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Statements made by M. Nicolas SARKOZY, President of the Republic, during his joint press briefing with Mr Romano PRODI, Italian Prime minister, following their meeting - excerpts -

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Paris, 28 May 2007

SIMPLIFIED TREATY

THE PRESIDENT – (···) We want to increase the areas of agreement between Italy and France. I think one can say that, on three issues at least, our positions are very close. How can Europe's current deadlock be ended? I'd like to go along with Mr Prodi's analysis of the simplified treaty. Italy is committed to a stable Council presidency, France too; to having an EU foreign minister, France too. [Committed] to developing what are known as the rules for majority voting so as to end the situation arising on a number of issues where a country which doesn't want to move forward prevents the others from doing so, France agrees. As she does on what is known as "legal personality". One could say a lot more, but [suffice it to say that] we understood each other. There really is a will, I believe, and it's very important because Italy ratified the Constitution and France didn't, as you know. Also it was very important for Italy and France to work along the same lines in order to end the deadlock and I thank Mr Prodi for everything he said, because our views are very close.

MEDITERRANEAN UNION

On the Mediterranean Union, I have to say that Mr Prodi had already proposed to my predecessor a joint demarche and you know how keen I am on this Mediterranean Union project: we have to build in the Mediterranean what was built 60 years ago in Europe and the idea of a meeting of the seven Euro-Mediterranean countries – without shutting out the others, which is important, informing them and leaving the door open – is a potent idea. The Prime Minister and I will decide whether it's held in Italy or in France, but what's important is for the seven Euro-Mediterranean countries to work together to promote this initiative. Of course, it will have to be broadened to include the countries of the southern Mediterranean. But you can understand how important it is for the seven Euro-Mediterranean countries to have a common position.

EURO AREA/ECONOMIC GOVERNANCE

There's a third point on which there's very strong agreement and which we discussed in depth: the whole question of European policy and economic governance. As a great European, Mr Prodi considers it necessary to strengthen the economic governance of the euro area. I share, on every point, his ambition and point of view. We have decided to take initiatives together after the European Council.

(···)

MEDITERRANEAN UNION/TURKEY

Q. – Is this Mediterranean Union a way of offering Turkey another union which isn't the European Union? A way out for Turkey?

THE PRESIDENT – Regardless of Turkey, the Mediterranean Union is necessary. Turkey has a central role to play, but, irrespective of Turkey, is a Mediterranean Union necessary? Everyone can see it is because there are other problems. This hasn't been proposed only as a solution to the accession issue, of privileged partner or member State status, as you well know. Thank you everyone./.

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