21. Strongly condemns the violence perpetrated by the Kurdistan Workers" Party (PKK) and other terrorist groups on Turkish soil; expresses its solidarity with Turkey in its fight against terrorism and repeats its call on the PKK to declare and respect an immediate and unconditional ceasefire; underlines the need to pursue the fight against terrorism in proportion to the threat posed and with full commitment to the observance of international legal instruments and standards; stresses that there can never be an excuse for any kind of violence against civilians;

I am sure we can all agree on the need to unite to combat terrorism. But we equally agree on the need to avoid security concerns becoming an excuse for dismantling our civil rights and liberties.

The first was an amendment that deleted the defence of " killing without lawful excuse" and added " causing unnecessary death" to the offence of causing unnecessary pain or suffering to an animal.

This is not simply something that the Spanish Presidency wishes to promote but a vital European need in the Europe of the euro and in the Europe of enlargement. So I do not continue much longer and with my apologies, Mr President, I shall mention only one fact, because the terms ‘solidarity’ and ‘development’ have been mentioned on more than one occasion.

Laeken must not be seen as an excuse for postponing action on governance but instead create a new impetus for reforms that do not require treaty change.

Let me begin by expressing my deeply felt sadness and anger at the death of five thousand victims in these inexcusable and horrible attacks. Terrorism must be condemned without reserve, and those responsible for this act of barbarism and their accomplices must be punished. We also express solidarity with the American people, and the EU will provide all the assistance which the United States needs to ensure justice is done.