'Headache' for Malta if it misses EU treaty signing

European Parliament president Pat Cox last night said he believed that Malta could be faced with "a big headache" if it missed the signing of the EU Accession Treaty on April 16.

Speaking to reporters after a press conference, Mr Cox said "we will continue with the signing ceremony as planned".

He expressed confidence that the signing of the treaties with the accession countries would go ahead on April 16 as planned.

There had been a fear that the process might be delayed because the funding granted by the European Council to some of the accession countries - though not Malta - had not been approved by the parliament.

However, speaking after the parliament's extraordinary session on Iraq, Mr Cox said progress had been made on the issue and he was optimistic that a formulation acceptable to both institutions would be found.

He described the vote in the Maltese referendum as extremely positive, given the extraordinary circumstances of Maltese politics where this issue has never been one of consensus.

"I know now that you have proceeded to a general election, and one awaits the outcome of that election. But so far, so good."

While saying that the EU would respect any decision taken by the Maltese, he was categorical when asked if there would be anything to negotiate if Malta did not join the EU: "The negotiations have closed. There's something now to decide. You the Maltese must make that decision. We can't make it for you."

Mr Cox said he had not noted any excessive voltage as the dialogue over Iraq got under way over dinner last night between the leaders of the 15 EU member states.

However, he said "what is done is done" and that it was now time to work at enhancing the mutual respect that characterised Europe in an attempt to seek compromise.

Addressing the parliamentary session earlier, Greek foreign minister Georgios Papandreou, who was speaking on behalf of the Council, said that how the EU would speak with one effective voice on foreign affairs issues was a question that would have to be answered.

Mr Papandreou said there were many lessons to be learned from the crisis. However, he said differences should not be hidden as it was understandable that differing points of view existed in a "wide European family". In fact, he said the crisis could serve to be the "starting point for the EU in building new stronger institutions".

He described the latest developments in Iraq as "disappointing and sad", while at the same time welcoming UN secretary general Kofi Annan's comments that the international community should unite around the humanitarian crisis in Iraq.

Mr Papandreou also envisaged a change in the role of the UN, though he said it was still too early to draw conclusions, and underlined the importance of increased cooperation with the Arab world.

Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami arrives in Brussels today for a working lunch with leaders of EU states and accession countries. He will return to Malta later in the day.