# Official Journal C 271/2008

| | ISSN 1725-2423 |
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| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 271 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 5125 October 2008 |

ISSN 1725-2423

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 271

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 5125 October 2008

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| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | IV   Notices |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES |
| | Joint Parliamentary Assembly of the Partnership Agreement concluded between the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific group of States, of the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, of the other partThe 15th session was held in Ljubljana (Slovenia) from 17 to 20 March 2008. |
| 2008/C 271/01 | Minutes of the sitting of Monday, 17 March 2008 | 1 |
| Formal inaugural sitting


  Sitting of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly


  Composition of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly


  Accreditation of non-parliamentary representatives


  Substitutes


  Adoption of draft agenda (ACP-EU/100.210)


  Approval of the minutes of the 14th session of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly (OJ C 58 of 1.3.2008)


  Co-Presidents' announcements, including decisions taken at Bureau meeting on 16 March


  The current position in the EPA negotiations and the follow-up to the Kigali Declaration: debate without resolution


  ACP Parliaments' views on 10th EDF programming and ACP Country Strategy Papers: debate without resolution


  The International Criminal Court: debate without resolution


  Committee on Economic Development, Finance and Trade (ACP-EU/100.205/08/fin.) on food security issues in ACP countries and the role of ACP-EU cooperation |
| 2008/C 271/02 | Minutes of the sitting of Tuesday, 18 March 2008 | 4 |
| Substitutes


  Statement by Mr Louis Michel, Member of the Commission with special responsibility for development and humanitarian aid


  Question Time to the Commission


  Action taken by the Commission on the resolutions adopted at the 14th session of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, held in Kigali (Rwanda)


  Debate with the Commission


  Statement by Mr Abdi, Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly


  Urgent topic No 1: The situation in Kenya


  The EU-Caribbean strategy


  Approval of the minutes of Monday 17 March


  Statement by Mr Andrej Šter, State Secretary for Development (Slovenia), President-in-Office of the EU Council


  Statement by Mr Ali Farah Assoweh, Minister for Economic Affairs, Finance and Planning, with responsibility for privatisation (Djibouti), President-in-Office of the ACP Council


  Question Time to the Council


  Debate with the Council


  Presentation by UNFPA, Mrs Safiye Cagar, Director of Information and External Relations Division: debate without resolution |
| 2008/C 271/03 | Minutes of the sitting of Wednesday, 19 March 2008 | 7 |
| Statement by the Co-President


  Committee on Political Affairs (ACP-EU/100.203/08/fin.) on experiences from the European regional integration process relevant to ACP countries


  Approval of minutes of meeting of Tuesday morning 18 March 2008


  Report of the economic and social partners: Economic Partnership Agreements: what prospects for the future and what role for civil society?


  Urgent topic No 2: The situation in Chad


  Committee on Social Affairs and the Environment (ACP-EU/100.202/08/fin.) on social and environmental consequences of structural adjustment programmes


  Presentation by Mr Johann Koss, President of the Sport for Development and Peace International Working Group, and Mr Philip O'Brien (UNICEF): debate without resolution


  Question Time to the Council |
| 2008/C 271/04 | Minutes of the sitting of Thursday, 20 March 2008 | 8 |
| Substitutes


  Approval of the minutes of Tuesday afternoon, 18 March 2008, and of Wednesday morning, 19 March 2008


  Migration: debate without resolution


  Climate change and its social and environmental impact in ACP countries: debate without resolution


  Summary reports from the workshops


  Vote on the motions for resolutions included in the reports submitted by the three standing committees


  Vote on urgent motions for resolutions


  Any other business


  Date and place of the 16th session of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly |
| Annex I   Alphabetical list of members of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly | 10 |
| Annex II   Record of attendance at the session from 17 to 20 March in Ljubljana (Slovenia) | 14 |
| Annex III   Annex of the sitting of Monday, 17 March 2008 | 19 |
| Annex IV   Resolutions adopted | 20 |
| —   Resolution on the social and environmental consequences of structural adjustment programmes | 20 |
| —   Resolution on experiences from the European regional integration process relevant to ACP countries | 27 |
| —   Resolution on food security issues in ACP countries and the role of ACP-EU cooperation | 32 |
| —   Resolution on the situation in Kenya | 37 |

Notice No

Contents

page

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Joint Parliamentary Assembly of the Partnership Agreement concluded between the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific group of States, of the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, of the other partThe 15th session was held in Ljubljana (Slovenia) from 17 to 20 March 2008.

2008/C 271/01

Minutes of the sitting of Monday, 17 March 2008

1

Formal inaugural sitting

Sitting of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly

Composition of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly

Accreditation of non-parliamentary representatives

Substitutes

Adoption of draft agenda (ACP-EU/100.210)

Approval of the minutes of the 14th session of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly (OJ C 58 of 1.3.2008)

Co-Presidents' announcements, including decisions taken at Bureau meeting on 16 March

The current position in the EPA negotiations and the follow-up to the Kigali Declaration: debate without resolution

ACP Parliaments' views on 10th EDF programming and ACP Country Strategy Papers: debate without resolution

The International Criminal Court: debate without resolution

Committee on Economic Development, Finance and Trade (ACP-EU/100.205/08/fin.) on food security issues in ACP countries and the role of ACP-EU cooperation

2008/C 271/02

Minutes of the sitting of Tuesday, 18 March 2008

4

Substitutes

Statement by Mr Louis Michel, Member of the Commission with special responsibility for development and humanitarian aid

Question Time to the Commission

Action taken by the Commission on the resolutions adopted at the 14th session of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, held in Kigali (Rwanda)

Debate with the Commission

Statement by Mr Abdi, Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly

Urgent topic No 1: The situation in Kenya

The EU-Caribbean strategy

Approval of the minutes of Monday 17 March

Statement by Mr Andrej Šter, State Secretary for Development (Slovenia), President-in-Office of the EU Council

Statement by Mr Ali Farah Assoweh, Minister for Economic Affairs, Finance and Planning, with responsibility for privatisation (Djibouti), President-in-Office of the ACP Council

Question Time to the Council

Debate with the Council

Presentation by UNFPA, Mrs Safiye Cagar, Director of Information and External Relations Division: debate without resolution

2008/C 271/03

Minutes of the sitting of Wednesday, 19 March 2008

7

Statement by the Co-President

Committee on Political Affairs (ACP-EU/100.203/08/fin.) on experiences from the European regional integration process relevant to ACP countries

Approval of minutes of meeting of Tuesday morning 18 March 2008

Report of the economic and social partners: Economic Partnership Agreements: what prospects for the future and what role for civil society?

Urgent topic No 2: The situation in Chad

Committee on Social Affairs and the Environment (ACP-EU/100.202/08/fin.) on social and environmental consequences of structural adjustment programmes

Presentation by Mr Johann Koss, President of the Sport for Development and Peace International Working Group, and Mr Philip O'Brien (UNICEF): debate without resolution

Question Time to the Council

2008/C 271/04

Minutes of the sitting of Thursday, 20 March 2008

8

Substitutes

Approval of the minutes of Tuesday afternoon, 18 March 2008, and of Wednesday morning, 19 March 2008

Migration: debate without resolution

Climate change and its social and environmental impact in ACP countries: debate without resolution

Summary reports from the workshops

Vote on the motions for resolutions included in the reports submitted by the three standing committees

Vote on urgent motions for resolutions

Any other business

Date and place of the 16th session of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly

Annex I   Alphabetical list of members of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly

10

Annex II   Record of attendance at the session from 17 to 20 March in Ljubljana (Slovenia)

14

Annex III   Annex of the sitting of Monday, 17 March 2008

19

Annex IV   Resolutions adopted

20

—   Resolution on the social and environmental consequences of structural adjustment programmes

20

—   Resolution on experiences from the European regional integration process relevant to ACP countries

27

—   Resolution on food security issues in ACP countries and the role of ACP-EU cooperation

32

—   Resolution on the situation in Kenya

37

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IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Joint Parliamentary Assembly of the Partnership Agreement concluded between the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific group of States, of the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, of the other part The 15th session was held in Ljubljana (Slovenia) from 17 to 20 March 2008.

| 25.10.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 271/1 |
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25.10.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 271/1

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MINUTES OF THE SITTING OF MONDAY, 17 MARCH 2008

(2008/C 271/01)

(The sitting opened at 11.05 a.m.)

Formal inaugural sitting

The following addressed the Assembly:

Mr France Cukjati, Speaker of the Parliament of Slovenia, Mr Janez Janša, Prime Minister of Slovenia, Mr Wilkie Rasmussen, Co-President of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, Mr Hans-Gert Pöttering, President of the European Parliament (by video message) and Mrs Glenys Kinnock, Co-President of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly.

(The sitting adjourned at 12.05 p.m. and resumed at 3.15 p.m.)

IN THE CHAIR: Mrs Glenys KINNOCK

Co-President

Sitting of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly

The Co-President welcomed all the participants.

1.   Composition of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly

The Co-President announced that the list of Members of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly, as forwarded by the authorities of the ACP States and the President of the European Parliament, would be annexed to the minutes.

2.   Accreditation of non-parliamentary representatives

The Co-President announced that the authorities of the ACP States had sent a list of non-parliamentary representatives. In accordance with Article 17(1) of the Partnership Agreement and Article 1 of the Rules of Procedure of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly, she proposed that these representatives should be recorded and their names listed in an annex to the minutes.

The Joint Parliamentary Assembly agreed to this.

3.   Substitutes

The Co-President announced the following substitutes: Gill (for Jöns), Hutchinson (for Ferreira), Isler Beguin (for Irujo Amezaga), Leinen (for Gröner), Maldeikis (for Zaborska), Mauro (for Coelho), Peterle (for Ventre) and Yañez-Barnuevo (for Gurmai).

4.   Adoption of draft agenda (ACP-EU/100.210)

Speakers: Deva, Martens, Martínez Martínez, Co-President Kinnock, Co-President Rasmussen and Polisi (Rwanda).

The draft agenda was adopted as shown in these minutes.

5.   Approval of the minutes of the 14th session of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly (OJ C 58 of 1.3.2008)

The minutes were approved.

6.   Co-Presidents' announcements, including decisions taken at Bureau meeting on 16 March

The Co-President outlined the decisions taken at the Bureau meeting on 16 March:

| — | by vote, to keep the second urgent item, the situation in Chad, as a debate with resolution; |
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by vote, to keep the second urgent item, the situation in Chad, as a debate with resolution;

| — | to authorise the following reports for the standing committees:






  — | Committee on Political Affairs: challenges to the democratic accommodation of ethnic, cultural and religious diversities in ACP and EU countries; |
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to authorise the following reports for the standing committees:

—

Committee on Political Affairs: challenges to the democratic accommodation of ethnic, cultural and religious diversities in ACP and EU countries;

| — | Committee on Economic Development, Finance and Trade: the state of play on Economic Partnership Agreements and their possible impact on ACP countries; |
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Committee on Economic Development, Finance and Trade: the state of play on Economic Partnership Agreements and their possible impact on ACP countries;

| — | Committee on Social Affairs and the Environment: the social and environmental impact of climate change; |
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Committee on Social Affairs and the Environment: the social and environmental impact of climate change;

| — | to authorise the Co-Presidents to attend high-level meetings representing the JPA pending the adoption of a definitive text at a subsequent Bureau meeting; |
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to authorise the Co-Presidents to attend high-level meetings representing the JPA pending the adoption of a definitive text at a subsequent Bureau meeting;

| — | to organise a JPA election observation mission to Angola on 5 and 6 September 2008 subject to the EU being invited to send an Election Observation Mission; |
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to organise a JPA election observation mission to Angola on 5 and 6 September 2008 subject to the EU being invited to send an Election Observation Mission;

| — | to proceed with the first regional meeting of the JPA in Windhoek, with funding from the European Parliament (not EDF funds); |
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to proceed with the first regional meeting of the JPA in Windhoek, with funding from the European Parliament (not EDF funds);

| — | to accept the offer of Vanuatu to host a regional meeting directly after the 16th Session in Port Moresby; |
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to accept the offer of Vanuatu to host a regional meeting directly after the 16th Session in Port Moresby;

| — | to send a letter to the President of Burundi and to the Speaker of the National Assembly condemning the recent attacks on opposition politicians and calling for guarantees for their safety; |
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to send a letter to the President of Burundi and to the Speaker of the National Assembly condemning the recent attacks on opposition politicians and calling for guarantees for their safety;

| — | to ask the legal services of the EP and the ACP to provide legal opinions on whether renegotiation is possible after EPAs have been initialed; |
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to ask the legal services of the EP and the ACP to provide legal opinions on whether renegotiation is possible after EPAs have been initialed;

| — | to write a letter to Commissioner Mandelson regretting his regular absence from JPA debates on EPAs, with copy to President Barroso. |
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—

to write a letter to Commissioner Mandelson regretting his regular absence from JPA debates on EPAs, with copy to President Barroso.

The Co-President announced the Workshops for 19 March, welcomed the observers from the East African Legislative Assembly, announced the deadlines for amendments for the session and explained the system for the allocation of speaking time.

Speakers: Ribeiro e Castro and Gomes.

7.   The current position in the EPA negotiations and the follow-up to the Kigali Declaration: debate without resolution

The Co-President gave a brief introduction to the subject, and expressed her regrets that the European Commissioner for Trade was not present for the debate.

Speakers: Maertens (European Commission), Humphrey (Barbados), Dombrovskis, Dalrymple-Philibert (Jamaica), Hutchinson, Ali (Ethiopia), Cavuilati (Fiji), Hall, Sithole (South Africa), Lahai (Sierra Leone), Zimmer, Baldeh (Gambia), Diallo (Guinea), Schmidt, Deerpalsing (Mauritius), Martens, Assarid (Mali), Borrell Fontelles, William (Seychelles), Dekuek (Sudan), Schnellhardt, Absullahi (Nigeria), and Seck (Senegal).

Mr Maertens (European Commission) responded to the debate.

8.   ACP Parliaments' views on 10th EDF programming and ACP Country Strategy Papers: debate without resolution

The Co-President introduced the subject.

Mrs Lahai (Sierra Leone) and Mr Assarid (Mali) reported on the discussions held in their national parliaments.

Speakers: Talagi (Niue), Baldeh (Gambia), Baum (European Commission) and Oumarou (Niger).

9.   The International Criminal Court: debate without resolution

The Co-President introduced the subject.

Speakers: Swaak-Goldman (office of the ICC Prosecutor), Donat Cattin (Parliamentarians for Global Action), Mayer, Leinen, Straker (St Vincent and the Grenadines), Dekuek (Sudan), Deva, Assarid (Mali), Jimenez (Dominican Republic), Gomes, Lahai (Sierra Leone), Martínez Martínez and Awudu Mbaya (Cameroon).

10.   Report by: Mr Mohamed Ali (Ethiopia) and Mr Alain Hutchinson

Mr Hutchinson and Mr Ali (Ethiopia) presented the report.

Speakers: Njobvu (Zambia), Mugambe (Uganda), Bowis, Borrell Fontelles, Ernesto (Mozambique), Aubert, Assarid (Mali), Novak, William (Seychelles), Schnellhardt, Danata (Cameroon), Baum (European Commission), Fernandes and Diallo (Guinea).

Mr Ali (Ethiopia) and Mr Hutchinson wound up the debate.

(The sitting closed at 7.20 p.m.)

Wilkie RASMUSSEN and

Glenys KINNOCK

Co-Presidents

Sir John KAPUTIN and

Dietmar NICKEL

Co-Secretaries-General

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| 25.10.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 271/4 |
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MINUTES OF THE SITTING OF TUESDAY, 18 MARCH 2008

(2008/C 271/02)

(The sitting opened at 9.10 a.m.)

IN THE CHAIR: Mrs KINNOCK

Co-President

The Co-President announced that the item on the Cotonou Agreement postponed from the agenda of Monday would be taken as the last item on the agenda of Tuesday 18 March. The statement from Mr Abdi, Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly, would be taken directly after the debate with the Commission.

1.   Substitutes

The Co-President announced the following substitutes: Attard-Montalto (for Grabowska), Gill (for Jöns), Hutchinson (for Ferreira), Isler Béguin (for Irujo Amezaga), Klaß (for López-Istúriz White), Leinen (for Gröner), Maldeikis (for Zaborska), Mauro (for Coelho), Peterle (for Ventre), Virrankoski (for Lehideux) and Yañez-Barnuevo (for Gurmai)

2.   Statement by Mr Louis Michel, Member of the Commission with special responsibility for development and humanitarian aid

Commissioner Michel made a statement on behalf of the Commission.

3.   Question Time to the Commission

Mr Lutundula (Democratic Republic of the Congo) enquired about the procedure for question time to the Commission. The Co-President informed Members that during question time only those Members who had tabled questions to the Commission were entitled to speak. For the debate with the Commission (item 14) the ‘catch the eye’ procedure would be used.

Altogether 25 questions were put to the Commission.

The Commission had replied to the questions in writing. Mr Michel gave oral replies to the supplementary questions by the following authors:

Question No 10 by Mrs Hall on equal access to healthcare.

Question No 11 by Mr F. Schmidt on EPAs.

Question No 13 by Mr William (Seychelles) on EPAs and Interim Agreements.

Question No 14 by Mr Assarid (Mali) on EPAs and Interim Agreements.

