19/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - Speaking to the press on Thursday in the building where the Council of Ministers is held, the French Interior Minister, Nicolas Sarkozy, greatly insisted on the advantage of the G5 of which he is part with his German, British, Spanish and Italian counterparts. The G5 met on Monday and Tuesday in Garmisch-Patenkirchen (Germany). Ministers mainly saw eye to eye on the use of "sky marshals", armed agents on board aircraft. "This is a real G5 formula, which is effective (…), and upheld by 80% of the population" of the EU, Mr Sarkozy said. "It is not against Europe. It is because we have to move more quickly. That doesn't prevent anyone from taking the same decisions (…), when Benelux gets together, we do not feel threatened". In answer to questions on G5 meetings, Council President Michael McDowell said that this kind of meeting between several Member States was "natural" and that it in no way detracted from the importance of JHA Council ministers. Commissioner Antonio Vitorino did not wish to comment, specifying that what is important is that the Council works properly. "No-one has spoken of the Garmisch meeting in Council", he added, not even the G5 countries. Several diplomats confirmed that the French Ministers had not taken part on Thursday at the work of the JHA Council but that he was there for half the luncheon.