Today's Date:

THE PRESIDENT - (...) We began by discussing Franco-German relations and stressing two important decisions.

First of all, we decided to cooperate more closely in the preparation of the Convention so as, when it opens, to have, as far as possible, a common Franco-German position on the most important matters.

Secondly, we realize that if the building of Europe is to proceed smoothly, there has to be substantial agreement between Germany and France on the basic issues. This reality will be even more obvious with the enlargement. So we have decided to step up our cooperation, our relations, in most spheres and to do so on the fortieth anniversary of the Elysée Treaty between Germany and France. So we are in a way going to make a new Germano-French founding pact in order to shoulder our responsibilities in tomorrow's Europe.

(...)

IMMIGRATION

THE PRESIDENT - First of all, we need to harmonize national legislation within the European Union. Harmonize it in the spheres of immigration, admission arrangements and the right of asylum, it being understood that this harmonization can't lead to any softening of national legislation in this respect.

Secondly, we need far more stringent control of entry into the Schengen Area.

Thirdly, we must take more effective measures against the Mafia networks organizing immigration into our countries under totally inhuman conditions.

Also we need to take far greater account in our, and EU aid to developing countries of the need to help job creation where it's necessary to do so, to prevent this emigration. (...)./.

Embassy of France in the United States - May 30, 2002