Question No 15 by Mrs Deerpalsing (Mauritius) on EPAs and Interim Agreements.

Question No 18 by Mr Yañez-Barnuevo on trade agreements.

Question No 25 by Mr O. Schmidt on sovereign wealth funds in Africa.

Question No 3 by Mr Jardim Fernandes on financing of the EU-Africa Strategy.

Question No 20 by Mr Hutchinson on the situation in North Kivu.

Question No 21 by Mr Van Hecke on East Congo.

Question No 23 by Mrs Aubert on the pollution of the Niger Delta.

The authors of questions Nos 6, 8, 12 and 16 were not present.

An additional oral question was put by Mrs Zimmer.

4.   Action taken by the Commission on the resolutions adopted at the 14th session of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, held in Kigali (Rwanda)

Commissioner Michel referred to the document (ACP/100.273) that had been distributed detailing the follow-up by the Commission to the resolutions adopted in Kigali (Rwanda).

5.   Debate with the Commission

Speakers: Jouye de Grandmaison, Deerpalsing (Mauritius), Martínez Martínez, Bowis, Cavuilati (Fiji), Manirakiza (Burundi), Isler Béguin, Oumarou (Niger), Gahler, Kgathi (Botswana), Gomes, Dalrymple-Philibert (Jamaica), Hutchinson, William (Seychelles), Cashman, Klassou (Togo), Seck (Senegal), Tiheli (Lesotho), Borrell Fontelles, Baldeh (Gambia), Jimenez (Dominican Republic), Kollie (Liberia), Humphrey (Barbados), Lahai (Sierra Leone), Diallo (Guinea) and Ngema Owono (Equatorial Guinea).

Commissioner Michel responded to the points raised in the debate.

The Co-President asked the House to decide whether the observer from Cuba could take the floor for one minute as requested. As there were no objections, Mr Marichal made his statement.

Mr Lutundula (Democratic Republic of the Congo) stated, in a point of order, that some countries whose situation was dealt with in the debate had had no opportunity to take the floor or were not present in the debate. The Co-President explained that under this item the ‘catch the eye’ procedure had allowed all Members present to ask for the floor.

6.   Statement by Mr Abdi, Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly

Mr Abdi made a statement on behalf of the East African Legislative Assembly.

7.   Urgent topic No 1: The situation in Kenya

Speakers: Dombrovskis, Mushelenga (Namibia), William (Seychelles), Assarid (Mali), Hutchinson, Lutundula (Democratic Republic of the Congo), Said (Djibouti), Van Hecke, Diallo (Guinea), Isler Béguin, Amon-Ago (Côte d'Ivoire), Zimmer, Naib (Eritrea), Straker (St Vincent and the Grenadines), Berend, Ogwal (Uganda), Toga (Ethiopia), Gomes, Dekuek (Sudan), Dalrymple-Philibert (Jamaica), Kgathi (Botswana) and Kamar (Kenya).

Commissioner Michel responded to the points raised in the debate.

8.   The EU-Caribbean strategy

Debate (without resolution)

Speakers: Humphrey (Barbados), Wieland, Jouye de Grandmaison, Dalrymple-Philibert (Jamaica), Straker (St Vincent and the Grenadines) and Ribeiro e Castro.

Commissioner Michel wound up the debate.

(The sitting adjourned at 1.20 p.m. and resumed at 3.20 p.m.)

IN THE CHAIR: Mr RASMUSSEN

Co-President

9.   Approval of the minutes of Monday 17 March

The minutes were approved.

10.   Statement by Mr Andrej Šter, State Secretary for Development (Slovenia), President-in-Office of the EU Council

Mr Šter made a statement on behalf of the EU Council.

11.   Statement by Mr Ali Farah Assoweh, Minister for Economic Affairs, Finance and Planning, with responsibility for privatisation (Djibouti), President-in-Office of the ACP Council

Mr Farah Assoweh made a statement on behalf of the ACP Council.

12.   Question Time to the Council

Two questions had been put to the ACP Council.

Mr Farah Assoweh answered the following questions, the first of which was followed by a supplementary question:

Question No 1 by Mr William (Seychelles) on the ratification of the revised Cotonou Agreement.

Question No 2 by Mrs Scheele (for Mrs Carlotti) on the ratification of the revised Cotonou Agreement.

Nineteen questions had been put to the EU Council.

Mr Šter answered the following questions and supplementary questions:

Question No 3 by Mr Jardim Fernandes on aid effectiveness.

Question No 4 by Mr William (Seychelles) on GDP per capita criteria.

Question No 5 by Mrs Jouye de Grandmaison (for Mr Agnoletto) on EPA/Export subsidies.

Question No 6 by Mr F. Schmidt on the revision of interim EPAs before signing and notification.

Question No 7 by Mr Assarid (Mali) on EPAs.

Question No 11 by Mrs Aubert on uranium.

Question No 12 by Mr Hutchinson (for Mrs Ferreira) on the situation in north Kivu.

Question No 14 by Mr Schnellhardt on the mission to Darfur.

Question No 16 by Mr Van Hecke on increasing tensions in Somalia.

Question No 17 by Mrs Gomes on the ESDP mission to Guinea Bissau.

Question No 21 by Mr O. Schmidt on the imprisonment of the Swedish journalist Dawit Isaak.

Question No 19 by Mrs Zimmer on legal migration to the EU for ACP citizens.

The following questions were not followed by supplementary questions:

Question No 15 by Mrs Jouye de Grandmaison (for Mrs Carlotti) on the situation in Somalia.

Question No 18 by Mr Leinen (for Mrs Gröner) on climate change.

The authors of questions Nos 8, 9, 10, 13 and 20 were not present.

13.   Debate with the Council

Speakers: Hutchinson, Deerpalsing (Mauritius), Martínez Martínez, Diallo (Guinea), Isler Béguin, Said (Djibouti), Ribeiro e Castro, William (Seychelles), Farah Assoweh (ACP Council) and Šter (EU Council).

14.   Maternal mortality and the fifth Millennium Development Goal

Mrs Cagar made a statement on behalf of UNFPA.

Speakers: Mitchell, William (Seychelles), Co-President Kinnock, O. Schmidt, Sithole (Mozambique), Aubert, Zimmer, Amon-Ago (Côte d'Ivoire), Klass, Lahai (Sierra Leone), Gill, Ogwal (Uganda), Dekuek (Sudan) and Manservisi (European Commission).

The Co-President announced that the item on ‘Experiences from the European regional integration process relevant to ACP countries’ (Co-rapporteurs: Mr Bornito De Sousa (Angola) and Mr Filip Kaczmarek, Committee on Political Affairs) would be taken on the following morning.

It was also announced that the item on migration and the item on climate change would be included in the agenda of Thursday morning.

The item on the ratification of the revised Cotonou Agreement (debate without resolution) was cancelled, the question having been covered in the debates with Council and Commission.

(The sitting closed at 7.20 p.m.)

Wilkie RASMUSSEN and

Glenys KINNOCK

Co-Presidents

Sir John KAPUTIN and

Dietmar NICKEL

Co-Secretaries-General

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| 25.10.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 271/7 |
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MINUTES OF THE SITTING OF WEDNESDAY, 19 MARCH 2008

(2008/C 271/03)

(The sitting opened at 9.08 a.m.)

IN THE CHAIR: Mr RASMUSSEN

Co-President

1.   Statement by the Co-President

The co-president announced changes to the agenda for Wednesday, 19 March. The item on the report by the Committee on Political Affairs would be taken as the first item.

2.   Report by: Mr Bornito De Sousa (Angola) and Mr Filip Kaczmarek

Mr De Sousa (Angola) and Mr Kaczmarek introduced the report.

Speakers: Gahler, Leinen, Assarid (Mali), Zimmer, Wieland and Yañez-Barnuevo.

Mr Manservisi (European Commission) replied to questions.

Mr Kaczmarek and Mr De Sousa (Angola) wound up the debate.

3.   Approval of minutes of meeting of Tuesday morning 18 March 2008

The minutes were approved.

4.   Report of the economic and social partners: Economic Partnership Agreements: what prospects for the future and what role for civil society?

Mr Dantin, Chairman of the ACP-EU Follow-Up Committee introduced the draft report ‘The Economic Partnership Agreements: what prospects for the future and what role for civil society?’

Speakers: Dalrymple-Philibert (Jamaica), William (Seychelles), Sithole (Mozambique), Seck (Senegal), Borrell Fontelles, Jouye de Grandmaison and Amon-Ago (Côte d'Ivoire).

Mr Dantin replied.

5.   Urgent topic No 2: The situation in Chad

Mr Manservisi (European Commission) introduced the topic.

Speakers: Schröder, Dekuek (Sudan), Gomes, Saïd (Djibouti), Hall, Aubert, Kaczmarek, Bounkoulou (Congo), Toga (Ethiopia), Abdullahi (Nigeria), Berend, Seck (Senegal) and Lutundula (Democratic Republic of Congo).

6.   Report by: Mr Alma Oumarou (Niger) and Mr Gay Mitchell

Mr Oumarou (Niger) and Mr Mitchell introduced the report.

Speakers: Seck (Senegal), Novak, Borrell Fontelles, Danata (Cameroon), O.Schmidt, Sithole (Mozambique), Deerpalsing (Mauritius), Aubert, Assarid (Mali), Jouye de Grandmaison, William (Seychelles) and Mporogomyi (Tanzania).

Mr Baum (European Commission) replied.

Mr Oumarou (Niger) and Mr Mitchell wound up the debate.

7.   Sport for Development and Peace

Mr Koss and Mr O'Brien introduced the topic.

Speakers: Kgathi (Botswana), Isler Béguin, Toga (Ethiopia), Martens, Lahai (Sierra Leone), Callanan, Assarid (Mali), Sturdy, William (Seychelles), Cheron (Haiti) and De Sousa (Angola).

Mr Baum (European Commission) replied to questions.

Mr O'Brien and Mr Koss wound up the debate.

8.   Question Time to the Council

Speaker: Mr Naib (Eritrea) on Question 21 (Article 14 of the Rules of Procedure).

(The sitting closed at 1.10 p.m.)

Wilkie RASMUSSEN and

Glenys KINNOCK

Co-Presidents

Sir John KAPUTIN and

Dietmar NICKEL

Co-Secretaries-General

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| 25.10.2008 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 271/8 |
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MINUTES OF THE SITTING OF THURSDAY, 20 MARCH 2008

(2008/C 271/04)

(The sitting opened at 9.10 a.m.)

IN THE CHAIR: Mrs KINNOCK

Co-President

1.   Substitutes

The Co-President announced the following substitutes: Attard-Montalto (for Grabowska), Bushill-Matthews (for Langendries), Gill (for Jöns), Hutchinson (for Ferreira), Isler Béguin (for Irujo Amezaga), Klaß (for López-Istúriz White), Leinen (for Gröner), Maldeikis (for Zaborska), Mauro (for Coelho), Peterle (for Ventre), Virrankoski (for Lehideux), Yañez-Barnuevo (for Gurmai) and Zaleski (for Herranz García).

2.   Approval of the minutes of Tuesday afternoon, 18 March 2008, and of Wednesday morning, 19 March 2008

The minutes were approved.

The Co-Presidents expressed the condolences of the Assembly on the unexpected death of Dr Chosani Njobvu on 19 March, to be sent to his family and his parliamentary colleagues in Zambia.

3.   Migration: debate without resolution

The Co-President introduced the subject.

Speakers: Attard-Montalto, Kaboré (Burkina Faso), Zaleski, Assarid (Mali), Borrell Fontelles, Cavuilati (Fiji), Isler Béguin, Cire Sall (Sénégal), Hutchinson, Diallo (Guinée), Kgathi (Botswana), Yañez-Barnuevo, Naib (Eritrea), William (Seychelles), Gomes, Humphrey (Barbados) and Baum (European Commission).

4.   Climate change and its social and environmental impact in ACP countries: debate without resolution

The Co-President introduced the subject.

Speakers: Bowis, Milebou Aubussou (Gabon), Peterle, Deerpalsing (Mauritius), Dekuek (Sudan), Isler Béguin, Klassou (Togo), De Sousa (Angola), Lahai (Sierra Leone), Sithole (Mozambique), Mahazaka (Madagascar), William (Seychelles) and Baum (European Commission).

5.   Summary reports from the workshops

| — | Mrs Ljudmila Novak on the rehabilitation of the disabled in Slovenia; |
| --- | --- |

—

Mrs Ljudmila Novak on the rehabilitation of the disabled in Slovenia;

| — | Mrs Bernadette Lahai (Sierra Leone) on rural tourism in Slovenia; |
| --- | --- |

—

Mrs Bernadette Lahai (Sierra Leone) on rural tourism in Slovenia;

| — | Mr Olle Schmidt on Slovenian policy on minorities. |
| --- | --- |

—

Mr Olle Schmidt on Slovenian policy on minorities.

6.   Vote on the motions for resolutions included in the reports submitted by the three standing committees

| — | Report on experiences from the European regional integration process relevant to ACP countries (ACP-EU/100.203/08/fin.) — Committee on Political Affairs. Co-rapporteurs: Mr Bornito De Sousa (Angola) and Mr Filip Kaczmarek
  Amendment 1 was adopted.
  The amended resolution was adopted unanimously. |
| --- | --- |

—

Report on experiences from the European regional integration process relevant to ACP countries (ACP-EU/100.203/08/fin.) — Committee on Political Affairs. Co-rapporteurs: Mr Bornito De Sousa (Angola) and Mr Filip Kaczmarek

Amendment 1 was adopted.

The amended resolution was adopted unanimously.

| — | Report on food security issues in ACP countries and the role of ACP-EU cooperation (ACP-EU/100.205/08/fin.) — Committee on Economic Development, Finance and Trade. Co-rapporteurs: Mr Mohamed Ali (Ethiopia) and Mr Alain Hutchinson
  Amendments 1, 2, 3 and 4 were adopted.
  The amended resolution was adopted with 1 vote against. |
| --- | --- |

—

Report on food security issues in ACP countries and the role of ACP-EU cooperation (ACP-EU/100.205/08/fin.) — Committee on Economic Development, Finance and Trade. Co-rapporteurs: Mr Mohamed Ali (Ethiopia) and Mr Alain Hutchinson

Amendments 1, 2, 3 and 4 were adopted.

The amended resolution was adopted with 1 vote against.

| — | Report on social and environmental consequences of structural adjustment programmes (ACP-EU/100.202/08/fin.) — Committee on Social Affairs and the Environment. Co-rapporteurs: Mr Alma Oumarou (Niger) and Mr Gay Mitchell
  One oral amendment on amendment 3 was introduced by the ALDE group and was adopted.
  A split vote on amendment 5 was requested by the ALDE group and the three parts were adopted.
  A separate vote on Recital D was requested by EPP-ED group and was rejected.
  A split vote on Recital N was requested by EPP-ED group and the first part was adopted while the second part was rejected.
  Amendment 2 was rejected.
  Amendments 1 and 4 were adopted.
  The amended resolution was adopted unanimously. |
| --- | --- |

—

Report on social and environmental consequences of structural adjustment programmes (ACP-EU/100.202/08/fin.) — Committee on Social Affairs and the Environment. Co-rapporteurs: Mr Alma Oumarou (Niger) and Mr Gay Mitchell

One oral amendment on amendment 3 was introduced by the ALDE group and was adopted.

A split vote on amendment 5 was requested by the ALDE group and the three parts were adopted.

A separate vote on Recital D was requested by EPP-ED group and was rejected.

A split vote on Recital N was requested by EPP-ED group and the first part was adopted while the second part was rejected.

Amendment 2 was rejected.

Amendments 1 and 4 were adopted.

The amended resolution was adopted unanimously.

7.   Vote on urgent motions for resolutions

| — | Urgent motion for a resolution on the situation in Kenya (ACP-EU/100.269/08/comp.)

  An oral amendment on paragraph 13 was introduced by Mr Van Hecke and was adopted.
  An oral amendment on amendment 2 was introduced by the Uganda delegation and was adopted.
  Amendments 1, 3 and 4 were adopted.
  The amended resolution was adopted unanimously. |
| --- | --- |

—

Urgent motion for a resolution on the situation in Kenya (ACP-EU/100.269/08/comp.)

An oral amendment on paragraph 13 was introduced by Mr Van Hecke and was adopted.

An oral amendment on amendment 2 was introduced by the Uganda delegation and was adopted.

Amendments 1, 3 and 4 were adopted.

The amended resolution was adopted unanimously.

| — | Urgent motion for resolution on the situation in Chad (ACP-EU/100.270/08/comp.)

  A vote by separate Houses on the resolution as a whole was requested.
  The resolution was rejected (ACP vote: 14 in favour, 24 against and 3 abstentions; EU vote: unanimity in favour).

  Speakers: Gahler, Assarid (Mali), Aubert, Martínez Martínez, Amon-Ago (Côte d'Ivoire), Gomes, Zaleski, Dekuek (Sudan), Leinen, Wieland, Oumarou (Niger) and Schröder.
  Mrs Lulling made an explanation on the vote on the Resolution on Food Security. |
| --- | --- |

—

Urgent motion for resolution on the situation in Chad (ACP-EU/100.270/08/comp.)

A vote by separate Houses on the resolution as a whole was requested.

The resolution was rejected (ACP vote: 14 in favour, 24 against and 3 abstentions; EU vote: unanimity in favour).

