It is the hope of the European Union that Ariel Sharon will keep the peace process alive and continue the dialogue according to the wishes of all the parties involved.

We must make working life more human.

Humanity is not a church made of stone, in which vault after vault lies open.

Do not be afraid that joy will make the pain worse; it is needed like the air we breathe.

Let our New Year's resolution be this: we will be there for one another as fellow members of humanity, in the finest sense of the word.

Remember, the burden of sorrow is doubled when it is borne alone.

Remember one thing - that Sweden is performing better than the rest of Europe.