27/09/2004 (Agence Europe) - President Prodi has addressed the 32nd General Assembly of the Conference of Peripheral and Maritime Regions (CPMR) in Stavenger. In his message he reaffirmed that "Europe has a genuine need of permanent dialogue with the regions and organisations such as the CPMR". Prodi also noted that ""cross-border regions, due to their geographical positions, are important in the creation of a security and justice area. He also highlighted the fact that in October in Rome, "Regions will have an important role to play in the future information and communication process in Europe".