THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ATTENDS MEETINGS IN STRASBOURG

Foreign Minister Joe Borg had a fruitful meeting with Commissioner Gunter Verheugen, who expressed his satisfaction that, in less than a year, Malta was able to catch up with the other applicant countries. He explained that he expected that negotiations should be concluded by the middle of 2002 so that the accession of Malta could follow immediately after the necessary ratifications. Minister Borg expressed his satisfaction at this prospect. Both sides discussed the strategy to be adopted for negotiations being undertaken. Mr Verheugen stressed that each request for any transitional period or special arrangement would be examined on a case by case basis and that the non-negotiable items will be very limited. In conclusion Mr Verheugen expressed his wish to visit Malta in his capacity as Commissioner in the very near future.

The second meeting was with the President of the European Parliament, Mrs Nicole Fontaine. Minister Joe Borg thanked Mrs Fontaine for the continuing support being given by the European Parliament and the process of Malta's accession to the European Union. Mrs Nicole Fontaine assured Minister Borg of the continued support of the Eurpean Parliament. She also expressed her wish that in the next June 2004 European Parliament elections certain applicant countries including Malta, would be able to participate as full members. She offered her help should the Maltese Government need any assistance.

Minister Borg held another meeting with Mr Hans-Gert Pottering, President of the European People's Party (EPP) Group in the European Parliament. Minister Borg updated Mr Pottering on the present relations between Malta and the Eurpean Union. The Minister briefed Mr Pottering on progress made in the negotiation process leading to Malta's accession to the European Union.

Mr Pottering reiterated the support that has always been given by the EPP Group in the European Parliament. He hoped a number of candidate countries will be able to participate in the 2004 European Parliament elections as full members.

Dr Joe Borg also met the leader of the Socialist Group in the Euopean Parliament, Mr Enrique Baron Crespo. In the very cordial meeting, an exchange of views was held as regards the position of the political parties in Malta in regard to Malta's membership to the EU and on the progress being made by Malta in the process leading to its accession in the next enlargement.