Today's Date:

Interview given by Philippe Douste-Blazy, Minister of Foreign Affairs to "LCI" (excerpts)

THE MINISTER – At the European Council, we're pleased to have the support of countries like Malta. Malta has played a very important role for us, particularly during the Iraq conflict. She shares the same vision of the European Union, which has to be a political union. She's at the heart of the Mediterranean and is playing a very important role in the European Union. So we must have friendly relations and (...) our ministerial exchange visits bring progress on issues, particularly on those relating to maritime safety. Remember the Erika! 48 hours after an environmental disaster, it's important not to succumb to emotion. You also have to go and seek out the shipowners. They're in Malta – as you know –, Cyprus, Greece. These are the main countries involved, and President Chirac has always called for European legislation, requiring vessels like the Erika to be double hulled.

I spoke to the Maltese President and Foreign Minister about this. (...)./.