The fourth Conference of Foreign Ministers of the 27 countries that participate in the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership met in Brussels on 5 and 6 November 2001 (cf. SirEurope no. 5/2001, p.6). Renewing their commitment to abide by the Barcelona Process as an “essential and privileged framework of dialogue and cooperation between the European Union and the countries of the southern and eastern shores of the Mediterranean, the Ministers reaffirmed the importance of the Partnership as “an appropriate and recognized instrument that permits dialogue between cultures and civilizations on a footing of equality”. The Twenty-Seven were unanimous in declaring their participation, in a coordinated manner, in the world coalition against terrorism. As regards the contribution of the Partnership to the developments of the crisis in the Middle East, the Ministers expressed “deep concern for a situation that is being increasingly aggravated and that involves serious risks for regional stability”. They urged both sides to resume negotiations without posing prior conditions. On behalf of the Palestinians they expressed the hope for “the establishment of an independent, self-sufficient and democratic State and the end of the occupation of their territories” and on behalf of the Israelis “peace and security within internationally recognized frontiers”. Particular attention was devoted to the cultural, social and human Partnership, confirming “the importance and unique character of this effort and the need to combat every form of racism, every prejudice and stereotype whether it be of cultural or religious nature”. The Ministers also pledged to “continue to work on dialogue between cultures and civilizations, placing a particular emphasis on youth, education and the media”.
