Friday 28 September 2001
EU seeks alternative plan
to fight terrorism
By Hala Fawzi
The European Union (EU) yesterday stated that it would not participate in military action to be taken by the United States. Instead, the EU is concerned with finding an alternative plan to fight global terrorism. The plan would require cooperation with the world community and would be drawn up in accordance with international law.
The statement came during a press briefing by the mission of the European Troika headed by Louis Michel, Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs and president of the EU Council of Ministers, accompanied by the Spanish Secretary of State, Miguel Nadal, European Commissioner for External Relations, Chris Patten, and Secretary General of the Council and high Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy, Javier Solana.
The Troika delegation's visit to Cairo was part of a multi-leg regional tour that will include Iran and Saudi Arabia. The delegation left late yesterday for Damascus, Syria.
Michel said that the Troika mission is taking messages to regional heads of state, expressing EU willingness to come to their assistance.
The messages emphasise that the right to apply UN Security Council Resolution 1368, recognised by the EU, does not in any way imply that we are against the Arab or Muslim nations, Michel told reporters.
Following the meeting with Arab League Secretary General, Amr Moussa, Michel denied yesterday's statement by Italian Premier, Silvio Berlusconi that referred to the superiority of Western culture over Islamic civilisation.
Michel said that such a declaration would be unacceptable as it contradicts EU values and beliefs.
Michel also said the EU welcomed and supported President Mubarak's idea of organising an international anti-terrorism conference.
"It is a good idea, which requires thorough preparation to be effective," he said.
All nations reevaluate the potentials for reaching a settlement in the Middle East. The world will never be the same after September 11 terrorist attack, he said.
Michel told reporters that the EU action plan to fight terrorism includes information exchange and exposing the finance network behind terrorist operations.
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