Mediterranean states and EU pledge environmental clean up

0 Comments | AFP, November, 2005

PORTOROZ, Slovenia (AFP) — Experts and environment ministers from 21 Mediterranean countries and from the European Union have agreed on a plan to clean up pollution in the Mediterranean.

At the end of a four-day conference of the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) group, held in the Slovenian Adriatic resort of Portoroz, the representatives adopted a declaration on ending certain forms of sea pollution within set time limits.

"Strengthening cooperation between the MAP and the EU over the parallel target of reducing or eliminating pollution by 2020 or 2025 was achieved," MAP spokesman Baher Kamal told AFP on Friday.

Co-operation would be practical, since each party will use its own expertise in reducing pollution, Kamal added.

The MAP-EU agreement is...