Speakers: Gahler, Assarid (Mali), Aubert, Martínez Martínez, Amon-Ago (Côte d'Ivoire), Gomes, Zaleski, Dekuek (Sudan), Leinen, Wieland, Oumarou (Niger) and Schröder.

Mrs Lulling made an explanation on the vote on the Resolution on Food Security.

8.   Any other business

A written point of order was presented by Mr O. Schmidt on the intervention made by an Eritrean ACP member concerning the imprisoned Swedish journalist Mr Dawit Isaak.

The Co-President thanked the Slovenian authorities for their hospitality and for all their efforts in organising the 15th session of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly in Ljubljana and the accompanying social events.

The Co-President commented on the imminent retirement of Mme Annick Lefèvre, EU Secretariat, who had served the Joint Parliamentary Assembly for 34 years.

9.   Date and place of the 16th session of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly

The 16th session of the JPA would be held from 23 to 28 November 2008 in Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea).

(The sitting closed at 11.45 p.m.)

Wilkie RASMUSSEN and

Glenys KINNOCK

Co-Presidents

Sir John KAPUTIN and

Dietmar NICKEL

Co-Secretaries-General

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ANNEX I

ALPHABETICAL LIST OF MEMBERS OF THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY

| ACP Representatives | EP Representatives |
| --- | --- |
| RASMUSSEN (COOK ISLANDS), Co-President | KINNOCK, Co-President |
| ANGOLA (VP) | GAHLER (VP) |
| BURKINA FASO (VP) | MANTOVANI (VP) |
| CONGO Republic of (VP) | JOUYE DE GRANDMAISON (VP) |
| CONGO Democratic Republic of (VP) | CARLOTTI (VP) |
| ETHIOPIA (VP) | MITCHELL (VP) |
| GAMBIA (VP) | AUBERT (VP) |
| GUYANA (VP) | LULLING (VP) |
| PAPUA NEW GUINEA (VP) | BIELAN (VP) |
| RWANDA (VP) | POLFER (VP) |
| SOLOMON ISLANDS (VP) | MARTÍNEZ MARTÍNEZ (VP) |
| SURINAME (VP) | BOWIS (VP) |
| ZIMBABWE (VP) | GOUDIN (VP) |
| ANTIGUA & BARBUDA | AGNOLETTO |
| BAHAMAS | ALLISTER |
| BARBADOS | ARIF |
| BELIZE | AYLWARD |
| BENIN | BEREND |
| BOTSWANA | BORRELL FONTELLES |
| BURUNDI | BULLMAN |
| CAMEROON | BUSK |
| CAPE VERDE | CALLANAN |
| CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC | CASHMAN |
| CHAD | COELHO |
| COMOROS | CORNILLET |
| COOK ISLANDS | DEVA |
| CÔTE D'IVOIRE | DILLEN |
| DJIBOUTI | DOMBROVSKIS |
| DOMINICA | FERNANDES |
| DOMINICAN REPUBLIC | FERREIRA |
| EQUATORIAL GUINEA | GAUBERT |
| ERITREA | GOMES |
| FIJI | GRABOWSKA |
| GABON | GRÖNER |
| GHANA | GURMAI |
| GRENADA | HALL |
| GUINEA | HAUG |
| GUINEA-BISSAU | HERRANZ GARCĺA |
| JAMAICA | HOLM |
| HAITI | IRUJO AMEZAGA |
| KENYA | JÖNS |
| KIRIBATI | KACZMAREK |
| LESOTHO | KORHOLA |
| LIBERIA | KOZLIK |
| MADAGASCAR | LANGENDRIES |
| MALAWI | LEHIDEUX |
| MALI | LÓPEZ-ISTÚRIZ WHITE |
| MARSHALL ISLANDS (Republic of the) | LOUIS |
| MAURITANIA | McAVAN |
| MAURITIUS | MARTENS |
| MICRONESIA (Federated States of) | MAYER |
| MOZAMBIQUE | MORILLON |
| NAMIBIA | NOVAK |
| NAURU (Republic of) | PLEGUEZUELOS AGUILAR |
| NIGER | RIBEIRO E CASTRO |
| NIGERIA | ROITHOVÁ |
| NIUE | ROSATI |
| PALAU | SBARBATI |
| SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS | SCHEELE |
| SAINT LUCIA | SCHLYTER |
| SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES | SCHMIDT F. |
| SAMOA | SCHMIDT O. |
| SÃO TOMÉ AND PRÍNCIPE | SCHNELLHARDT |
| SENEGAL | SCHRÖDER |
| SEYCHELLES | SORNOSA MARTÍNEZ |
| SIERRA LEONE | SPERONI |
| SOMALIA | STURDY |
| SOUTH AFRICA | VAN HECKE |
| SUDAN | VAN LANCKER |
| SWAZILAND | VENETO |
| TANZANIA | VENTRE |
| TIMOR-LESTE | de VILLIERS |
| TOGO | WIELAND |
| TONGA | WIJKMAN |
| TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO | ZÁBORSKÁ |
| TUVALU | ZANI |
| UGANDA | ZĪLE |
| VANUATU | ZIMMER |
| ZAMBIA | |

ACP Representatives

EP Representatives

RASMUSSEN (COOK ISLANDS), Co-President

KINNOCK, Co-President

ANGOLA (VP)

GAHLER (VP)

BURKINA FASO (VP)

MANTOVANI (VP)

CONGO Republic of (VP)

JOUYE DE GRANDMAISON (VP)

CONGO Democratic Republic of (VP)

CARLOTTI (VP)

ETHIOPIA (VP)

MITCHELL (VP)

GAMBIA (VP)

AUBERT (VP)

GUYANA (VP)

LULLING (VP)

PAPUA NEW GUINEA (VP)

BIELAN (VP)

RWANDA (VP)

POLFER (VP)

SOLOMON ISLANDS (VP)

MARTÍNEZ MARTÍNEZ (VP)

SURINAME (VP)

BOWIS (VP)

ZIMBABWE (VP)

GOUDIN (VP)

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

AGNOLETTO

BAHAMAS

ALLISTER

BARBADOS

ARIF

BELIZE

AYLWARD

BENIN

BEREND

BOTSWANA

BORRELL FONTELLES

BURUNDI

BULLMAN

CAMEROON

BUSK

CAPE VERDE

CALLANAN

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

CASHMAN

CHAD

COELHO

COMOROS

CORNILLET

COOK ISLANDS

DEVA

CÔTE D'IVOIRE

DILLEN

DJIBOUTI

DOMBROVSKIS

DOMINICA

FERNANDES

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

FERREIRA

EQUATORIAL GUINEA

GAUBERT

ERITREA

GOMES

FIJI

GRABOWSKA

GABON

GRÖNER

GHANA

GURMAI

GRENADA

HALL

GUINEA

HAUG

GUINEA-BISSAU

HERRANZ GARCĺA

JAMAICA

HOLM

HAITI

IRUJO AMEZAGA

KENYA

JÖNS

KIRIBATI

KACZMAREK

LESOTHO

KORHOLA

LIBERIA

KOZLIK

MADAGASCAR

LANGENDRIES

MALAWI

LEHIDEUX

MALI

LÓPEZ-ISTÚRIZ WHITE

MARSHALL ISLANDS (Republic of the)

LOUIS

MAURITANIA

McAVAN

MAURITIUS

MARTENS

MICRONESIA (Federated States of)

MAYER

MOZAMBIQUE

MORILLON

NAMIBIA

NOVAK

NAURU (Republic of)

PLEGUEZUELOS AGUILAR

NIGER

RIBEIRO E CASTRO

NIGERIA

ROITHOVÁ

NIUE

ROSATI

PALAU

SBARBATI

SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS

SCHEELE

SAINT LUCIA

SCHLYTER

SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

SCHMIDT F.

SAMOA

SCHMIDT O.

SÃO TOMÉ AND PRÍNCIPE

SCHNELLHARDT

SENEGAL

SCHRÖDER

SEYCHELLES

SORNOSA MARTÍNEZ

SIERRA LEONE

SPERONI

SOMALIA

STURDY

SOUTH AFRICA

VAN HECKE

SUDAN

VAN LANCKER

SWAZILAND

VENETO

TANZANIA

VENTRE

TIMOR-LESTE

de VILLIERS

TOGO

WIELAND

TONGA

WIJKMAN

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

ZÁBORSKÁ

TUVALU

ZANI

UGANDA

ZĪLE

VANUATU

ZIMMER

ZAMBIA

COMMITTEE ON POLITICAL AFFAIRS

| ACP Members | EP Members |
| --- | --- |
| IBOVI (REPUBLIC OF CONGO), Co-Chairman | CALLANAN, Co-Chairman |
| CHERON (HAITI), VC | JÖNS, VC |
| AIMO (PAPUA NEW GUINEA), VC | POLFER, VC |
| DE SOUSA (ANGOLA) | BIELAN |
| BELIZE | CARLOTTI |
| DAYORI (BENIN) | COELHO |
| CENTRAL AFRICAN REP. | DILLEN |
| COOK ISLANDS | GAHLER |
| AMON-AGO (COTE D'IVOIRE) | GAUBERT |
| MUSA NAIB (ERITREA) | GOMES |
| TOGA (ETHIOPIA) | GRABOWSKA |
| CAVUILATI (FIJI) | GRÖNER |
| MILEBOU-AUBUSSON (GABON) | GURMAI |
| KUMI (GHANA) | KACZMAREK |
| GRENADA | LÓPEZ ISTÚRIZ |
| GUYANA | LOUIS |
| KAMAR (KENYA) | MARTÍNEZ MARTÍNEZ |
| KOLLIE (LIBERIA) | MORILLON |
| NIUE | SANZ PALACIO |
| STRAKER (SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES) | SCHMIDT F. |
| SOUTH AFRICA | VAN HECKE |
| MPOROGOMYI (TANZANIA) | VENTRE |
| KLASSOU (TOGO) | WIELAND |
| TUVALU | ZANI |
| MANDIZHA (ZIMBABWE) | ZIMMER |

ACP Members

EP Members

IBOVI (REPUBLIC OF CONGO), Co-Chairman

CALLANAN, Co-Chairman

CHERON (HAITI), VC

JÖNS, VC

AIMO (PAPUA NEW GUINEA), VC

POLFER, VC

DE SOUSA (ANGOLA)

BIELAN

BELIZE

CARLOTTI

DAYORI (BENIN)

COELHO

CENTRAL AFRICAN REP.

DILLEN

COOK ISLANDS

GAHLER

AMON-AGO (COTE D'IVOIRE)

GAUBERT

MUSA NAIB (ERITREA)

GOMES

TOGA (ETHIOPIA)

GRABOWSKA

CAVUILATI (FIJI)

GRÖNER

MILEBOU-AUBUSSON (GABON)

GURMAI

KUMI (GHANA)

KACZMAREK

GRENADA

LÓPEZ ISTÚRIZ

GUYANA

LOUIS

KAMAR (KENYA)

MARTÍNEZ MARTÍNEZ

KOLLIE (LIBERIA)

MORILLON

NIUE

SANZ PALACIO

STRAKER (SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES)

SCHMIDT F.

SOUTH AFRICA

VAN HECKE

MPOROGOMYI (TANZANIA)

VENTRE

KLASSOU (TOGO)

WIELAND

TUVALU

ZANI

MANDIZHA (ZIMBABWE)

ZIMMER

COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, FINANCE AND TRADE

| ACP Members | EP Members |
| --- | --- |
| KGATHI (BOTSWANA), Co-Chairman | SCHLYTER, Co-Chairman |
| KUTEKALA (DEM. REP. OF CONGO), VC | DOMBROVSKIS, VC |
| WAZIRI (NIGERIA), VC | RIBEIRO E CASTRO, VC |
| BARBADOS | AGNOLETTO |
| MANIRAKIZA (BURUNDI) | BEREND |
| EQUATORIAL GUINEA | BULLMANN |
| ALI (ETHIOPIA) | |
| DALRYMPLE-PHILIBERT (JAMAICA) | BUSK |
| TIHELI (LESOTHO) | CORNILLET |
| ASSARID (MALI) | DEVA |
| GUELAYE (MAURITANIA) | FERREIRA |
| MICRONESIA (Federal States of) | IRUJO AMEZAGA |
| MUSHELENGA (NAMIBIA) | KINNOCK |
| PALAU | KOZLÍK |
| POLISI (RWANDA) | LANGENDRIES |
| SAMOA | LEHIDEUX |
| SAO TOME & PRINCIPE | LULLING |
| SECK (SENEGAL) | MAYER |
| WILLIAM (SEYCHELLES) | McAVAN |
| LAHAI (SIERRA LEONE) | PLEGUEZUELOS AGUILAR |
| ST KITT AND NEVIS | ROSATI |
| ST LUCIA | SCHRÖDER |
| DEKUEK (SUDAN) | SPERONI |
| TONGA | STURDY |
| TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO | VAN LANCKER |
| MUGAMBE (UGANDA) | de VILLIERS |
| NJOBVU (ZAMBIA) | ZĪLE |

ACP Members

EP Members

KGATHI (BOTSWANA), Co-Chairman

SCHLYTER, Co-Chairman

KUTEKALA (DEM. REP. OF CONGO), VC

DOMBROVSKIS, VC

WAZIRI (NIGERIA), VC

RIBEIRO E CASTRO, VC

BARBADOS

AGNOLETTO

MANIRAKIZA (BURUNDI)

BEREND

EQUATORIAL GUINEA

BULLMANN

ALI (ETHIOPIA)

DALRYMPLE-PHILIBERT (JAMAICA)

BUSK

TIHELI (LESOTHO)

CORNILLET

ASSARID (MALI)

DEVA

GUELAYE (MAURITANIA)

FERREIRA

MICRONESIA (Federal States of)

IRUJO AMEZAGA

MUSHELENGA (NAMIBIA)

KINNOCK

PALAU

KOZLÍK

POLISI (RWANDA)

LANGENDRIES

SAMOA

LEHIDEUX

SAO TOME & PRINCIPE

LULLING

SECK (SENEGAL)

MAYER

WILLIAM (SEYCHELLES)

McAVAN

LAHAI (SIERRA LEONE)

PLEGUEZUELOS AGUILAR

ST KITT AND NEVIS

ROSATI

ST LUCIA

SCHRÖDER

DEKUEK (SUDAN)

SPERONI

TONGA

STURDY

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

VAN LANCKER

MUGAMBE (UGANDA)

de VILLIERS

NJOBVU (ZAMBIA)

ZĪLE

COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL AFFAIRS AND THE ENVIRONMENT

| ACP Members | EP Members |
| --- | --- |
| BUTULSO (VANUATU), Co-Chairman | SCHEELE, Co-Chairwoman |
| SITHOLE (MOZAMBIQUE), VC | NOVAK, VC |
| DEERPALSING (MAURITIUS), VC | ARIF, VC |
| ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA | ALLISTER |
| BAHAMAS | AUBERT |
| TAPSOBA (BURKINA FASO) | AYLWARD |
| DANATA (CAMEROON) | BORRELL FONTELLES |
| CAPE VERDE | BOWIS |
| CHAD | CASHMAN |
| COMOROS | CANTON |
| SAID (DJIBOUTI) | CIANI |
| DOMINICA | FERNANDES |
| JIMENEZ (DOMINICAN REPUBLIC) | FRAILE |
| BALDEH (GAMBIA) | GOUDIN |
| GUINEA BISSAU | HALL |
| KIRIBATI | HAUG |
| MADAGASCAR | HOLM |
| MALAWI | JOUYE DE GRANDMAISON |
| MARSHALL ISLANDS | KORHOLA |
| NAURU (Republic of) | MARTENS |
| OUMAROU (NIGER) | MITCHELL |
| SOLOMON ISLANDS | ROITHOVA |
| SOMALIA | SCHMIDT O. |
| RATHPAL (SURINAME) | SCHNELLHARDT |
| THWALA (SWAZILAND) | VENETO |
| TIMOR-LESTE | WIJKMAN |
| | ZÁBORSKÁ |

ACP Members

EP Members

BUTULSO (VANUATU), Co-Chairman

SCHEELE, Co-Chairwoman

SITHOLE (MOZAMBIQUE), VC

NOVAK, VC

DEERPALSING (MAURITIUS), VC

ARIF, VC

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

ALLISTER

BAHAMAS

AUBERT

TAPSOBA (BURKINA FASO)

AYLWARD

DANATA (CAMEROON)

BORRELL FONTELLES

CAPE VERDE

BOWIS

CHAD

CASHMAN

COMOROS

CANTON

SAID (DJIBOUTI)

CIANI

DOMINICA

FERNANDES

JIMENEZ (DOMINICAN REPUBLIC)

FRAILE

BALDEH (GAMBIA)

GOUDIN

GUINEA BISSAU

HALL

KIRIBATI

HAUG

MADAGASCAR

HOLM

MALAWI

JOUYE DE GRANDMAISON

MARSHALL ISLANDS

KORHOLA

NAURU (Republic of)

MARTENS

OUMAROU (NIGER)

MITCHELL

SOLOMON ISLANDS

ROITHOVA

SOMALIA

SCHMIDT O.

