Brussels, 20/03/2003 (Agence Europe) - Speaking on Thursday before the opening of the Spring Summit, Costas Simitis said: "I express my deep regret that it was not possible to find a peaceful solution to the Iraq problem. I can only hope that the hostilities end quickly so that loss of human life is kept to a minimum, particularly among the civilian population. … Despite the differences of opinion and difficulties, the Greek Presidency will strive to achieve common positions. Positions which will allow Europe to have a voice and intervene in further developments."
The President of the European Commission, Romano Prodi, expressed the same views, saying: "Iraq's territorial integrity must be preserved… We need to concentrate all our efforts, under the auspices of the UN, on finding a solution that will bring a return to peace as soon as possible." Prodi went on: "Whatever the outcome of the war, there can be no denying this is a bad time for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, for the European Union as a whole, for the authority of the UN, for NATO, and for transatlantic relations. In war there are no winners, just losers." "The Commission has worked hard with the Presidency of the Union to seek a common position and it will continue to do so", said Prodi, going on: "Europe can make an effective contribution not peace in the world only if its nations pull together within the European Union. It is not in our interest to continue relying on others when it comes to defending our military values." Like Chris Patten (see page 2), President Prodi instead on a relaunch of the Middle East peace process, noting "We must proceed with the Road Map…and the implementation of these ideas… not a protracted discussion on their validity with the parties".