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Press Release Immediate, Wednesday 24 October 2001
ANDREW DUFF SAYS EUROPEAN UNION NEEDS MORE POWER TO DEAL WITH GLOBAL CRISIS
In a speech to the European Parliament today, Andrew Duff, Liberal Democrat MEP for the East of England, called on the European Union to have strengthened powers in the field of foreign and security policy.
He said that the lesson of 11 September for the Union was that it should integrate completely the different ways it deals with economic and security matters.
A good start had been made at the Ghent European Council last weekend.But "petty squabbles and inter-institutional rivalries" should be put aside in the common cause of solidarity with the USA and the fight against terrorism.
Addressing Belgian prime minister Guy Verhofstadt and Commission President Romani Prodi, Duff said:
"The Union is right to be active in its civilian role in supporting humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan and the peace process in the Middle East. But in your actions, you should reflect the impressive cross-party consensus that is building within the Parliament."
ENDS/...
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ANDREW's
WORK
in the EP
Andrew is Vice-President of the European Parliament delegation to the Constitutional Convention on the Future of Europe.
Andrew drafted the Charter of Fundamental Rights which has strengthened the rights of all the citizens of the European Union.
Andrew is working for improved links between the EU and Turkey, to encourage improvements in Turkey's human rights record and to enhance its democracy.
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