RATHPAL (SURINAME)

SCHNELLHARDT

THWALA (SWAZILAND)

VENETO

TIMOR-LESTE

WIJKMAN

ZÁBORSKÁ

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ANNEX II

RECORD OF ATTENDANCE AT THE SESSION FROM 17 TO 20 MARCH IN LJUBLJANA (SLOVENIA)

| RASMUSSEN (Cook Islands), Co-President | KINNOCK, Co-President |
| --- | --- |
| DE SOUSA (Angola) (VP) | ATTARD-MONTALTO (for GRABOWSKA) (3)
   (4)
   (5) |
| HUMPHREY (Barbados) (1) | AYLWARD |
| DAYORI (Benin) | AUBERT (VP) |
| KGATHI (Botswana) | BEREND |
| KABORE (Burkina Faso) (VP) | BUSHILL (for LANGENDRIES) (5) |
| MANIRAKIZA (Burundi) | BORRELL |
| DANATA (Cameroon) | BOWIS (VP) |
| ALMADA (Cape Verde) | |
| SORONGUPE (Central African Republic) | |
| IBOVI (Congo, Republic of the) (VP) | CALLANAN |
| LUTUNDULA (Congo, Democratic Republic of the) (VP) | CASHMAN (2)
   (3) |
| MITCHELL (Cook Islands) | CORNILLET (3)
   (4) |
| AMON-AGO (Côte d'Ivoire) | DEVA |
| ABDI SAID (Djibouti) | DILLEN (2)
   (3) |
| KNIGHTS (Dominica) | DOMBROVSKIS |
| JIMENEZ (Dominican Republic) | FERNANDES |
| NGUEMA (Equatorial Guinea) | GAHLER (VP) |
| NAIB (Eritrea) | GILL (for Jöns) |
| TOGA (Ethiopia) (VP) | GOMES |
| CAVUILATI (Fiji) (1) | GOUDIN (VP) (2)
   (3) |
| MILEBOU AUBUSSON (Gabon) | HALL (2)
   (3)
   (4) |
| BALDEH (Gambia) (VP) | HAUG |
| BEMAIKUMI (Ghana) (1) | HUTCHINSON (for FERREIRA) |
| DIALLO (Guinea) | ISLER BEGUIN (for IRUJO AMEZAGA) |
| CHERON (Haiti) | JOUYE DE GRANDMAISON (VP) |
| PHILIBERT (Jamaica) | KACZMAREK |
| KAMAR(Kenya) | KLASS (for LOPEZ ISTURIZ WHITE) (3)
   (4)
   (5) |
| TIHELI (Lesotho) (1) | LEINEN (for Gröner) |
| KOLLIE (Liberia) | LULLING (VP) |
| MAHAZAKA (Madagascar) | MALDEIKIS (for ZABORSKA) |
| MATOLA (Malawi) | MANTOVANI (VP) (3)
   (4) |
| ASSARID (Mali) | MARTENS |
| OULD GUELAY (Mauritania) | MARTÍNEZ MARTÍNEZ (VP) |
| DEERPALSING (Mauritius) | MAURO (for Coelho) |
| SITHOLE (Mozambique) | MAYER |
| MUSHELENGA (Namibia) | MITCHELL (VP) (3)
   (4)
   (5) |
| OUMAROU (Niger) | NOVAK |
| TAMBUWAL (Nigeria) | PETERLE (for VENDRE) |
| TALAGI (Niue) | RIBEIRO CASTRO |
| AIMO (Papua New Guinea) (VP) | SCHEELE (2)
   (3)
   (4) |
| POLISI (Rwanda) (VP) | SCHMIDT F. |
| STRAKER (St Vincent and the Grenadines) | SCHMIDT O. |
| SECK MAMADOU (Senegal) | SCHNELLHARDT (2)
   (3)
   (4) |
| WILLIAM (Seychelles) | SCHRÖDER |
| LAHAI (Sierra Leone) | SPERONI (3)
   (4)
   (5) |
| CHAN (Solomon Islands) (VP) | STURDY (4)
   (5) |
| SITHOLE (South Africa) | VAN HECKE |
| DEKUEK (Sudan) | VENETO (2)
   (3)
   (5) |
| RATHIPAL (Suriname) (VP) | VIRRANKOSKI (for LEHIDEUX) (3)
   (4)
   (5) |
| THWALA (Swaziland) | WIELAND |
| MPOROGOMYI (Tanzania) | YANEZ BARNUEVO (for GURMAI) |
| KLASSOU (Togo) | ZALESKI (for HERRANZ GARCÍA) (5) |
| MUGAMBE (Uganda) | ZANI (3)
   (4)
   (5) |
| BUTULSO (Vanuatu) | ZILE (2) |
| NJOBVU (Zambia) | ZIMMER |
| MANDIZHA (Zimbabwe) (VP) (1) | |

RASMUSSEN (Cook Islands), Co-President

KINNOCK, Co-President

DE SOUSA (Angola) (VP)

ATTARD-MONTALTO (for GRABOWSKA) (3)
   (4)
   (5)

HUMPHREY (Barbados) (1)

AYLWARD

DAYORI (Benin)

AUBERT (VP)

KGATHI (Botswana)

BEREND

KABORE (Burkina Faso) (VP)

BUSHILL (for LANGENDRIES) (5)

MANIRAKIZA (Burundi)

BORRELL

DANATA (Cameroon)

BOWIS (VP)

ALMADA (Cape Verde)

SORONGUPE (Central African Republic)

IBOVI (Congo, Republic of the) (VP)

CALLANAN

LUTUNDULA (Congo, Democratic Republic of the) (VP)

CASHMAN (2)
   (3)

MITCHELL (Cook Islands)

CORNILLET (3)
   (4)

AMON-AGO (Côte d'Ivoire)

DEVA

ABDI SAID (Djibouti)

DILLEN (2)
   (3)

KNIGHTS (Dominica)

DOMBROVSKIS

JIMENEZ (Dominican Republic)

FERNANDES

NGUEMA (Equatorial Guinea)

GAHLER (VP)

NAIB (Eritrea)

GILL (for Jöns)

TOGA (Ethiopia) (VP)

GOMES

CAVUILATI (Fiji) (1)

GOUDIN (VP) (2)
   (3)

MILEBOU AUBUSSON (Gabon)

HALL (2)
   (3)
   (4)

BALDEH (Gambia) (VP)

HAUG

BEMAIKUMI (Ghana) (1)

HUTCHINSON (for FERREIRA)

DIALLO (Guinea)

ISLER BEGUIN (for IRUJO AMEZAGA)

CHERON (Haiti)

JOUYE DE GRANDMAISON (VP)

PHILIBERT (Jamaica)

KACZMAREK

KAMAR(Kenya)

KLASS (for LOPEZ ISTURIZ WHITE) (3)
   (4)
   (5)

TIHELI (Lesotho) (1)

LEINEN (for Gröner)

KOLLIE (Liberia)

LULLING (VP)

MAHAZAKA (Madagascar)

MALDEIKIS (for ZABORSKA)

MATOLA (Malawi)

MANTOVANI (VP) (3)
   (4)

ASSARID (Mali)

MARTENS

OULD GUELAY (Mauritania)

MARTÍNEZ MARTÍNEZ (VP)

DEERPALSING (Mauritius)

MAURO (for Coelho)

SITHOLE (Mozambique)

MAYER

MUSHELENGA (Namibia)

MITCHELL (VP) (3)
   (4)
   (5)

OUMAROU (Niger)

NOVAK

TAMBUWAL (Nigeria)

PETERLE (for VENDRE)

TALAGI (Niue)

RIBEIRO CASTRO

AIMO (Papua New Guinea) (VP)

SCHEELE (2)
   (3)
   (4)

POLISI (Rwanda) (VP)

SCHMIDT F.

STRAKER (St Vincent and the Grenadines)

SCHMIDT O.

SECK MAMADOU (Senegal)

SCHNELLHARDT (2)
   (3)
   (4)

WILLIAM (Seychelles)

SCHRÖDER

LAHAI (Sierra Leone)

SPERONI (3)
   (4)
   (5)

CHAN (Solomon Islands) (VP)

STURDY (4)
   (5)

SITHOLE (South Africa)

VAN HECKE

DEKUEK (Sudan)

VENETO (2)
   (3)
   (5)

RATHIPAL (Suriname) (VP)

VIRRANKOSKI (for LEHIDEUX) (3)
   (4)
   (5)

THWALA (Swaziland)

WIELAND

MPOROGOMYI (Tanzania)

YANEZ BARNUEVO (for GURMAI)

KLASSOU (Togo)

ZALESKI (for HERRANZ GARCÍA) (5)

MUGAMBE (Uganda)

ZANI (3)
   (4)
   (5)

BUTULSO (Vanuatu)

ZILE (2)

NJOBVU (Zambia)

ZIMMER

MANDIZHA (Zimbabwe) (VP) (1)

Also present:

| ANGOLA
  VALENTE
  NZUANGA
  SILVA
  ANDRE | BARBADOS
  GODDARD | BENIN
  ALIA
  SEIDOUADAMBI
  DURAND-ADJAHI |
| --- | --- | --- |
| BOTSWANA
  BATLHOKI | BURKINA FASO
  OUEDRAOGO
  YERBANGA
  TABSOBA | BURUNDI
  KAVAKURE
  KWIZERA
  RIVUZUMWAMI |
| CAMEROON
  BAH OUMAROU
  SANDA
  BOBBO | CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
  YNI FOLO | CONGO (Republic of the)
  BOUNKOULOU
  EDJIAKA
  ZOULA |
| CONGO (Democratic Republic of the)
  MBUKULAKA
  MOLEKOMOLIWA
  GOYA KILEMGE
  MBAYAGIZI AMINE
  KUZUNDA | CôTE D'IVOIRE
  AMANI
  MOLE MOLE | ERITREA
  NEGASIKASSA |
| ETHIOPIA
  ALI
  AHMEDIN
  CHRISTOS
  KEBEDE
  ZENEBE | | |
| GABON
  MABENDE
  MAKONGO
  RISSONGA
  HERVO AKENDENZUE | GAMBIA
  NYAN ALABOSON | GHANA
  OPPONG-NTIRI |
| GUINEA
  DIARSO | EQUATORIAL GUINEA
  NKA OBIANG | HAITI
  FEQUIERE |
| JAMAICA
  REID | KENYA
  KABANDO
  KAHENDE | LIBERIA
  TELEWODA |
| MALI
  TRAORE
  BA
  DIALLO | MAURITANIA
  AHMEDOU | MAURITIUS
  GUNESSEE |
| NAMIBIA
  DE WAAL
  HAKWNYE
  NDADI | NIGER
  ABDOURHAMANE
  ISSSOUFOU
  BAKO | NIGERIA
  AKWASHIKI
  USMAN
  ABDULLAHI
  ADEYANJU
  ADEFIRE
  UKESI |
| PAPUA NEW GUINEA
  DEKENA
  BALAGETUNA
  ABURU | RWANDA
  CYITATIRE | SENEGAL
  DIAGNE
  DIOP
  SALL
  N'DOYE
  N'DIAYE |
| SEYCHELLES
  FAURE | SIERRA LEONE
  KABBA | SOLOMON ISLANDS
  MA'AHANUA |
| SOUTH AFRICA
  SOOKAL
  DANIELS
  MAGAU | SUDAN
  MUSTAFA
  ALLOBA
  BEDRI
  JERVASE YAK
  TAHA | SURINAME
  HIWAT
  ESAJAS |
| SWAZILAND
  DLAMINI
  MASUKU | TOGO
  LAWSON
  GBONE
  TOBA | UGANDA
  ATIM-OGWAL
  DOMBO
  KATENKA
  APULI |
| ZAMBIA
  MULENGA | | |

ANGOLA

VALENTE

NZUANGA

SILVA

ANDRE

BARBADOS

GODDARD

BENIN

ALIA

SEIDOUADAMBI

DURAND-ADJAHI

BOTSWANA

BATLHOKI

BURKINA FASO

OUEDRAOGO

YERBANGA

TABSOBA

BURUNDI

KAVAKURE

KWIZERA

RIVUZUMWAMI

CAMEROON

BAH OUMAROU

SANDA

BOBBO

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

YNI FOLO

CONGO (Republic of the)

BOUNKOULOU

EDJIAKA

ZOULA

CONGO (Democratic Republic of the)

MBUKULAKA

MOLEKOMOLIWA

GOYA KILEMGE

MBAYAGIZI AMINE

KUZUNDA

CôTE D'IVOIRE

AMANI

MOLE MOLE

ERITREA

NEGASIKASSA

ETHIOPIA

ALI

AHMEDIN

CHRISTOS

KEBEDE

ZENEBE

GABON

MABENDE

MAKONGO

RISSONGA

HERVO AKENDENZUE

GAMBIA

NYAN ALABOSON

GHANA

OPPONG-NTIRI

GUINEA

DIARSO

EQUATORIAL GUINEA

NKA OBIANG

HAITI

FEQUIERE

JAMAICA

REID

KENYA

KABANDO

KAHENDE

LIBERIA

TELEWODA

MALI

TRAORE

BA

DIALLO

MAURITANIA

AHMEDOU

MAURITIUS

GUNESSEE

NAMIBIA

DE WAAL

HAKWNYE

NDADI

NIGER

ABDOURHAMANE

ISSSOUFOU

BAKO

NIGERIA

AKWASHIKI

USMAN

ABDULLAHI

ADEYANJU

ADEFIRE

UKESI

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

DEKENA

BALAGETUNA

ABURU

RWANDA

CYITATIRE

SENEGAL

DIAGNE

DIOP

SALL

N'DOYE

N'DIAYE

SEYCHELLES

FAURE

SIERRA LEONE

KABBA

SOLOMON ISLANDS

MA'AHANUA

SOUTH AFRICA

SOOKAL

DANIELS

MAGAU

SUDAN

MUSTAFA

ALLOBA

BEDRI

JERVASE YAK

TAHA

SURINAME

HIWAT

ESAJAS

SWAZILAND

DLAMINI

MASUKU

TOGO

LAWSON

GBONE

TOBA

UGANDA

ATIM-OGWAL

DOMBO

KATENKA

APULI

ZAMBIA

MULENGA

CUBA — Marichal

ACP-EU COUNCIL

| ŠTER | (State Secretary for Development (Slovenia), President-in-Office of the EU Council) |
| --- | --- |
| ASSOWEH | (Minister for Economic Affairs, Finance and Planning, with responsibility for privatisation (Djibouti), President-in-Office of the ACP Council |

ŠTER

(State Secretary for Development (Slovenia), President-in-Office of the EU Council)

ASSOWEH

(Minister for Economic Affairs, Finance and Planning, with responsibility for privatisation (Djibouti), President-in-Office of the ACP Council

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

| MICHEL | Member of the Commission with responsibility for Development and Humanitarian Aid |
| --- | --- |

MICHEL

Member of the Commission with responsibility for Development and Humanitarian Aid

EESC

DANTIN

CTA

NEUN

BURGUET

BOTO

ECOWAS

DIAKITE

NHAMAJO

GARBA

MIFOUTAOU

UN HABITAT

BAKOLE

FAO

BAKURAMUTSA

EALA

ABDI

OGALO

OBATRE

COMESA

WALLAB

ICC

SWAAK GOLOMAN

DONAT CATTIN

UNFPA

CAGAR

RIGHT TO PLAY

KOSS

UNICEF

O'BRIEN

ACP SECRETARIAT

KAPUTIN Co-Secretary-General

EU SECRETARIAT

NICKEL Co-Secretary-General

---

(1)  Country represented by a person other than a Member of Parliament.

(2)  Present on 17 March 2008.

(3)  Present on 18 March 2008.

(4)  Present on 19 March 2008.

(5)  Present on 20 March 2008.

