EU-US summit opens new chapter - Gonzi

A new chapter in relations between America and the European Union seems to have been opened following a two-hour meeting between US President Barack Obama and the 27 heads of the European block, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said.

Speaking at the airport on his arrival in Malta following the summit, held today in Prague, the Prime Minister said he agreed with Mr Obama’s call for more dialogue with the Muslim world saying this should take place to find the best way forward for Malta’s development.

Malta, he said, agreed Turkey should join the EU as long as it abided with all the qualifying criteria for membership.

Concern was also voiced about the rocket launched by North Korea this morning while the importance of a two-state solution for Palestine and Israel was stressed.

The heads of state, Dr Gonzi said, discussed the need to continue working together to overcome the global economic downturn and build on the G20 meeting, which decided on a $1 trillion economic stimulus package and measures to control financial markets to avoid a repeat situation.

Malta, he said, depended on the success of these measures.

A big change in the US position, the Prime Minister said, was the American President’s pledge to tackle climate change.

“He (Obama) made a categorical statement that the US will be at the forefront, together with the EU, to address climate and energy challenges,” Dr Gonzi said.

He said that Malta had energy challenges that needed to be addressed and ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 over 1990 levels.

“We need to start working now and take all the decisions that need to be taken even if they are difficult ones,” he said.

Asked whether there should be resignations at the Vat Department following Friday’s arrests in connection with fraudulent practices, the Prime Minister said he would leave the issue in the hands of the police but steps would be taken against all found responsible if necessary.