

The meeting in Agadir also discussed the economic consequences of the attacks perpetrated on 11 September. Several members of the Mediterranean Forum were in danger of feeling the consequences, especially in the tourism sector. This stressing of the economic consequences is a key element in the Barcelona process that will be launched in Brussels on 5 and 6 November.

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