---

ANNEX III

ANNEX OF THE SITTING OF MONDAY, 17 MARCH 2008

Accreditation of non-parliamentary representatives

BARBADOS

H.E. Mr Errol HUMPHREY,

Ambassador, Embassy of Barbados, Brussels

COOK ISLANDS

Mr Michael C. MITCHELL,

Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Government of the Cook Islands

FIJI

H.E. Mr Ratu Seremaia Tuinausori CAVUILATI,

Ambassador, Embassy of Fiji, Brussels

GHANA

H.E. Mrs Nana BEMA KUMI,

Ambassador, Embassy of Ghana, Brussels

LESOTHO

H.E. Ms Mamoruti A. TIHELI,

Ambassador, Embassy of Lesotho, Brussels

ZIMBABWE

Mr Leonard MANDIZHA,

Counsellor, Embassy of Zimbabwe, Brussels

---

ANNEX IV

RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED

| — | on the social and environmental consequences of structural adjustment programmes (ACP-EU/100.202/08/fin.) |
| --- | --- |

—

| — | on experiences from European regional integration process to ACP countries (ACP-EU/100.203/08/fin.) |
| --- | --- |

—

| — | on food security issues in ACP countries and the role of ACP-EU cooperation (ACP-EU/100.205/087/fin.) |
| --- | --- |

—

| — | on the situation in Kenya (ACP-EU/100.269/08/fin.) |
| --- | --- |

—

RESOLUTION
   (1)

on the social and environmental consequences of structural adjustment programmes

The ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly,

| — | meeting in Ljubljana (Slovenia) from 17 to 20 March 2008, |
| --- | --- |

—

meeting in Ljubljana (Slovenia) from 17 to 20 March 2008,

| — | having regard to Article 17(1) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 17(1) of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to Articles 177 to 181a of the Treaty establishing the European Community, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Articles 177 to 181a of the Treaty establishing the European Community,

| — | having regard to the European Parliament resolution on more and better cooperation: the 2006 EU aid effectiveness package (2006/2208(INI)) (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Parliament resolution on more and better cooperation: the 2006 EU aid effectiveness package (2006/2208(INI)) (2),

| — | having regard to the European Parliament resolution on the strategic review of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) (2005/2121(INI)) (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Parliament resolution on the strategic review of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) (2005/2121(INI)) (3),

| — | having regard to the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) approach initiated by the IMF and the World Bank in 1999, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) approach initiated by the IMF and the World Bank in 1999,

| — | having regard to the Millennium Declaration of 8 September 2000, which sets out the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as criteria established jointly by the international community for the elimination of poverty, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Millennium Declaration of 8 September 2000, which sets out the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as criteria established jointly by the international community for the elimination of poverty,

| — | having regard to the Monterrey Consensus of 22 March 2002 of the International Conference on Financing for Development, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Monterrey Consensus of 22 March 2002 of the International Conference on Financing for Development,

| — | having regard to the Washington Consensus, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Washington Consensus,

| — | having regard to the Rome Declaration on Harmonisation, adopted on 25 February 2003, and the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness, adopted on 2 March 2005 following the High Level Forum on Harmonisation and Alignment for Aid Effectiveness (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Paris Declaration’), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Rome Declaration on Harmonisation, adopted on 25 February 2003, and the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness, adopted on 2 March 2005 following the High Level Forum on Harmonisation and Alignment for Aid Effectiveness (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Paris Declaration’),

| — | having regard to the Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) Initiative launched in 1996 by the IMF and World Bank with the aim of ensuring that no poor country faces a debt burden it cannot manage, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) Initiative launched in 1996 by the IMF and World Bank with the aim of ensuring that no poor country faces a debt burden it cannot manage,

| — | having regard to the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI) launched in June 2005 by the G-8, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI) launched in June 2005 by the G-8,

| — | having regard to the Debt Sustainability Framework of the World Bank and the IMF (2005), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Debt Sustainability Framework of the World Bank and the IMF (2005),

| — | having regard to the Independent Evaluation Office of the IMF report on the IMF and Aid to Sub-Saharan Africa (2007) (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Independent Evaluation Office of the IMF report on the IMF and Aid to Sub-Saharan Africa (2007) (4),

| — | having regard to the 2005 World Bank Review of Conditionality (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 2005 World Bank Review of Conditionality (5),

| — | having regard to the IMF Guide on Resource Revenue Transparency adopted in June 2005 (6), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the IMF Guide on Resource Revenue Transparency adopted in June 2005 (6),

| — | having regard to the 2004 World Bank Extractive Industries Review, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 2004 World Bank Extractive Industries Review,

| — | having regard to the June 2003 Performance Measurement Framework of the Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability Programme (PEFA), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the June 2003 Performance Measurement Framework of the Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability Programme (PEFA),

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Social Affairs and the Environment (ACP-EU/100.202/08), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Social Affairs and the Environment (ACP-EU/100.202/08),

| A. | whereas the main objective of a structural adjustment programme (SAP) is the promotion of sustainable economic growth, and SAPs broadly cover the set of conditions, technical assistance and policy advice for a developing country, usually as part of its lending programme, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the main objective of a structural adjustment programme (SAP) is the promotion of sustainable economic growth, and SAPs broadly cover the set of conditions, technical assistance and policy advice for a developing country, usually as part of its lending programme,

| B. | whereas SAPs have often failed in the countries in which they have been implemented, because of overly restrictive conditions imposed by the creditor; whereas in 2004 the World Bank replaced its SAPs by a new Development Policy Lending instrument (DPL), |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas SAPs have often failed in the countries in which they have been implemented, because of overly restrictive conditions imposed by the creditor; whereas in 2004 the World Bank replaced its SAPs by a new Development Policy Lending instrument (DPL),

| C. | whereas stable macroeconomic conditions, improved public expenditure, sound fiscal planning and debt management, effective public financial management and budgetary systems, and market-based interest and exchange rates are fundamental to growth and development, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas stable macroeconomic conditions, improved public expenditure, sound fiscal planning and debt management, effective public financial management and budgetary systems, and market-based interest and exchange rates are fundamental to growth and development,

| D. | whereas SAPs have sought to reduce government budget deficits, leading in many cases to a reduction in the budget for the social sectors, despite the fact that social investments such as in the areas of education and health care are needed for sustainable economic growth, |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas SAPs have sought to reduce government budget deficits, leading in many cases to a reduction in the budget for the social sectors, despite the fact that social investments such as in the areas of education and health care are needed for sustainable economic growth,

| E. | whereas the Bretton Woods Institutions have often implemented SAPs without taking the specific conditions of recipient countries into due consideration; whereas such programmes should be tailored to address the specific needs of the countries concerned, |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas the Bretton Woods Institutions have often implemented SAPs without taking the specific conditions of recipient countries into due consideration; whereas such programmes should be tailored to address the specific needs of the countries concerned,

| F. | whereas, after implementing SAPs, countries are often worse off than before, and in cases where there has been macroeconomic improvement the negative consequences in the microeconomic field are often not mentioned, |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas, after implementing SAPs, countries are often worse off than before, and in cases where there has been macroeconomic improvement the negative consequences in the microeconomic field are often not mentioned,

| G. | whereas the Bretton Woods Institutions have played the leading role in structural adjustment over the past three decades; whereas the Bretton Woods Institutions have major influence over lending and development aid as most donors and financial institutions rely on their eligibility criteria, |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas the Bretton Woods Institutions have played the leading role in structural adjustment over the past three decades; whereas the Bretton Woods Institutions have major influence over lending and development aid as most donors and financial institutions rely on their eligibility criteria,

| H. | whereas the cuts in civil service staff and salaries in ACP countries and the scaling down of administrations' operating resources have led to under-administration in those countries and to a decrease in the effectiveness of their administrative machinery, |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas the cuts in civil service staff and salaries in ACP countries and the scaling down of administrations' operating resources have led to under-administration in those countries and to a decrease in the effectiveness of their administrative machinery,

| I. | whereas donors and lenders rely on conditionality, given their duty and legitimate interest to ensure that money provided is managed correctly and used for its intended purposes, |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas donors and lenders rely on conditionality, given their duty and legitimate interest to ensure that money provided is managed correctly and used for its intended purposes,

| J. | whereas economic policy conditionality has often resulted in the blocking of loans and grants from the IMF and the World Bank, which can lead to policies that are inappropriate to national conditions or even contradictory to achieving the MDGs, |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas economic policy conditionality has often resulted in the blocking of loans and grants from the IMF and the World Bank, which can lead to policies that are inappropriate to national conditions or even contradictory to achieving the MDGs,

| K. | whereas the abolition of agricultural subsidies in ACP countries under SAPs has led to a decrease in yields and agricultural production, resulting in an increase in the import of food products, thereby affecting their food independence and security, and a decrease in the export of cash crops, including the drastic reduction in the ACP guaranteed price for ACP sugar on the EU market, thereby causing a preference erosion and a deterioration of ACP countries' terms of trade and balance of payments, |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas the abolition of agricultural subsidies in ACP countries under SAPs has led to a decrease in yields and agricultural production, resulting in an increase in the import of food products, thereby affecting their food independence and security, and a decrease in the export of cash crops, including the drastic reduction in the ACP guaranteed price for ACP sugar on the EU market, thereby causing a preference erosion and a deterioration of ACP countries' terms of trade and balance of payments,

| L. | whereas the IMF and World Bank have different priorities, |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas the IMF and World Bank have different priorities,

| M. | whereas the austerity required under SAPs has affected the social climate and has at times led to political instability, |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas the austerity required under SAPs has affected the social climate and has at times led to political instability,

| N. | whereas privatisations and the liberalisation of economies have been effected by the IMF and the World Bank in an ideological manner; whereas regarding Development Policy Lending the World Bank states that ‘reflecting the mixed record of adjustment lending, the policy no longer contains any policy prescriptions — such as directives for privatisation and trade liberalisation policies’ (7), |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas privatisations and the liberalisation of economies have been effected by the IMF and the World Bank in an ideological manner; whereas regarding Development Policy Lending the World Bank states that ‘reflecting the mixed record of adjustment lending, the policy no longer contains any policy prescriptions — such as directives for privatisation and trade liberalisation policies’ (7),

| O. | whereas the austerity policy pursued under SAPs has reduced demand, restrained growth and increased unemployment, particularly among young graduates, |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas the austerity policy pursued under SAPs has reduced demand, restrained growth and increased unemployment, particularly among young graduates,

| P. | whereas the increase in unemployment has fuelled the rural exodus and the migration flows from ACP countries to wealthy countries, |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas the increase in unemployment has fuelled the rural exodus and the migration flows from ACP countries to wealthy countries,

| Q. | whereas SAPs have tackled the symptoms of under-development and not its deep-seated causes, i.e. unequal trade, debt and the domination of multinationals, and the persistence of those causes, despite the increase in Official Development Assistance, has resulted in negative net flows for ACP countries, |
| --- | --- |

Q.

whereas SAPs have tackled the symptoms of under-development and not its deep-seated causes, i.e. unequal trade, debt and the domination of multinationals, and the persistence of those causes, despite the increase in Official Development Assistance, has resulted in negative net flows for ACP countries,

| R. | whereas poor political governance (democratic deficit) and economic governance are an obstacle to economic and social development, |
| --- | --- |

R.

whereas poor political governance (democratic deficit) and economic governance are an obstacle to economic and social development,

| S. | whereas the declared aims of the IMF are ‘to promote international monetary cooperation, facilitate the expansion and balanced growth of international trade, to contribute to the promotion and maintenance of high levels of employment and real income, promote exchange stability, improve the degree of disequilibrium in international balances of payments and provide financial assistance to ease balance of payments adjustments’, |
| --- | --- |

S.

whereas the declared aims of the IMF are ‘to promote international monetary cooperation, facilitate the expansion and balanced growth of international trade, to contribute to the promotion and maintenance of high levels of employment and real income, promote exchange stability, improve the degree of disequilibrium in international balances of payments and provide financial assistance to ease balance of payments adjustments’,

| T. | whereas the declared aims of the World Bank are to reduce global poverty and improve living standards through two development institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), which is focused on middle-income and creditworthy low-income countries, and the International Development Association (IDA), which works with low-income countries, |
| --- | --- |

T.

whereas the declared aims of the World Bank are to reduce global poverty and improve living standards through two development institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), which is focused on middle-income and creditworthy low-income countries, and the International Development Association (IDA), which works with low-income countries,

| U. | whereas international financial institutions can play a positive role in favour of more equitable globalisation, but this requires developing differentiated and non-conditional approaches, based on ownership and tailored to specific country circumstances, to issues such as trade liberalisation, privatisation and labour market deregulation, |
| --- | --- |

U.

whereas international financial institutions can play a positive role in favour of more equitable globalisation, but this requires developing differentiated and non-conditional approaches, based on ownership and tailored to specific country circumstances, to issues such as trade liberalisation, privatisation and labour market deregulation,

| V. | whereas there is marginal ACP representation on the Executive Boards of the IMF and the World Bank, |
| --- | --- |

V.

whereas there is marginal ACP representation on the Executive Boards of the IMF and the World Bank,

| W. | whereas sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs, |
| --- | --- |

W.

whereas sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs,

| X. | whereas an increase in poverty, massive unemployment, diminishing productivity and falling export earnings could be some of the consequences of development strategies that fail to take into account the social reality of the country concerned and the situation of its natural resources, which are fundamental for its economy, |
| --- | --- |

X.

whereas an increase in poverty, massive unemployment, diminishing productivity and falling export earnings could be some of the consequences of development strategies that fail to take into account the social reality of the country concerned and the situation of its natural resources, which are fundamental for its economy,

| Y. | whereas implementation of SAPs has had detrimental effects on public investment in social services, particularly in the field of health and education, on the growth of family salaries and incomes, on employment and on living conditions; and whereas governments have also been encouraged or forced to scale down their intervention in many sectors of the economy through the privatisation of public enterprises and the liberalisation and opening-up of markets to foreign competition, including in the field of health and education, |
| --- | --- |

Y.

whereas implementation of SAPs has had detrimental effects on public investment in social services, particularly in the field of health and education, on the growth of family salaries and incomes, on employment and on living conditions; and whereas governments have also been encouraged or forced to scale down their intervention in many sectors of the economy through the privatisation of public enterprises and the liberalisation and opening-up of markets to foreign competition, including in the field of health and education,

| Z. | whereas the adverse impact of SAPs is recognised in the post-Washington-Consensus approach, under which facilitating increased investment in the social sphere is also recommended, |
| --- | --- |

Z.

whereas the adverse impact of SAPs is recognised in the post-Washington-Consensus approach, under which facilitating increased investment in the social sphere is also recommended,

| 1. | Recommends that the IMF and the World Bank scrap the negative conditions under SAPs and tackle the issues of unequal trade in connection with the World Trade Organisation (WTO), debt and limiting multinational intervention in ACP countries; considers that, in accordance with the MDGs, education (including higher education and research), health, water, agriculture (with a view to eradicating hunger) and the environment must be priorities for all the programmes; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Recommends that the IMF and the World Bank scrap the negative conditions under SAPs and tackle the issues of unequal trade in connection with the World Trade Organisation (WTO), debt and limiting multinational intervention in ACP countries; considers that, in accordance with the MDGs, education (including higher education and research), health, water, agriculture (with a view to eradicating hunger) and the environment must be priorities for all the programmes;

| 2. | Calls in this context on the World Bank Group and the IMF to refrain from economic policy conditionality in their lending, to increase transparency of conditionality, to give a true meaning to the principle of ownership by ensuring that policies are country-selected, and to focus on outcome-based, anti-poverty conditionality in their programmes; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls in this context on the World Bank Group and the IMF to refrain from economic policy conditionality in their lending, to increase transparency of conditionality, to give a true meaning to the principle of ownership by ensuring that policies are country-selected, and to focus on outcome-based, anti-poverty conditionality in their programmes;

| 3. | Considers that there should be fairer trade between ACP countries and wealthy countries, and that liberalisation of markets must not leave the weakest economies at the mercy of the strongest economies; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Considers that there should be fairer trade between ACP countries and wealthy countries, and that liberalisation of markets must not leave the weakest economies at the mercy of the strongest economies;

| 4. | Considers that the endeavours to cancel or alleviate debt should not be limited solely to low-income countries, but should apply to all overindebted ACP countries, including middle income countries where appropriate; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Considers that the endeavours to cancel or alleviate debt should not be limited solely to low-income countries, but should apply to all overindebted ACP countries, including middle income countries where appropriate;

| 5. | Considers that intervention by multinationals in ACP countries must be limited; considers, in particular, that the setting-up of semi-public companies can enable states to increase their control over the exploitation of their national resources; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Considers that intervention by multinationals in ACP countries must be limited; considers, in particular, that the setting-up of semi-public companies can enable states to increase their control over the exploitation of their national resources;

| 6. | Welcomes, in this context, the support given by the World Bank Group, the IMF and the Africa Development Bank to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), which ‘sets a global standard for companies to publish what they pay and for governments to disclose what they receive’; calls for their continued support for the EITI and calls on public and private extractive industry companies to comply with the EITI; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Welcomes, in this context, the support given by the World Bank Group, the IMF and the Africa Development Bank to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), which ‘sets a global standard for companies to publish what they pay and for governments to disclose what they receive’; calls for their continued support for the EITI and calls on public and private extractive industry companies to comply with the EITI;

| 7. | Considers that the IMF must help the ACP countries to develop and implement economic growth policies in line with its initial mandate; considers that the World Bank, for its part, should revert to its initial mandate, which is to help create the right conditions for development and hence to eradicate poverty; considers that the IMF and the World Bank must, in particular, put aside all ideological considerations when addressing the issues of privatisation, liberalisation and agricultural subsidies in ACP countries; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Considers that the IMF must help the ACP countries to develop and implement economic growth policies in line with its initial mandate; considers that the World Bank, for its part, should revert to its initial mandate, which is to help create the right conditions for development and hence to eradicate poverty; considers that the IMF and the World Bank must, in particular, put aside all ideological considerations when addressing the issues of privatisation, liberalisation and agricultural subsidies in ACP countries;

| 8. | Welcomes the move by the IMF to make poverty reduction a priority in its programmes, and welcomes the fact that poverty reduction is the overarching goal of the World Bank; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Welcomes the move by the IMF to make poverty reduction a priority in its programmes, and welcomes the fact that poverty reduction is the overarching goal of the World Bank;

| 9. | Considers that unsustainable debt levels, bad macroeconomic planning and poor policies seriously harm a country's development and that financial instability can have repercussions on the economy, affecting growth, jobs and economic and social well-being; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Considers that unsustainable debt levels, bad macroeconomic planning and poor policies seriously harm a country's development and that financial instability can have repercussions on the economy, affecting growth, jobs and economic and social well-being;

| 10. | Notes that Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs) are intended to be country-owned strategies specifically adapted to countries' development needs; is adamant that national ownership creates important responsibilities for governments in terms of the proper use of aid, good governance and a firm commitment to a development agenda; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Notes that Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs) are intended to be country-owned strategies specifically adapted to countries' development needs; is adamant that national ownership creates important responsibilities for governments in terms of the proper use of aid, good governance and a firm commitment to a development agenda;

