Luxembourg, 25/04/2002 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday, the Justice and Home Affairs Ministers of the Fifteen adopted conclusions condemning "acts of racism, anti-semitism and xenophobia" over the past few weeks in the European Union. At this time of increased international tension, especially in the Middle East, it is vital to safeguard the spirit of harmony, understanding and respect between the different cultures in our societies, the Council states at the beginning of its declaration. The Council firmly condemns the acts of racism perpetrated in different parts of the European Union over recent weeks, and expresses its determination to take preventive measures and to fight against racist violence and anti-semitism. It will continue to make the same effort against all forms of intolerance that take the conflict and the acts of violence in the Middle East as a pretext, and which are directed against persons of Muslim or Jewish religion or any other creed. The Council calls on the police of Member States to cooperate more between themselves. The Fifteen also consider that they must approximate their legislation to combat racism and xenophobia, noting that they are discussing a proposal for a framework decision presented on this subject last December by the Commission. The Council calls on the Commission to submit proposals for the organisation of action intended to heighten public awareness to such problems. (See yesterday's EUROPE, p.15).