Brussels, 12/02/2001 (Agence Europe) - The leader of Algeria's RCD Party (Rally for Culture and Democracy), Mr Saïd Sadi, made an appeal to the European Union regarding its conception of Euro-Mediterranean relations, in particular with the Maghreb, relations limited to the three closest countries (Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, but not Libya and Mauritania), at a press conference on 8 February at the EP, on the initiative of Tokia Saïfi (EPP, Franee). Mr Sadi observed that the Barcelona process, a victim of the effects of the Middle East peace process, is not viable in its present state, but he voiced his faith in a Euro-Maghreb policy. Illustrating his remarks on the situation in Algeria, he called for correct analysis of events, which he would not like to see reduced to a confrontation between political leaders and the army. "There is a problem of incompetence" of the generation that emerged from the struggle against colonialism, he stated. In his view, "new competent generations" are ready to take over and, in substance, it is with them that he calls for creation of a political, economic and social forum in Maghreb. The current joint structure, he continued, the UMA (Union of Maghreb Arab States) is inoperative, and is now nothing more than a "union of Heads of State". Mr Sadi accordingly appealed to the "forces of leadership" in the three Maghreb states to combine their efforts and develop a common framework for reflection and action - a forum - to deal with all subjects related to their future, including relations with Europe and the question of immigration. Mr Sadi insisted that it is not in the EU's interests to "deal with a divided Maghreb" and urged it to show understanding and solidarity with the new generations. He expects of them a "political dynamic" which will make it possible to free the Barcelona process from its "lethargy".