Dr Vella underlined the fact the agenda for the Mediterranean is a heavy one and stressed that the raison d’etre of the assembly is to help tackle these problems.

He then emphasised that there was a direct link between security in the Mediterranean and that in Europe. Dr Vella pointed out that these problems are not solved simply by providing funds. Rather, Dr Vella stressed that there is a fundamental need to foster the “vertical” relations that exist in the Mediterranean, but at the same time promote more “horizontal” ones.

He reminded the committee that the different peoples around the Mediterranean may have different interpretations of words like “democracy”, “human rights” and “terrorism”.

The importance of the Parliamentary Assembly lies in the fact that it will create the opportunity for direct dialogue between the interested parties. However, he said that “we should not expect results overnight.” At this point, Dr Vella added that as parliamentarians, the participants in the assembly are directly responsible for bringing peace, security and prosperity to the people they represent in their parliaments.

In conclusion, Dr Vella reminded the participants that the assembly is not the “key” to the solution of the Middle East problem, but it might provide the platform for better understanding, and more cooperation at all levels. He therefore made a strong appeal not to throw away this opportunity, and to spend less time on bureaucracy and more on substance.

The committee meeting was attended by a number of MEPs including Labour MEP Louis Grech, who was appointed by the Socialist group as one of its representatives in the Assembly, parliamentarians from the National parliaments of the member states of the EU, and parliamentarians from the other Mediterranean countries – partners in the Euro Med Process.