| 11. | Welcomes the recent positive economic performance of many developing countries, including those in sub-Saharan Africa, which has resulted from a number of factors, namely debt relief, multilateral development assistance, improvements made by donors and, most importantly, the policies carried out by developing countries; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Welcomes the recent positive economic performance of many developing countries, including those in sub-Saharan Africa, which has resulted from a number of factors, namely debt relief, multilateral development assistance, improvements made by donors and, most importantly, the policies carried out by developing countries;

| 12. | Welcomes the World Bank finding that, between 1999 and 2005, countries receiving debt relief under the HIPC Initiative more than doubled their expenditure on poverty reduction plans; recalls that at least 60 countries need all of their debts to be cancelled if they are to have any chance of achieving the MDGs and that there are yet more countries that require further debt relief; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Welcomes the World Bank finding that, between 1999 and 2005, countries receiving debt relief under the HIPC Initiative more than doubled their expenditure on poverty reduction plans; recalls that at least 60 countries need all of their debts to be cancelled if they are to have any chance of achieving the MDGs and that there are yet more countries that require further debt relief;

| 13. | Stresses that whereas economic growth is extremely important it does not automatically lead to poverty reduction, and underlines the importance of equitable development policies and pro-poor growth strategies resulting in social and economic benefits for society at large and, in particular, strategies focusing on the achievement of the MDGs; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Stresses that whereas economic growth is extremely important it does not automatically lead to poverty reduction, and underlines the importance of equitable development policies and pro-poor growth strategies resulting in social and economic benefits for society at large and, in particular, strategies focusing on the achievement of the MDGs;

| 14. | Stresses the need for full political and operational cooperation with UN institutions, especially the ILO, in order to assess the real consequences of SAPs and possible solutions; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Stresses the need for full political and operational cooperation with UN institutions, especially the ILO, in order to assess the real consequences of SAPs and possible solutions;

| 15. | Believes that sustainable development should be a central priority of reforms and considers that sustainable development includes good governance, human rights and environmental aspects; recalls that macroeconomic reforms can have a sustainable effect only when they fully embrace the objectives of human and social development; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Believes that sustainable development should be a central priority of reforms and considers that sustainable development includes good governance, human rights and environmental aspects; recalls that macroeconomic reforms can have a sustainable effect only when they fully embrace the objectives of human and social development;

| 16. | Recognises the need for immediate action to deal with environmental problems; underlines the fact that the burden of responsibility for fighting climate change cannot be shifted to the developing world; takes the view, in particular, that the growing demand for biofuel in the developed world has to be balanced so as not to jeopardise food security and so as not to increase deforestation in the developing world; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Recognises the need for immediate action to deal with environmental problems; underlines the fact that the burden of responsibility for fighting climate change cannot be shifted to the developing world; takes the view, in particular, that the growing demand for biofuel in the developed world has to be balanced so as not to jeopardise food security and so as not to increase deforestation in the developing world;

| 17. | Notes that the IMF has strict macroeconomic rules in terms of reserve thresholds and inflation targeting that determine its guidelines on the use of aid; regrets that the IMF has blocked the use of available aid to sub-Saharan Africa in some cases; encourages the IMF to be less restrictive in situations that permit a more ambitious development strategy and to take into account all available resources, particularly aid; notes that fiscal policy restrictions on these programmes might lead to difficulties in engaging health and education personnel; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Notes that the IMF has strict macroeconomic rules in terms of reserve thresholds and inflation targeting that determine its guidelines on the use of aid; regrets that the IMF has blocked the use of available aid to sub-Saharan Africa in some cases; encourages the IMF to be less restrictive in situations that permit a more ambitious development strategy and to take into account all available resources, particularly aid; notes that fiscal policy restrictions on these programmes might lead to difficulties in engaging health and education personnel;

| 18. | Regrets that the potential of aid has not been fully realised in the internationally supported national reform programmes; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Regrets that the potential of aid has not been fully realised in the internationally supported national reform programmes;

| 19. | Recognises the considerable assistance provided by the EU to the ACP countries to mitigate the harmful effects of the transitional phase and negative conditions under SAPs as proof of its commitment to helping those countries; takes the view that the EU, and rich countries in general, must nevertheless endeavour to increase their aid to 0,71 % of GDP; is of the opinion that the ACP countries and the EU must frame a sound partnership agreement with a view to promoting genuine development in the ACP countries; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Recognises the considerable assistance provided by the EU to the ACP countries to mitigate the harmful effects of the transitional phase and negative conditions under SAPs as proof of its commitment to helping those countries; takes the view that the EU, and rich countries in general, must nevertheless endeavour to increase their aid to 0,71 % of GDP; is of the opinion that the ACP countries and the EU must frame a sound partnership agreement with a view to promoting genuine development in the ACP countries;

| 20. | Calls on the EU Member States and the Commission to take into account the autonomous economic reform programmes being implemented by ACP countries in the provision of aid under their respective Aid for Trade programmes in order to enable the ACP countries concerned to successfully address adjustment-related costs, including in the context of Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) or wider liberalisation programmes; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Calls on the EU Member States and the Commission to take into account the autonomous economic reform programmes being implemented by ACP countries in the provision of aid under their respective Aid for Trade programmes in order to enable the ACP countries concerned to successfully address adjustment-related costs, including in the context of Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) or wider liberalisation programmes;

| 21. | Welcomes the IMF's and the World Bank's HIPC Initiative; considers that onerous debt obligations have prevented countries developing, but calls on the IMF and the World Bank, along with developing countries, to prevent the recurrence of unsustainable debt situations; underlines the fact that debt reduction will have a significant effect only if an indebted country carries out policies that prevent recurrence of an unsustainable debt situation; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Welcomes the IMF's and the World Bank's HIPC Initiative; considers that onerous debt obligations have prevented countries developing, but calls on the IMF and the World Bank, along with developing countries, to prevent the recurrence of unsustainable debt situations; underlines the fact that debt reduction will have a significant effect only if an indebted country carries out policies that prevent recurrence of an unsustainable debt situation;

| 22. | Considers sound public financial management to be essential to the reform agenda and calls for greater support to be given to supreme audit institutions; welcomes the PEFA international performance measurement framework for assessing a country's public financial management and calls on the Bretton Woods Institutions and other donors to apply it rigorously; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Considers sound public financial management to be essential to the reform agenda and calls for greater support to be given to supreme audit institutions; welcomes the PEFA international performance measurement framework for assessing a country's public financial management and calls on the Bretton Woods Institutions and other donors to apply it rigorously;

| 23. | Is worried about the situation of fragile, conflict and post-conflict states and underscores the need for the rule of law, a democratic political system, in particular respect for the outcome of elections, and a peaceful and stable political climate for a country to embark on a positive development path; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Is worried about the situation of fragile, conflict and post-conflict states and underscores the need for the rule of law, a democratic political system, in particular respect for the outcome of elections, and a peaceful and stable political climate for a country to embark on a positive development path;

| 24. | Is concerned by the finding of the IMF's Independent Evaluation Office that there are differences of views among members of the Executive Board about the IMF's role and policies in low-income countries; considers therefore that the IMF should be reformed with a view to making it more democratic, not least through better representation of the ACP countries on its Executive Board; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Is concerned by the finding of the IMF's Independent Evaluation Office that there are differences of views among members of the Executive Board about the IMF's role and policies in low-income countries; considers therefore that the IMF should be reformed with a view to making it more democratic, not least through better representation of the ACP countries on its Executive Board;

| 25. | Is disappointed by the finding that the IMF's aspirations with regard to the Poverty Reduction Growth Facility (PRGF) have not materialised in practice, and that there is a disconnect between poverty reduction initiatives and the actual policies implemented; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Is disappointed by the finding that the IMF's aspirations with regard to the Poverty Reduction Growth Facility (PRGF) have not materialised in practice, and that there is a disconnect between poverty reduction initiatives and the actual policies implemented;

| 26. | Is concerned by the IMF's operational shortcomings and in particular the diffusion and implementation of policy and institutional cohesion; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Is concerned by the IMF's operational shortcomings and in particular the diffusion and implementation of policy and institutional cohesion;

| 27. | Encourages the World Bank, the IMF and the WTO, along with the UN and other multinational and bilateral donors, to cooperate to the greatest extent possible so as to better understand and assist the ACP countries subjected to SAPs and to help them achieve the MDGs; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Encourages the World Bank, the IMF and the WTO, along with the UN and other multinational and bilateral donors, to cooperate to the greatest extent possible so as to better understand and assist the ACP countries subjected to SAPs and to help them achieve the MDGs;

| 28. | Considers that maximum country ownership of, and commitment to, policy reforms are fundamental to their success; stresses the need for an integrated approach to decent work (employment, social protection, social dialogue, rights at work and gender mainstreaming) for the effective uptake of employment and social policy at national level; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Considers that maximum country ownership of, and commitment to, policy reforms are fundamental to their success; stresses the need for an integrated approach to decent work (employment, social protection, social dialogue, rights at work and gender mainstreaming) for the effective uptake of employment and social policy at national level;

| 29. | Calls on the relevant international bodies to create mechanisms for the exchange of experiences which can serve as tools for those countries in which the process of economic restructuring has not succeeded, or in which it is due to be launched; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Calls on the relevant international bodies to create mechanisms for the exchange of experiences which can serve as tools for those countries in which the process of economic restructuring has not succeeded, or in which it is due to be launched;

| 30. | Urges those countries with economic restructuring programmes to submit regular reports to it on the functioning and development of those programmes and the relevant agreements, so that best practices can be acquired for the benefit of the other members; |
| --- | --- |

30.

Urges those countries with economic restructuring programmes to submit regular reports to it on the functioning and development of those programmes and the relevant agreements, so that best practices can be acquired for the benefit of the other members;

| 31. | Considers it essential that governments be held accountable to their citizens with regard to the management of public revenue and expenditure, and in particular revenues earned from extractive industries, and calls on the World Bank, the IMF, the EU and other donors to demand that public revenues be managed in a transparent fashion; regards it as essential that democracy and the rule of law be strengthened in the ACP countries; also considers it vital to strengthen the machinery of state by equipping it with substantial human and operating resources; stresses the importance of creating a culture of accountability which fully involves parliaments and the audit institutions; |
| --- | --- |

31.

Considers it essential that governments be held accountable to their citizens with regard to the management of public revenue and expenditure, and in particular revenues earned from extractive industries, and calls on the World Bank, the IMF, the EU and other donors to demand that public revenues be managed in a transparent fashion; regards it as essential that democracy and the rule of law be strengthened in the ACP countries; also considers it vital to strengthen the machinery of state by equipping it with substantial human and operating resources; stresses the importance of creating a culture of accountability which fully involves parliaments and the audit institutions;

| 32. | Considers that the funds embezzled by dictators must be repatriated to ACP countries; considers that the EU must, to this end, bring all its influence to bear on the banks in which those funds have been deposited; welcomes in this context the launch, on 17 September 2007, of the joint UN-World Bank Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative, which aims to stop asset theft by strengthening accountability institutions in developing countries; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Considers that the funds embezzled by dictators must be repatriated to ACP countries; considers that the EU must, to this end, bring all its influence to bear on the banks in which those funds have been deposited; welcomes in this context the launch, on 17 September 2007, of the joint UN-World Bank Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative, which aims to stop asset theft by strengthening accountability institutions in developing countries;

| 33. | Regrets that the IMF's Independent Evaluation Office has found that representatives of the IMF in countries in which it operates are stretched and do not adequately engage with local players; |
| --- | --- |

33.

Regrets that the IMF's Independent Evaluation Office has found that representatives of the IMF in countries in which it operates are stretched and do not adequately engage with local players;

| 34. | Considers that reform programmes should be drawn up and implemented in such a way as to increase democratic legitimacy through the involvement of parliaments and through the consultation of other actors, namely the social partners and civil society, in particular employers' and workers' organisations; |
| --- | --- |

34.

Considers that reform programmes should be drawn up and implemented in such a way as to increase democratic legitimacy through the involvement of parliaments and through the consultation of other actors, namely the social partners and civil society, in particular employers' and workers' organisations;

| 35. | Underlines the fact that policies that encourage private-sector growth, including promotion of foreign direct investment, open and well functioning financial services, economic diversification, encouragement of a spirit of enterprise and private land ownership, are prerequisites for economic development and should therefore be reflected in the programmes; encourages, in this context, public-private partnerships; |
| --- | --- |

35.

Underlines the fact that policies that encourage private-sector growth, including promotion of foreign direct investment, open and well functioning financial services, economic diversification, encouragement of a spirit of enterprise and private land ownership, are prerequisites for economic development and should therefore be reflected in the programmes; encourages, in this context, public-private partnerships;

| 36. | Considers that the state has a role to play, not least in managing the economy and in all sectors where private initiative is wanting; at the same time considers that the private sector has a role to play in sectors where the public sector fails, but that this role has to be well regulated to promote sustainable development of the country, poverty reduction as well as maximum access for the majority of citizens; |
| --- | --- |

36.

Considers that the state has a role to play, not least in managing the economy and in all sectors where private initiative is wanting; at the same time considers that the private sector has a role to play in sectors where the public sector fails, but that this role has to be well regulated to promote sustainable development of the country, poverty reduction as well as maximum access for the majority of citizens;

| 37. | Is worried about the dependence of some ACP countries on one main export, which is usually a basic commodity, and in this regard considers that the encouragement of industrial development and economic diversification strategies is essential for sustainable growth; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Is worried about the dependence of some ACP countries on one main export, which is usually a basic commodity, and in this regard considers that the encouragement of industrial development and economic diversification strategies is essential for sustainable growth;

| 38. | Considers that, for development to be sustainable, it is necessary to promote, at international level (including via the WTO), the laying down of rules on fair trade, to set prices for products from developing countries which afford those countries sufficient revenue to guarantee workers there fair and decent pay, to guarantee the right to food security for all, and to cancel developing countries' debts where it is shown that such cancellation is likely to enhance significantly the living conditions of the inhabitants of those countries and not just of their leaders; |
| --- | --- |

38.

Considers that, for development to be sustainable, it is necessary to promote, at international level (including via the WTO), the laying down of rules on fair trade, to set prices for products from developing countries which afford those countries sufficient revenue to guarantee workers there fair and decent pay, to guarantee the right to food security for all, and to cancel developing countries' debts where it is shown that such cancellation is likely to enhance significantly the living conditions of the inhabitants of those countries and not just of their leaders;

| 39. | Considers that, prior to any privatisation in sectors of the economy, it is imperative to assess objectively and impartially the economic and social effects that this will engender, that privatisation can therefore only be undertaken when the living conditions of the whole population stand to improve, and that it is essential to have binding international rules in this field, particularly in order to monitor the activities of local and foreign companies as regards compliance with acceptable social and environmental standards; |
| --- | --- |

39.

Considers that, prior to any privatisation in sectors of the economy, it is imperative to assess objectively and impartially the economic and social effects that this will engender, that privatisation can therefore only be undertaken when the living conditions of the whole population stand to improve, and that it is essential to have binding international rules in this field, particularly in order to monitor the activities of local and foreign companies as regards compliance with acceptable social and environmental standards;

| 40. | Considers that privatisation as a borrowing condition is not an effective way to implement change and that countries should have maximum ownership of these crucial policy decisions; |
| --- | --- |

40.

Considers that privatisation as a borrowing condition is not an effective way to implement change and that countries should have maximum ownership of these crucial policy decisions;

| 41. | Welcomes the fact that the World Bank's narrow focus on privatisation and liberalisation has been replaced by a broader view regarding institutional reform and complementary policies; |
| --- | --- |

41.

Welcomes the fact that the World Bank's narrow focus on privatisation and liberalisation has been replaced by a broader view regarding institutional reform and complementary policies;

| 42. | Welcomes the more targeted and pragmatic policy focus of the World Bank that allows for greater flexibility focused on medium-term reforms; |
| --- | --- |

42.

Welcomes the more targeted and pragmatic policy focus of the World Bank that allows for greater flexibility focused on medium-term reforms;

| 43. | Welcomes the IMF's review of conditionality and calls for the immediate implementation of its conclusions, which place greater emphasis on country ownership, harmonisation of policies across sectors, stakeholder consultation, implementation of essential, tailored policies, predictability and transparency; stresses that conditionality should not undermine national autonomy and independence in policy-making, and that conditions should be limited to ensuring that assistance is used for its intended purposes, such as combating corruption, and to preventing assistance to governments that do not respect human and democratic rights and undermine countries' efforts to achieve the MDGs; |
| --- | --- |

43.

Welcomes the IMF's review of conditionality and calls for the immediate implementation of its conclusions, which place greater emphasis on country ownership, harmonisation of policies across sectors, stakeholder consultation, implementation of essential, tailored policies, predictability and transparency; stresses that conditionality should not undermine national autonomy and independence in policy-making, and that conditions should be limited to ensuring that assistance is used for its intended purposes, such as combating corruption, and to preventing assistance to governments that do not respect human and democratic rights and undermine countries' efforts to achieve the MDGs;

| 44. | Welcomes the increased sense of national ownership of programmes, but reiterates that a strong commitment to necessary development reforms is a prerequisite for this; |
| --- | --- |

44.

