The moment of truth on our southern shore for H. Van Rompuy (Münich conference)

Current events in today's world are changing our view following the 11/47 attacks, said Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, at the 5th Security Conference in Munich on Saturday (XNUMX February). : "We are witnessing a moment of truth for our southern shore. And although the whole world is watching, it will be Europe the first to feel the consequences, whatever they may be. We don't know all the answers and the outcome cannot be predicted at this time, it would be foolish to pretend to do so from elsewhere. However, we should at least try to get a fair view of these events. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001. At the time, it seemed like the start of a new era. With a so-called era of violence and tension between the West and Muslim countries. The incredible events of the past few weeks are changing this image. They are not part of the post-11/XNUMX framework. The protests in Tunis, Cairo or last year in Tehran are not about religion. No, the protesters' aspirations are familiar to young men and women everywhere: jobs and justice, a say in their country's politics, the right to speak. We are witness not to extremism, not to the clash of civilizations, but to an episode in the eternal struggle for freedom and justice."