Brussels, 11/04/2002 (Agence Europe) - The situation in the Middle East naturally occupied the main part of the meeting on Wednesday in Madrid between European and US leaders. The second part of the Summit focused on the preparation of the EU/USA Summit on 2 May in Washington. Colin Powell, Javier Solana and Chris Patten confirmed that as well as the Middle East, Afghanistan, the Balkans, European security and defence policy, the war against terrorism will also be on the agenda. The two partners reaffirmed their intention to conclude a legal and extradition co-operation agreement for which the negotiation mandate is being prepared by the Europeans. The USA has also asked for the issue of weapons of mass destruction to be discussed. The creation of an International Criminal Court will be up-and-running by July and could also figure in discussions. Community sources have indicated that the USA has, at this juncture, no wish to participate in this initiative. The EU and USA are also expected to discuss preparations for a world conference on sustainable development to be held in Johannesburg at the beginning of September, where the EU is hoping that the "most positive" attitude displayed by the Americans at Monterrey, will continue.
The USA and EU also discussed their bi-lateral relations, including their trade differences. In a press conference Mr Piqué played down the steel conflict, "It is inevitable that there are sometimes trade disputes between the EU and USA, as this involves 40% of world trade". "The EU supports the position of the Commission in establishing safeguard measures and lodging a case with the WTO but we hope to reach solutions by way of dialogue", he added.
At the end of the meeting, Josep Piqué declared that the Summit sought to provide, " a clear sign of the important relationship, which must become closer between the USA and Europe, a relation that is indispensable for our security and stability, as well as for that of the entire world".