Cairo, 14/03/2005 (Agence Europe) - The Euromed parliamentary assembly met from 12 March to 15 March in Cairo in ordinary session, the first since it was formed in Athens last year. Chaired by Fathi Sorour, President of the People of Egypt's Assembly, the session was attended by Josep Borrell, EP President, European Affairs Minister Nicolas Schmit and European Commissioner Margot Wallstrom as well as several presidents of assemblies of member nations in the Barcelona process. It was marked from the outset by an incident between MEPs and the host country over opposition deputy, Ayman Nour, who had been in prison since January. The dispute was finally settled by Mr Nour's release and, in exchange, by the withdrawal of an amendment to the political resolution of the European Parliament, several MEPs said. British Conservative Edward McMillan Scott, Vice-President of the EP, said “we have won a major battle for Arab democracy”.
President Sorour practically devoted his entire opening speech to the theme of human rights, on an equal footing with peace in the region. He appealed in favour of continuing political dialogue but restricting it by the “obligation to respect the sovereignty of each country, recognition of universality of these rights, and, in practice, the necessity to take into account the diversity of situations engendered by culture and history”. Mr Sorour also says one should not give lessons. Nicolas Schmit, EU Council President, spoke of the prospect of the 10th anniversary of Euro-Mediterranean partnership in November. He said “our shared ambition must be to assess this unique partnership without making concessions”, while noting that, after one decade of partnership, “it is appropriate to ask ourselves what has been accomplished and to draw lessons for the future. It thus seems appropriate to carry out a global assessment of all chapters that make up the Barcelona process. We are not afraid to draw up a report without complacency about what has been achieved but also showing failings so that improvements can be made where necessary”.