THE political statements being made about Europe send an appalling message to the youth of this country. What they are told is either that the only grounds for working in friendship with other people is to gain financial benefit, or that they should never cooperate with others if it means making any concession.

They know, and we should confirm, that working in friendship to achieve a common goal can be more rewarding than making money. Such cooperation is the cornerstone of civilisation.

Removing artificial barriers between people so that we can demonstrate our common humanity is one of the God-given purposes of life. History shows that forcing people into ghettos creates hatred and misery. Look at Northern Ireland; or Palestine; or South Africa and the Balkans.

We all know in our hearts that no group can live in harmony, unless all are ready to concede and to accept compromise on some issue they each hold dear.

Why pretend otherwise?

Young people, even more than the rest of us, deserve a proper debate on Europe that goes far beyond mere economic self-interest and dislike of foreigners.

Maurice Vassie,

Cartmans Cottage,

Deighton, York.

Updated: 10:45 Tuesday, May 29, 2001