Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 11 Dec 1996

Vol. 472 No. 7

Written Answers. - EU Relations with Cambodia.

Seamus Kirk

Question:

34 Mr. Kirk asked the asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, in view of the initialing of the first co-operation agreement between the EU and Cambodia on 7 November 1996, the reaction of the Irish EU Presidency and the European Commission to the criticism levelled at the European Commission's policy of rehabilitation in Cambodia by non-governmental organisations working in the area; and whether these criticisms will be taken into account before a formal accord between the EU and Cambodia is signed. [23979/96]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

The first co-operation agreement between the European Community and Cambodia was initialled on 7 November 1996. It is expected that it will be signed early in 1997.

The agreement will provide a framework for bilateral relations between the European Community and Cambodia. It will focus primarily on development co-operation, trade and commercial co-operation, the environment, economic co-operation, agriculture, and regional co-operation.

European Community rehabilitation measures in Cambodia under the agreement will include support for demining, measures to assist general reconstruction, and support for the poorest sections of the population.

Criticism has been levelled by the NGO Forum on Cambodia at some aspects of a European Commission rural development programme in Cambodia. The Commission is aware of these criticisms, and has had discussions with the forum with a view to advancing co-operation and dialogue in relation to the development programme in question. I am hopeful that any points of disagreement on this particular programme can shortly be resolved in the light of these discussions.