Just peace fosters stability cooperation with Europe

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak said realizing full, just and permanent Middle East peace is a key element for establishing security and stability in the Mediterranean and guiding the European march of cooperation with the south-of-the- Mediterranean states.

Addressing the second conference of Euro-Mediterranean Speakers in Alexandria Tuesday, President Mubarak said the principles of peace to rest on securing equal rights to nations.

"This includes the nation's right to self -determination, non-interference in the internal affairs of others countries, peaceful settlement of conflicts and implementation of the various international resolutions," the President added in his address delivered on his behalf by People's Assembly Speaker Dr. Ahmed Fathi Sorour.

"The Euro-Mediterranean march is facing many challenges that need to be addressed before a mature relationship is attained to fulfill the aspirations of the people in the region for mutual development, prosperity and peace based on right and justice," President Mubarak said.

He urged the speakers of Euro-Mediterranean Parliaments to examine certain issues that he termed as instrumental in boosting Euro-Mediterranean relations and future.

"Securing a comprehensive, just and permanent peace in the Middle East remains the most essential element for establishing security and stability in the Mediterranean and in accelerating the European cooperation process with the south-of the- Mediterranean states," he said.

"There is no doubt that peace will continue to constitute a guarantee for equal rights of nations, "he added.

"Thus, the Barcelona Declaration affirms the abidance by the principles of Madrid especially the Land -for- Peace formula," he said.

President Mubarak said it was important for European and Mediterranean states to declare the Middle East and the Mediterranean zones free of weapons of mass destruction.

"This will provide a key step in curbing the arms race both regions and threats to the security of Europe and the Mediterranean," he added.

"Another issue that must be dealt with," the President said," is the information and telecommunication revolution and its effect on the internationalization of crimes, that seriously requires Euro-Mediterranean cooperation in the sphere of security and of stability."

"Another issue the conference must take into account for better Euro-Mediterranean relations, is that it is under political stability,that on appropriate atmosphere can be created for economic cooperation especially the attraction of investments to the south and east of the Mediterranean " President Mubarak said.

"In turn, political stability is enhanced when the Mediterranean is developed and its nations are given real opportunities for progress," he added.

"This requires the translation of the Barcelona Declaration in to specific programs and projects for encouraging sustainable and balanced growth between both flanks of the Mediterranean," he said.

"Integrated economic ties are to be promoted among states of the region on just principles that avert the negative effects of globalization and the mechanisms of technology will contribute to development," he added.

Finally, President Mubarak asserted Egypt will assume its full role in the enhancement of the principles of Euro-Mediterranean partnership.