Welcomes the increased sense of national ownership of programmes, but reiterates that a strong commitment to necessary development reforms is a prerequisite for this;

| 45. | Calls on donors to step up coordination of their activities, but is concerned about the impact this may have on country ownership, and considers it crucial that national policy ownership be upheld at all times and that developing countries can decide on their development strategies; |
| --- | --- |

45.

Calls on donors to step up coordination of their activities, but is concerned about the impact this may have on country ownership, and considers it crucial that national policy ownership be upheld at all times and that developing countries can decide on their development strategies;

| 46. | Stresses that environmental conservation and protection tasks cannot be undertaken by government alone; calls for the development of partnerships with local and foreign agencies (World Bank/IMF, UN agencies, World Wildlife Fund and universities); |
| --- | --- |

46.

Stresses that environmental conservation and protection tasks cannot be undertaken by government alone; calls for the development of partnerships with local and foreign agencies (World Bank/IMF, UN agencies, World Wildlife Fund and universities);

| 47. | Calls on the EU and ACP representatives to coordinate their positions better on the boards of the World Bank and the IMF in line with development objectives of the EU and ACP countries and to ensure that EU funds are used solely for these objectives; |
| --- | --- |

47.

Calls on the EU and ACP representatives to coordinate their positions better on the boards of the World Bank and the IMF in line with development objectives of the EU and ACP countries and to ensure that EU funds are used solely for these objectives;

| 48. | Welcomes the recent adjustments to the voting quotas in favour of some countries, but calls on the IMF and the World Bank, in the interests of their own legitimacy, to make further improvements in the decision-making mechanisms to be more transparent and give appropriate weight to developing countries; |
| --- | --- |

48.

Welcomes the recent adjustments to the voting quotas in favour of some countries, but calls on the IMF and the World Bank, in the interests of their own legitimacy, to make further improvements in the decision-making mechanisms to be more transparent and give appropriate weight to developing countries;

| 49. | Instructs its Co-Presidents to forward this resolution to the ACP-EU Council, the European Commission, the African Union, the World Bank and the IMF. |
| --- | --- |

49.

Instructs its Co-Presidents to forward this resolution to the ACP-EU Council, the European Commission, the African Union, the World Bank and the IMF.

---

(1)  Adopted by the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly on 20 March 2008 in Ljubljana (Slovenia).

(2)  OJ C 306 E, 15.12.2006, pp.373-380.

(3)  OJ C 291 E, 30.11.2006, pp. 118-122.

(4)  http://www.imf.org/external/np/ieo/2007/ssa/eng/pdf/report.pdf

(5)  http://siteresources.worldbank.org/DEVCOMMINT/Documentation/20651860/DC2005-0013(E)-Conditionality.pdf

(6)  http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/grrt/eng/060705.pdf

(7)  ‘Development Policy Lending Retrospective’, World Bank, 7 July 2006, p. 3.

RESOLUTION
   (1)

on experiences from the European regional integration process relevant to ACP countries

The ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly,

| — | meeting in Ljubljana (Slovenia) from 17 to 20 March 2008, |
| --- | --- |

—

meeting in Ljubljana (Slovenia) from 17 to 20 March 2008,

| — | having regard to Article 17(1) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 17(1) of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000 and revised in Luxembourg on 25 June 2005, and in particular Articles 1, 11 and 28 to 30 thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000 and revised in Luxembourg on 25 June 2005, and in particular Articles 1, 11 and 28 to 30 thereof,

| — | having regard to the Charter of the United Nations, and in particular Chapter VIII on regional arrangements, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Charter of the United Nations, and in particular Chapter VIII on regional arrangements,

| — | having regard to the joint statement of 20 December 2003 by the Council and the representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council, the European Parliament and the Commission on European Union Development Policy: ‘The European Consensus’, and in particular Articles 72 to 74 thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the joint statement of 20 December 2003 by the Council and the representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council, the European Parliament and the Commission on European Union Development Policy: ‘The European Consensus’, and in particular Articles 72 to 74 thereof,

| — | having regard to the Declaration on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the signature of the Treaties of Rome, adopted in Berlin on 25 March 2007, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Declaration on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the signature of the Treaties of Rome, adopted in Berlin on 25 March 2007,

| — | having regard to the Treaty of Lisbon amending the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty establishing the European Community, signed on 13 December 2007, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Treaty of Lisbon amending the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty establishing the European Community, signed on 13 December 2007,

| — | having regard to the Kigali Declaration on Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs), adopted by the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly meeting in Kigali (Rwanda) from 19 to 22 November 2007, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Kigali Declaration on Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs), adopted by the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly meeting in Kigali (Rwanda) from 19 to 22 November 2007,

| — | having regard to the resolution on the role of regional integration in the promotion of peace and security, adopted by the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly meeting in Vienna (Austria) from 19 to 22 June 2006, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the resolution on the role of regional integration in the promotion of peace and security, adopted by the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly meeting in Vienna (Austria) from 19 to 22 June 2006,

| — | having regard to the ACP Committee of Ambassadors' report on the future of the ACP Group as adopted by the ACP Council of Ministers at its 86th session held from 10 to 14 December 2007 in Brussels, Belgium, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the ACP Committee of Ambassadors' report on the future of the ACP Group as adopted by the ACP Council of Ministers at its 86th session held from 10 to 14 December 2007 in Brussels, Belgium,

| — | having regard to the ACP Secretariat's project to develop indicators to measure and monitor regional integration processes in the six ACP regions, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the ACP Secretariat's project to develop indicators to measure and monitor regional integration processes in the six ACP regions,

| — | having regard to the report by the Committee on Political Affairs (ACP-EU/100.203/08/fin.), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report by the Committee on Political Affairs (ACP-EU/100.203/08/fin.),

| A. | whereas regional integration has become a dominant feature in the ACP world, with all ACP countries being members of at least one regional organisation and around twenty regional integration arrangements including ACP countries (2), |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas regional integration has become a dominant feature in the ACP world, with all ACP countries being members of at least one regional organisation and around twenty regional integration arrangements including ACP countries (2),

| B. | whereas the joint exercise of sovereignty in regional integration frameworks may lead to an enhanced capacity of governments to protect the interests of their citizens, rather than a loss of sovereignty, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the joint exercise of sovereignty in regional integration frameworks may lead to an enhanced capacity of governments to protect the interests of their citizens, rather than a loss of sovereignty,

| C. | whereas, in connection with regional integration, it must also be ensured that no loss of transparency and democratic accountability in decision-making takes place and that increased crime through the abolition of border controls and negative social repercussions through hasty liberalisation and wage competition are prevented, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas, in connection with regional integration, it must also be ensured that no loss of transparency and democratic accountability in decision-making takes place and that increased crime through the abolition of border controls and negative social repercussions through hasty liberalisation and wage competition are prevented,

| D. | whereas major progress has been made in recent years in the field of regional economic and political integration among ACP countries, and regional organisations play an increasingly prominent role in conflict prevention and peace-keeping; whereas the fight against poverty and for sustainable development has been, and remains, a major objective for regional integration in most ACP countries, |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas major progress has been made in recent years in the field of regional economic and political integration among ACP countries, and regional organisations play an increasingly prominent role in conflict prevention and peace-keeping; whereas the fight against poverty and for sustainable development has been, and remains, a major objective for regional integration in most ACP countries,

| E. | whereas the strong political will of all partners to lay down and carry through common objectives and projects is the basis for successful integration, |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas the strong political will of all partners to lay down and carry through common objectives and projects is the basis for successful integration,

| F. | whereas several regional organisations including ACP countries have established a customs union or are planning to do so in the coming years, and monetary unions are already in effect in some regional groupings; whereas some regional organisations have established solidarity mechanisms for reducing disparities or for offsetting polarisation effects from trade liberalisation within the region, |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas several regional organisations including ACP countries have established a customs union or are planning to do so in the coming years, and monetary unions are already in effect in some regional groupings; whereas some regional organisations have established solidarity mechanisms for reducing disparities or for offsetting polarisation effects from trade liberalisation within the region,

| G. | whereas many ACP regional organisations have indirectly elected parliamentary institutions, which may develop democratic oversight functions and legislative powers in parallel with the deepening of integration, |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas many ACP regional organisations have indirectly elected parliamentary institutions, which may develop democratic oversight functions and legislative powers in parallel with the deepening of integration,

| H. | whereas regional initiatives like NEPAD or the Pacific Plan may further enhance regional cooperation with a view to meeting development and good governance challenges, |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas regional initiatives like NEPAD or the Pacific Plan may further enhance regional cooperation with a view to meeting development and good governance challenges,

| I. | whereas overlapping membership in different organisations with similar functional objectives is a serious problem in Africa, as recognised by the African Union at its 7th Summit in Banjul in July 2006, |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas overlapping membership in different organisations with similar functional objectives is a serious problem in Africa, as recognised by the African Union at its 7th Summit in Banjul in July 2006,

| J. | whereas the lack of cross-border infrastructure, e.g. transport routes, makes regional integration more difficult, |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas the lack of cross-border infrastructure, e.g. transport routes, makes regional integration more difficult,

| K. | whereas some ACP subregions and states have entered into interim EPA arrangements in a way that may split ACP regional economic groupings and could undermine their integration process, |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas some ACP subregions and states have entered into interim EPA arrangements in a way that may split ACP regional economic groupings and could undermine their integration process,

| L. | whereas all integration processes must be transparent to the population concerned and require democratic oversight over all political levels through the involvement of parliamentary bodies and civil society, |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas all integration processes must be transparent to the population concerned and require democratic oversight over all political levels through the involvement of parliamentary bodies and civil society,

| M. | whereas EPAs must have a strong development content to ensure that the ACP states become trade-competitive and to foster the smooth and gradual integration of ACP countries into the world economy, |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas EPAs must have a strong development content to ensure that the ACP states become trade-competitive and to foster the smooth and gradual integration of ACP countries into the world economy,

| N. | whereas no model of regional integration can be laid down since any integration strategy has to be adapted to particular interests and circumstances, but nonetheless general features can be identified which impede or foster integration processes; whereas the study of Europe's experiences with regard to the ACP regional integration processes can therefore be instructive, and can also deliver new insights for the EU itself, |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas no model of regional integration can be laid down since any integration strategy has to be adapted to particular interests and circumstances, but nonetheless general features can be identified which impede or foster integration processes; whereas the study of Europe's experiences with regard to the ACP regional integration processes can therefore be instructive, and can also deliver new insights for the EU itself,

| O. | whereas European integration dynamics have partly stemmed from the existence of strong joint institutions, in particular the European Commission, which has considerable autonomy and the right of initiative, and from the existence of a European Parliament, directly elected by citizens, with ever increasing competences, |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas European integration dynamics have partly stemmed from the existence of strong joint institutions, in particular the European Commission, which has considerable autonomy and the right of initiative, and from the existence of a European Parliament, directly elected by citizens, with ever increasing competences,

| P. | whereas, in the European case, solidarity between countries and societies has been one of the key factors for successful integration, as both richer and poorer countries have gained from internal development and cohesion policies, |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas, in the European case, solidarity between countries and societies has been one of the key factors for successful integration, as both richer and poorer countries have gained from internal development and cohesion policies,

| Q. | whereas Europe's integration process benefited, particularly in its early phases, from territorial continuity and proximity, an advantage neither the island states in the Caribbean and Pacific regions nor the African continent with its large land mass share, |
| --- | --- |

Q.

whereas Europe's integration process benefited, particularly in its early phases, from territorial continuity and proximity, an advantage neither the island states in the Caribbean and Pacific regions nor the African continent with its large land mass share,

| R. | whereas economic development and reconstruction in Europe after the war also benefited greatly from external aid, in particular the US-funded European Recovery Program (Marshall Plan), |
| --- | --- |

R.

whereas economic development and reconstruction in Europe after the war also benefited greatly from external aid, in particular the US-funded European Recovery Program (Marshall Plan),

| S. | whereas the European economic integration process has not been based on liberalisation alone, but has been complemented by regulatory and budgetary policies for supporting and protecting certain sectors, as well as cooperation for the promotion of sustainable development, |
| --- | --- |

S.

whereas the European economic integration process has not been based on liberalisation alone, but has been complemented by regulatory and budgetary policies for supporting and protecting certain sectors, as well as cooperation for the promotion of sustainable development,

| T. | whereas compliance with common principles of democracy, human rights and the rule of law has been essential for successful integration in Europe, and the EU has recognised their central role by adopting a mechanism for suspending membership rights in the event of serious violations of these principles, |
| --- | --- |

T.

whereas compliance with common principles of democracy, human rights and the rule of law has been essential for successful integration in Europe, and the EU has recognised their central role by adopting a mechanism for suspending membership rights in the event of serious violations of these principles,

| U. | whereas a similar level of development and prosperity among Member States has proven not to be a precondition for regional integration in Europe and its experience suggests that regional organisations can be an effective framework for diminishing economic and social disparities; noting that nonetheless significant income inequalities remain, both between and within EU Member States, |
| --- | --- |

U.

whereas a similar level of development and prosperity among Member States has proven not to be a precondition for regional integration in Europe and its experience suggests that regional organisations can be an effective framework for diminishing economic and social disparities; noting that nonetheless significant income inequalities remain, both between and within EU Member States,

| V. | whereas the European Communities/European Union has also experienced major crises and difficult phases because of diverging interests among Member States and as a result of reservations among citizens inter alia as regards the speed and depth of regional integration; whereas those crises could always be overcome because of the readiness of all parties to accept compromises and the political will to uphold the overall objective of European integration, |
| --- | --- |

V.

whereas the European Communities/European Union has also experienced major crises and difficult phases because of diverging interests among Member States and as a result of reservations among citizens inter alia as regards the speed and depth of regional integration; whereas those crises could always be overcome because of the readiness of all parties to accept compromises and the political will to uphold the overall objective of European integration,

| W. | whereas integration in Europe has not prevented separatist movements and tendencies to disintegrate, but has helped to prevent or diminish violent conflicts, |
| --- | --- |

W.

whereas integration in Europe has not prevented separatist movements and tendencies to disintegrate, but has helped to prevent or diminish violent conflicts,

| X. | whereas the increasing number of EU Member States has led to more flexible integration mechanisms, with some Member States entering into enhanced cooperation structures; stressing that these pioneering agreements have always been non-exclusive, remain open to all other members and do not touch on the core areas of integration, |
| --- | --- |

X.

whereas the increasing number of EU Member States has led to more flexible integration mechanisms, with some Member States entering into enhanced cooperation structures; stressing that these pioneering agreements have always been non-exclusive, remain open to all other members and do not touch on the core areas of integration,

Reconciliation and conflict prevention

| 1. | Underlines the fact that stabilisation of peace and institutionalisation of peaceful means of resolving conflicts constitute one of the major achievements of the European integration process, resulting from the lessons learned in Europe from devastating wars; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Underlines the fact that stabilisation of peace and institutionalisation of peaceful means of resolving conflicts constitute one of the major achievements of the European integration process, resulting from the lessons learned in Europe from devastating wars;

| 2. | Welcomes the fact that regional and subregional ACP organisations play an increasingly important role in conflict management, peace-keeping and peace-building, and are important partners of the United Nations in promoting international peace and security; welcomes the creation of regional early warning and early response mechanisms, e.g. by ECOWAS and IGAD, and calls for further strengthening of such mechanisms; calls on the international community to support capacity-building for regional organisations active in the field of peace and security, in particular as regards conflict prevention, management and resolution; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Welcomes the fact that regional and subregional ACP organisations play an increasingly important role in conflict management, peace-keeping and peace-building, and are important partners of the United Nations in promoting international peace and security; welcomes the creation of regional early warning and early response mechanisms, e.g. by ECOWAS and IGAD, and calls for further strengthening of such mechanisms; calls on the international community to support capacity-building for regional organisations active in the field of peace and security, in particular as regards conflict prevention, management and resolution;

| 3. | Believes that regional organisations can play an important role in tackling the root causes of conflicts within and between Member States; believes that the promotion and protection of human rights at regional level and the joint fight against impunity represent a major step towards preventing conflict and permitting reconciliation between conflicting parties; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Believes that regional organisations can play an important role in tackling the root causes of conflicts within and between Member States; believes that the promotion and protection of human rights at regional level and the joint fight against impunity represent a major step towards preventing conflict and permitting reconciliation between conflicting parties;

| 4. | Calls — realising that education is an important factor for tolerance and understanding — for the setting up of regional commissions to reach agreement on school and university curricula resulting in a breaking down of concepts of the enemy, in mutual respect and in the elimination of discrimination, meetings between teaching staff, pupils and students being important fora for bringing people in conflict-ridden regions closer together as neighbours; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Calls — realising that education is an important factor for tolerance and understanding — for the setting up of regional commissions to reach agreement on school and university curricula resulting in a breaking down of concepts of the enemy, in mutual respect and in the elimination of discrimination, meetings between teaching staff, pupils and students being important fora for bringing people in conflict-ridden regions closer together as neighbours;

| 5. | Notes that, as a rule, women and children are affected most by war, conflicts, violence, hunger and expulsions and that women must therefore be appropriately involved in all development and decision-taking processes; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Notes that, as a rule, women and children are affected most by war, conflicts, violence, hunger and expulsions and that women must therefore be appropriately involved in all development and decision-taking processes;

| 6. | Calls on the ACP countries to step up regional actions for joint exploration, regulation and control of natural resources, in order to promote reconciliation and interdependence; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Calls on the ACP countries to step up regional actions for joint exploration, regulation and control of natural resources, in order to promote reconciliation and interdependence;

