Different Voices

Date: 09/09/1999

• “It took me 20 years to get a reputation as being a devil in New Zealand. To get one here before I'm even in for a week is rather flattering.” New World Trade Organisation chief Mike Moore reacting to the news that protesting French farmers had brandished portraits of him with horns and a tail.
• “We must not forget, because the future can be built only when we remember the past.” German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder speaking on the 60th anniversary of the outbreak of World War II and vowing to do all he could to help Poland join the EU.
• “Greece is saying very clearly that it is in Greece's interest to see a European Turkey.” Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou explaining that his country was not opposed to Turkey joining the EU “in principle”.
• “The problems of Europe are too urgent, too pressing for there to be any more navel gazing.” Internal Market Commissioner-designate Frits Bolkestein urging MEPs to support Romano Prodi's team when they vote on 15 September.