In an attempt to reach an agreement on an anti-terrorism code of conduct, leaders of the EU and the Mediterranean region gathered on Monday in Barcelona for the last day of a two-day summit. Leaders sought to finalize the proposed anti-terrorism text despite the notable absence of most Arab leaders.
The summit, co-hosted by current EU president and British Prime Minister Tony Blair, marked the 10th anniversary of the so-called “Euro-Mediterranean” partnership between the EU and its mainly Muslim southern neighbors.
Its goals were to re-invigorate the Euro-Med alliance, while focusing on fighting terror and slowing illegal immigration.
The summit, however, was marked by widespread disagreement, especially over the definition of terrorism.
On Sunday, Algerian minister Abdelaziz Belkhadem attacked EU calls for reform in exchange for more money. "We find it humiliating that the Europeans demand reforms from us in exchange for a few euros," Belkhadem said.
Delegations worked into the small hours of night to make headway in the event’s final meeting on Monday, though reportedly with little success, according to the AFP.
Blair was expected to hold a series of meetings with counterparts, including Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora, in an attempt to achieve concrete results at the conference.
Disagreement stemmed reportedly from Arab states` demands for a reference justifying "resistance movements" in the final text of the proposed Code of Conduct.
