Brussels, 31/03/2011 (Agence Europe) - The chairmen of two European parliamentarian delegations for cooperation with the Maghreb, Pier-Antonio Panzeri (S&D, Italy), and with the Mashreq, Mario David (EPP, Italy), have said that EU member states are to hold, under the auspices of the EU, a conference of those Mediterranean creditor countries that have become engaged in the democratic process with a view to possible cancellation or re-scheduling of their debts, on a case by case basis. This initiative would “help economic recovery and enable them to focus their resources on addressing urgently needed economic reforms, regional development and social demands, especially in the transition period”, they asserted. The EU itself is urged to “provide adequate financial resources and extend its traditional support for civil society to political parties in order to build their capacities. At the same time, it should strengthen, in particular, parliamentary institutions to make the fledgling democracies in our southern neighbourhood sustainable”, they added. The two delegation chairmen underlined the importance of ensuring that the population generally, and women especially, participate in the programmes to be financed. On the whole, they consider that the EU “must send a bold signal to countries genuinely committed to democratic reform by facilitating access to European markets and granting higher mobility for their people. These are the most credible incentives Europe can offer”. (F.B./transl.jl)