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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 23 Mar 1999

Vol. 502 No. 3

Written Answers. - Barcelona Process.

John Gormley

Ceist:

146 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the EU has completed an important deal with Egypt under the Barcelona Process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7596/99]

The Barcelona Process, in which Egypt plays an active and constructive role, was established in November 1995. The primary objective of the process is to lend support to the Mediterranean countries in their efforts to transform their region into a zone of peace, stability and prosperity. The participants are: the EU and its 12 Mediterranean partners, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Palestinian Authority, Israel, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, Cyprus and Malta. The Barcelona Process entails strengthened and regular political dialogue, the development of economic and financial co-operation and the social, cultural and human dimension.

An essential component of the economic and financial partnership envisaged in the Barcelona Process is the creation by the target date of 2010 of a free trade area between the EU and its Mediterranean partners. A central feature in preparation for the free trade area is the conclusion by the Union of Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreements with each of the Mediterranean participants. It is within this context that negotiations have been taking place between the EU and Egypt.

Agreement or significant progress has now been achieved in a number of areas. However, negotiations are continuing. It is hoped that outstanding issues can be resolved to the satisfaction of both sides in the near future, thus allowing for the conclusion of the association agreement.

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