Brussels, 30/08/2001 (Agence Europe) - European Commission President Romano Prodi is pressing for the constitution of a "supranational government". He calls on Europe to assume its responsibilities as a "peace force" to meet the concerns expressed by the 200,000 demonstrators at the Summit of Genoa. In an article in the Italian daily, La Repubblica, the Commission president gives his assurance that, "as we go on to a new century, Europe must accept the challenge of a new culture of peace, overcoming the myth of absolute State sovereignty, and build itself as a supranational government through democracy, dialogue, the vote and the free exchange of opinions". Noting that the European idea of European integration in respect of minorities and diversities, escapes the "political leaders, who are too preoccupied by the defence of legitimate national interests", Romano Prodi considers that "those who govern" must have the courage to take commitments "which may be unpopular (…) but on which the good things of tomorrow are built". He writes that "some criticism I have received and a certain solitude in Brussels can also be explained but cannot prevent me from taking my responsibility to help to build peace in the world using as an example the unification of a continent which has in past centuries been the place and player of divisions and tragedies, beginning with the Shoa". "Europe as a force for peace cannot shirk its new responsibilities", he adds.
With this in mind, the Commission president proposes to "support with courage, and with the help of investment, the African leading classes who demonstrate a democratic sensitivity and who have a long-term political vision". "Preventing the heavy and small arms trade with the South and putting a stop to 'rabble' wars is the way to future peace", Mr Prodi said.