Brussels, 17/11/2010 (Agence Europe) - Learning of the postponement of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) summit (see yesterday's newsletter), Vincent Peillon (S&D, France), the European Parliament (EP) rapporteur on the UfM, said that “first and foremost, this is a resounding failure for the diplomatic efforts of President Nicolas Sarkozy,” who, now over hasty, now fickle, had managed to “damage a good idea”. It was also, however, a “knock-back for Europe which has not been able to agree and speak as one and to make available the resources needed to meet its level of ambition”.
Peillon said, nevertheless, that “in the face of difficulties, the towel must not be thrown in”. He said that “giving up on the historic task of bringing the two sides of the Mediterranean closer together is not an option. Turning back in on ourselves would be a serious political error because, while the South needs Europe, we must not forget that Europe needs the South every bit as much”. (F.B./transl.rt)