Brussels, 19/07/2011 (Agence Europe) - The EU's new envoy to the Southern Mediterranean region warned on Tuesday 19 July that Europe cannot afford to fail to help people in nations in northern Africa and the Middle East who are fighting in the streets for democracy. “We are entering a new, historic time. This is the time for democracy, and this is time for freedom, for human rights. This is very important for the European Union, it's part of our DNA”, Bernardino Leon told reporters, a day after he was named to the post. “If we invest, and we invest in the right way … the return for Europe will be huge. It will be more democracy and freedom in these countries, but also more prosperity and a higher standard of life. It will also mean more trade, more opportunities”, he said. Leon planned to make his first trip as special representative to Tunisia, but security problems have held up his visit. He also hopes to travel soon to Egypt, Morocco and Jordan. While centred on the Mediterranean area, his brief could extend as far as the Gulf countries if necessary.
(LoC)