Written Answers. - Lomé Convention.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
102
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
his proposals for the next stage of Lomé; whether he will set down parameters for the future of these agreements; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[16807/98]
The Lomé IV Convention which provides a framework for relations between the European Union and 71 African, Caribbean and Pacific, ACP, countries expires in February 2000. The European Union directives for the negotiations on a successor framework were agreed at the General Affairs Council in Luxembourg on 29 June. Formal negotiations between the EU and ACP states will start on 30 September next.
The directives, or mandate, agreed by all member states provide for a global accord to be negotiated between the EU and ACP countries by February 2000. This framework agreement will set out the long-term objectives for economic partnership and agree the approach for their achievement. Between the years 2000 and 2005 the union will offer to establish free trade areas with regional subgroups engaged in a regional integration process or with individual countries where appropriate.
Ireland has actively participated in all stages of discussions of the mandate for the negotiation of a framework agreement since its presentation to Council in draft form in January this year. I am confident that the mandate as agreed reflects the priorities and views that were advanced by Ireland during the discussions.
The Government considers it essential that partnership continue to be a fundamental principle for EU-ACP relations under the new framework. At the same time existing instruments for co-operation and trade arrangements have not succeeded in significantly strengthening economic performance or sustainable development in ACP countries. In this respect, the radical and integrated approach to future economic, political and development co-operation with ACP countries outlined in the directives is welcome. The particular and compelling needs of least developed countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, need to be fully addressed under the new framework. Provisions for deepened EU-ACP political co-operation will be a key element in the new accord. The mandate emphasises the need for a political environment guaranteeing peace, security and stability, respect for human rights, democratic principles, the rule of law and good governance as prerequisites for development. It is proposed that these be essential elements of a new accord. The Government fully supports these provisions.
Strengthened regional integration among ACP countries will be a central element in the future arrangements given the divergences of economic and development interests among these countries. For this reason, the proposal for a broad framework agreement allied to regional agreements as presented in the mandate represents a practical way forward.
The new trade arrangements must be WTO compatible and assist the integration of ACP countries into the global economy. Ireland believes that the interests of least developed countries must be protected by maximising their access to the Union market and simplifying rules of origin for their exports. The European Union has agreed to start a process by the year 2000 which by the year 2005 will allow duty free access for essentially all products from least developed countries building on the level of existing Lomé trade provisions. Rules of origin, including cumulation provisions, will be simplified.
For non-least developed countries which will not enter free trade agreements, the Union has agreed to take account of their interests during the review of the generalised system of preferences framework in 2004. This is to be welcomed as is the commitment to examine all possibilities in order to provide these countries with a new framework for trade that is equivalent to their existing situation under the Lomé Convention and in conformity with WTO rules.
In the area of development co-operation, the Government supports the proposals in the mandate for rationalisation and simplification of existing co-operation instruments. The mandate proposes a grant and investment facility with the former dedicated to national and regional programmes and the latter focused on support for the private sector in ACP countries.
It will be important to ensure the type of aid for each partner country is determined on the basis of specific circumstances and that any moves towards direct financial support are matched by assistance to build the capacity of host governments to manage such aid. The mandate correctly stresses the importance of the role of civil society and non-governmental organisations in future co-operation.
There are three guiding principles for co-operation strategies in the mandate. The first is support for political and institutional reforms and helping build the capacities of the actors of the partnership. Next is gender mainstreaming and gender equality and the third is sustainable management of the environment and natural resources. These principles are consistent with our national development co-operation policy. The priority areas for future co-operation will be support for growth factors, development of the private sector, competitiveness and employment, support for social policies and for regional co-operation and integration. The priority given in the mandate to efforts to eradicate poverty should provide a clear focus for future development assistance to ACP countries.
The negotiations with the ACP countries must be conducted in a spirit of partnership and mutual respect. It will be important the European Union is not seen as imposing its views on ACP countries and that the Union position is not perceived as overly prescriptive. The possibility of associating or linking non-ACP least developed countries to a future accord also deserves further consideration.
The Government will continue to work for an early and successful conclusion of the negotiations.
