Nick Clegg

businesses, and civil society to step up

"The EU, individual member states, businesses, and civil society — all of us need to step up to the plate. 2011 is certain to be a defining moment for north Africa. But it is a defining moment for Europe, too. I hope together we can rise to the challenge."

Happening in our backyard

Clegg will say change "happening in our backyard" is

as much a defining moment of the EU as for the region itself. This was a "precious moment of opportunity for the region" which should be seized.

Young people, who are speaking up

"Precious because it is the people, especially the young people, who are speaking up, and they are doing so for the most part peacefully and with dignity. They are showing that there is more to politics in the region than the choice between repression and extremism."

source: guardian.co.uk