Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:7 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress in relation to the South Africa-EU trade negotiations. [8860/99]
Written Answers. - Trade Negotiations.
I am pleased to report to the House that the Special European Council, meeting in Berlin on 24-25 March, gave its approval to the proposed trade and co-operation agreement with South Africa. The European Council instructed the Council of Ministers, as a matter of urgency, to take the necessary measures to secure its formal adoption. The way is now clear, after more than four years of negotiation, for the conclusion of this important agreement between South Africa, on one side, and the member states of the European Community and the European Commission, on the other.
The European Council rightly described the agreement as historic and a further step in the consolidation and strengthening of the solid partnership which exists between the European Union and South Africa in the political, economic and trade fields. The agreement is considered by the European Council as a symbol of the strong links of friendship and solidarity between the peoples of Europe and southern Africa. The decision of the European Council brings to a successful conclusion the protracted and often very difficult negotiations between the EU and South Africa on this agreement.
I place on the record of the House my appreciation for the unstinting efforts of all participants in the negotiating process, including the German Presidency, the Commission and the South African authorities. It is particularly gratifying that the European Council reached its decision while President Mandela was still in office.
I consider the agreement to be a reasonable and balanced compromise and one which will bring benefits to both sides. Ireland has consistently supported the conclusion of a generous agreement with South Africa and I have no doubt this agreement will respond to South Africa's special circumstances and make a significant contribution to its efforts to overcome the inherited burden of the apartheid era.