Brussels, 01/10/2001 (Agence Europe) - Belgian Foreign Minister and President of the EU Council, Louis Michel, summarised, in Damascus, the conclusions of his visit last week to several countries of the Middle East. He said: "The mission by the Troika is an important step taken by the EU. The Union has assumed its responsibilities at an important and sensitive time. It did not hesitate to show proof of collective leadership. The mission was seen in a very favourable light by all the countries that we visited. It was above all a political symbol, as, with this trip, the EU held out its hands to the Arab and Muslim world. This was well understood by our interlocutors. Our repeated refusal to make the slightest equation between terrorism and the Arab or Muslim world was not only heard but appreciated. In each of the capitals visited, we noted one and the same message condemning the attacks of 11 September. Such condemnation, we found, expressed a feeling of concern about the risks of destabilisation caused by this kind of action. Everyone shares our analysis in that terrorism is a global problem that requires a global response. A multidisciplinary approach must also be set in place calling for simultaneous action on different fronts. The central role of the United Nations in this process was generally underlined. This could go as far as the organisation of an international conference against terrorism. The roots of terrorism are also a subject that causes concern. There should be a serious analysis conducted on the causes of terrorism, so that such causes may be removed. Several of our partners have, in this respect, explicitly referred to the problem of the persisting conflicts in the Middle East. Finally, except for Syria, we noted that no countries explicitly challenges the United States' right to carry out a riposte as long as it can be justified by proof, it is targeted and spares the civilian populations.
My first conclusions are: - Next week, we shall present the conclusions of this mission to the European Parliament. But I also wish to stress some conclusions that I have drawn from this visit. First of all at European level: (a) The decision taken by last Friday's European Council in Brussels to give us a mandate in the region was a just and politically relevant decision. I would like to remind you that the conclusions we are here to present have been backed by 28 countries. (b) We must as soon as possible tackle the definition of terrorism or rather the definition of what makes a terrorist act. (c) Regarding financial matters, we must also implement the action plan defined last Friday. Several of our discussion partners have complained about the lack of cooperation from Union countries in this respect. We must take measures as soon as possible to prevent this kind of criticism. Then, at the level of our transatlantic relations: (a) the message that we shall give the United States is that only a multilateral approach can strengthen their security, and guarantee our security. (b) We shall also tell them that it is important to bear the different opinions of the public in mind. The determination to fight against terrorism exists everywhere. But there is also the fear that disproportionate action could possibly cause loss of support from public opinion, with all the risk of destabilisation that this comprises. Finally, at the level of our relations with the world: (a) Our trip has in no way been a "one shot" operation. We are now launched in a lasting process, especially with that region. We have the will and the responsibility to pursue and to strengthen dialogue begun this week. This power to listen, to persuade, and to discuss matters in mutual respect is an essential characteristic of European diplomacy. (b) We shall continue these exchanges next week, in the context of the EU-Russia summit in Brussels."