Institutions and integration agendas in ACP regions

| 7. | Underlines the fact that strong joint institutions, representing regional rather than national interests, are needed to push the integration process forward and ensure compliance with jointly agreed standards; calls on the ACP regional organisations to ensure the necessary autonomy, proper funding and selection of qualified staff for joint institutions; invites the Commission to support capacity building for regional institutions, both with know-how and the necessary funding; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Underlines the fact that strong joint institutions, representing regional rather than national interests, are needed to push the integration process forward and ensure compliance with jointly agreed standards; calls on the ACP regional organisations to ensure the necessary autonomy, proper funding and selection of qualified staff for joint institutions; invites the Commission to support capacity building for regional institutions, both with know-how and the necessary funding;

| 8. | Stresses the need for regional institutions to mitigate power differences among Member States; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Stresses the need for regional institutions to mitigate power differences among Member States;

| 9. | Calls on the regional organisations to define priorities, realistic common objectives and clear benchmarks to allow joint institutions, governments, parliaments and civil society to measure progress and success; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Calls on the regional organisations to define priorities, realistic common objectives and clear benchmarks to allow joint institutions, governments, parliaments and civil society to measure progress and success;

| 10. | Invites the ACP governments to agree to the joint exercise of sovereignty in selected sectors where long-term joint interests exist and cross-border problems need to be solved; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Invites the ACP governments to agree to the joint exercise of sovereignty in selected sectors where long-term joint interests exist and cross-border problems need to be solved;

| 11. | Underlines the fact that regional integration processes must be built on tolerance and mutual respect for national and cultural differences; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Underlines the fact that regional integration processes must be built on tolerance and mutual respect for national and cultural differences;

| 12. | Encourages the ACP Secretariat to expedite the development of the proposed regional integration monitoring system and calls on the European Commission to provide financial and technical support required for implementation of this system for the benefit of ACP regional integration organisations; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Encourages the ACP Secretariat to expedite the development of the proposed regional integration monitoring system and calls on the European Commission to provide financial and technical support required for implementation of this system for the benefit of ACP regional integration organisations;

Interregional cooperation

| 13. | Invites the African Union to support and steer a process of rationalisation of the regional organisation framework in Africa where competing integration agendas exist; notes that the European example shows that overlapping membership is not a major obstacle where close coordination and cooperation are ensured between regional organisations or functional differentiation is agreed upon; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Invites the African Union to support and steer a process of rationalisation of the regional organisation framework in Africa where competing integration agendas exist; notes that the European example shows that overlapping membership is not a major obstacle where close coordination and cooperation are ensured between regional organisations or functional differentiation is agreed upon;

| 14. | Calls on the ACP Group to consider, with the EU's support, transforming the existing periodic meetings between the ACP Secretariat and the heads of ACP regional organisations into an institutionalised Coordination Forum in order to facilitate dialogue, cooperation and coordination; calls on the ACP regional organisations to coordinate their positions in international negotiations to enhance their positions and influence; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Calls on the ACP Group to consider, with the EU's support, transforming the existing periodic meetings between the ACP Secretariat and the heads of ACP regional organisations into an institutionalised Coordination Forum in order to facilitate dialogue, cooperation and coordination; calls on the ACP regional organisations to coordinate their positions in international negotiations to enhance their positions and influence;

| 15. | Welcomes the fact that the organisation of meetings of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly at regional or subregional level pursuant to Article 17(3) of the Cotonou Agreement will enter the implementation phase and looks forward to the outcomes of the first regional meeting of the JPA in Windhoek (Namibia); |
| --- | --- |

15.

Welcomes the fact that the organisation of meetings of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly at regional or subregional level pursuant to Article 17(3) of the Cotonou Agreement will enter the implementation phase and looks forward to the outcomes of the first regional meeting of the JPA in Windhoek (Namibia);

Democracy and good governance

| 16. | Underlines the fact that a culture of freedom, openness and inclusion within the Member States of regional organisations is a precondition for successful regional integration; calls on all regional organisations in the ACP region which have not done so to define clear political criteria for membership, based on human rights, democracy, the rule of law and good governance, and to develop constructive mechanisms for helping member countries to comply with these criteria; invites the ACP countries to consider effective mechanisms for suspending membership rights in the event of serious violations of these principles; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Underlines the fact that a culture of freedom, openness and inclusion within the Member States of regional organisations is a precondition for successful regional integration; calls on all regional organisations in the ACP region which have not done so to define clear political criteria for membership, based on human rights, democracy, the rule of law and good governance, and to develop constructive mechanisms for helping member countries to comply with these criteria; invites the ACP countries to consider effective mechanisms for suspending membership rights in the event of serious violations of these principles;

| 17. | Calls on the EU to support regional initiatives for promoting democracy, human rights and good governance, such as the African Peer Review Mechanism and regional election observation mechanisms, and to bring its governance initiatives into line with the existing regional mechanisms; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Calls on the EU to support regional initiatives for promoting democracy, human rights and good governance, such as the African Peer Review Mechanism and regional election observation mechanisms, and to bring its governance initiatives into line with the existing regional mechanisms;

| 18. | Calls on the EU and the ACP Group to step up their support for the parliamentary structures of regional organisations; stresses that direct election of representatives of Member States in regional parliamentary assemblies contributes greatly to the legitimacy of the integration process and is the prerequisite for securing it on a lasting basis; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Calls on the EU and the ACP Group to step up their support for the parliamentary structures of regional organisations; stresses that direct election of representatives of Member States in regional parliamentary assemblies contributes greatly to the legitimacy of the integration process and is the prerequisite for securing it on a lasting basis;

| 19. | Believes that civil society organisations — in particular their transnational activities — play a major role for pushing regional integration processes forward and ensuring democratic accountability of regional institutions; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Believes that civil society organisations — in particular their transnational activities — play a major role for pushing regional integration processes forward and ensuring democratic accountability of regional institutions;

| 20. | Calls on the EU and the ACP countries to ensure that the parliamentary organs of the regional organisations are consulted on the EDF Regional Strategy Papers and their implementation; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Calls on the EU and the ACP countries to ensure that the parliamentary organs of the regional organisations are consulted on the EDF Regional Strategy Papers and their implementation;

Economics and trade

| 21. | Calls on the EU and ACP countries to ensure that the EPAs are consistent with and contribute to the strengthening of ACP regional integration initiatives; notes that many ACP countries fear that the current trend in the EPA negotiations and the adoption of agreements by subregions may undermine regional integration efforts; insists that any agreements adopted by subregions must be open to other members of their respective regional organisation; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Calls on the EU and ACP countries to ensure that the EPAs are consistent with and contribute to the strengthening of ACP regional integration initiatives; notes that many ACP countries fear that the current trend in the EPA negotiations and the adoption of agreements by subregions may undermine regional integration efforts; insists that any agreements adopted by subregions must be open to other members of their respective regional organisation;

| 22. | Stresses that trade barriers between ACP regions should be reduced in order to enhance South-South trade, and calls for harmonisation policies to ensure a level playing field for trans-border commercial activities; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Stresses that trade barriers between ACP regions should be reduced in order to enhance South-South trade, and calls for harmonisation policies to ensure a level playing field for trans-border commercial activities;

| 23. | Calls on the ACP regional organisations to establish or further develop regional cohesion mechanisms and solidarity funds for helping weaker Member States to bear adjustment costs from trade liberalisation and to ensure proper financing; considers that the EU should support these mechanisms with both expertise and funding; points to the EU experience that strong and independent anti-fraud mechanisms must be developed to limit the risk of misuse of structural and solidarity funds; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Calls on the ACP regional organisations to establish or further develop regional cohesion mechanisms and solidarity funds for helping weaker Member States to bear adjustment costs from trade liberalisation and to ensure proper financing; considers that the EU should support these mechanisms with both expertise and funding; points to the EU experience that strong and independent anti-fraud mechanisms must be developed to limit the risk of misuse of structural and solidarity funds;

| 24. | Calls on the EU and ACP countries to enhance targeted investment in regional infrastructure networks to permit cross-border economic activities; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Calls on the EU and ACP countries to enhance targeted investment in regional infrastructure networks to permit cross-border economic activities;

Functional cooperation

| 25. | Underlines the fact that trade liberalisation alone is not sufficient to engender regional understanding and integration dynamics, and that regional programmes and projects in selected priority sectors must accompany economic cooperation; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Underlines the fact that trade liberalisation alone is not sufficient to engender regional understanding and integration dynamics, and that regional programmes and projects in selected priority sectors must accompany economic cooperation;

| 26. | Welcomes the many functional cooperation efforts in the ACP region; calls on ACP countries to intensify regional and subregional cooperation in areas such as health and education, food security, infrastructure, environment and migration and to ensure adequate financing; points out that the EU budget for joint policies is composed both of external trade revenues and direct contributions from Member States' budgets; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Welcomes the many functional cooperation efforts in the ACP region; calls on ACP countries to intensify regional and subregional cooperation in areas such as health and education, food security, infrastructure, environment and migration and to ensure adequate financing; points out that the EU budget for joint policies is composed both of external trade revenues and direct contributions from Member States' budgets;

| 27. | Underlines the fact that the EDF Regional Strategy Papers not only must focus on trade liberalisation and integration into the world market, but also need to put more emphasis on regional institution-building, on capacity-building and human resource development in regional integration, on functional cooperation, and on support for redistributive and regulatory policy-making within the regions; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Underlines the fact that the EDF Regional Strategy Papers not only must focus on trade liberalisation and integration into the world market, but also need to put more emphasis on regional institution-building, on capacity-building and human resource development in regional integration, on functional cooperation, and on support for redistributive and regulatory policy-making within the regions;

| 28. | Recommends the extension of exchange programmes for schools, universities and research institutions in the ACP regions to enhance transnational understanding and the forging of a transnational civil society; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Recommends the extension of exchange programmes for schools, universities and research institutions in the ACP regions to enhance transnational understanding and the forging of a transnational civil society;

| 29. | Instructs its Co-Presidents to forward this resolution to the ACP-EU Council of Ministers, the European Commission, the EU Council Presidency and the ACP regional organisations. |
| --- | --- |

29.

Instructs its Co-Presidents to forward this resolution to the ACP-EU Council of Ministers, the European Commission, the EU Council Presidency and the ACP regional organisations.

---

(1)  Adopted by the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly on 20 March 2008 in Ljubljana (Slovenia).

(2)  Among the regional integration organisations incorporating ACP countries are: African Union (AU), Association of Caribbean States (ACS), Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC), Community of Sahelo-Saharan States (CEN-SAD), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), Southern African Development Community (SADC), Southern African Customs Union (SACU), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), East African Community (EAC), Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS/CEEAC), Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries (CEPGL), Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Caribbean Forum of ACP States (CARIFORUM), Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), Indian Ocean Commission (COI) and Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG).

RESOLUTION
   (1)

on food security issues in ACP countries and the role of ACP-EU cooperation

The ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly,

| — | meeting in Ljubljana (Slovenia) from 17 to 20 March 2008, |
| --- | --- |

—

meeting in Ljubljana (Slovenia) from 17 to 20 March 2008,

| — | having regard to Article 17(1) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 17(1) of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the conclusions of the 1996 World Food Summit and the objective of reducing by half the number of people on Earth suffering from hunger by 2015, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the conclusions of the 1996 World Food Summit and the objective of reducing by half the number of people on Earth suffering from hunger by 2015,

| — | having regard to the United Nations statement on the Millennium Development Goals and its commitment to halving the proportion of people suffering from hunger and living on less than one US dollar a day, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the United Nations statement on the Millennium Development Goals and its commitment to halving the proportion of people suffering from hunger and living on less than one US dollar a day,

| — | having regard to the objectives of the ACP-EU partnership agreements signed in Lomé and subsequently in Cotonou concerning development and trade, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the objectives of the ACP-EU partnership agreements signed in Lomé and subsequently in Cotonou concerning development and trade,

| — | having regard to the UN report of 25 October 2007 drafted by the UN Special Rapporteur on Food, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the UN report of 25 October 2007 drafted by the UN Special Rapporteur on Food,

| — | having regard to its Kigali Declaration of 22 November 2007 for development-friendly Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its Kigali Declaration of 22 November 2007 for development-friendly Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs),

| — | having regard to the conclusions of the EU-Africa Summit of December 2007 and the First Action Plan, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the conclusions of the EU-Africa Summit of December 2007 and the First Action Plan,

| — | having regard to the conclusions of the 2007 Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the conclusions of the 2007 Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report,

| — | having regard to the report by the Committee on Economic Development, Finance and Trade (ACP-EU/100.205/08/fin.), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report by the Committee on Economic Development, Finance and Trade (ACP-EU/100.205/08/fin.),

Importance of the agriculture sector to the economies of ACP countries

| A. | whereas the international community has undertaken to halve extreme poverty and hunger in the world by 2015 (pursuant to the first Millennium Development Goal), and whereas food insecurity affects almost one-third of the inhabitants of ACP countries, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the international community has undertaken to halve extreme poverty and hunger in the world by 2015 (pursuant to the first Millennium Development Goal), and whereas food insecurity affects almost one-third of the inhabitants of ACP countries,

| B. | whereas in 1996 the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation defined food security as ‘access for all people at all times to sufficient, safe and nutritious food for a healthy, active life’, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas in 1996 the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation defined food security as ‘access for all people at all times to sufficient, safe and nutritious food for a healthy, active life’,

| C. | whereas the repercussions of hunger are more pronounced in rural areas (which are home to up to 60 % of the population which is directly dependent upon agriculture or agriculture-related rural activities), and whereas agriculture is the ACP countries' main economic sector (20 % of GDP and two-thirds of employment), |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas the repercussions of hunger are more pronounced in rural areas (which are home to up to 60 % of the population which is directly dependent upon agriculture or agriculture-related rural activities), and whereas agriculture is the ACP countries' main economic sector (20 % of GDP and two-thirds of employment),

| D. | whereas, despite the proven importance of the agriculture sector to ACP countries, neither national governments nor EU development cooperation policies give priority to this key sector, in addition to which small farmers are becoming increasingly marginalised, |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas, despite the proven importance of the agriculture sector to ACP countries, neither national governments nor EU development cooperation policies give priority to this key sector, in addition to which small farmers are becoming increasingly marginalised,

ACP-EU cooperation and food security

| E. | whereas the objective of promoting the integration of the ACP countries into the global economy, as provided for in the Lomé and Cotonou Agreements, has yet to be attained and whereas, despite the privileged access to the European market that products from ACP countries enjoy, their share of imports to the EU has continued to decrease, |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas the objective of promoting the integration of the ACP countries into the global economy, as provided for in the Lomé and Cotonou Agreements, has yet to be attained and whereas, despite the privileged access to the European market that products from ACP countries enjoy, their share of imports to the EU has continued to decrease,

| F. | whereas a hasty opening up to European exports of ACP countries' markets would expose the economies of those countries to major upheaval and would weaken them, |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas a hasty opening up to European exports of ACP countries' markets would expose the economies of those countries to major upheaval and would weaken them,

| G. | whereas only four of the 78 ACP countries made agriculture a priority sector under the 9th EDF, while 15 chose rural development, and whereas only 7 % of the 9th EDF's budget has been allocated to rural development and 1,1 % to activities specifically linked to agriculture, |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas only four of the 78 ACP countries made agriculture a priority sector under the 9th EDF, while 15 chose rural development, and whereas only 7 % of the 9th EDF's budget has been allocated to rural development and 1,1 % to activities specifically linked to agriculture,

| H. | whereas, by subsidising the export of its agricultural products, the European Union is practising dumping on the markets of the ACP countries, with serious consequences for the local producers, who are unable to compete with European products which sometimes sell for a third of the price of their own products, |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas, by subsidising the export of its agricultural products, the European Union is practising dumping on the markets of the ACP countries, with serious consequences for the local producers, who are unable to compete with European products which sometimes sell for a third of the price of their own products,

Challenges associated with food security in ACP countries

| I. | whereas 60 % of the world's ecosystems, including freshwater and fisheries resources, have been degraded or misused, and the first people to suffer from this will be the very poor; whereas the greatest risks are linked to water, agriculture, human health, biodiversity and the rise in sea levels, |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas 60 % of the world's ecosystems, including freshwater and fisheries resources, have been degraded or misused, and the first people to suffer from this will be the very poor; whereas the greatest risks are linked to water, agriculture, human health, biodiversity and the rise in sea levels,

| J. | whereas increasing food production is of key importance to reducing food insecurity in so far as it helps to bring down food prices and to increasing producers' incomes, |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas increasing food production is of key importance to reducing food insecurity in so far as it helps to bring down food prices and to increasing producers' incomes,

| K. | whereas irrigation can, to a significant extent, increase, and ensure, the sustainability of agricultural production, |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas irrigation can, to a significant extent, increase, and ensure, the sustainability of agricultural production,

| L. | having regard to drinking water's importance to food security and the difficulty of accessing it in ACP countries, with the health problems which this entails, |
| --- | --- |

L.

having regard to drinking water's importance to food security and the difficulty of accessing it in ACP countries, with the health problems which this entails,

| M. | whereas the ACP countries must enjoy effective public services, with particular regard to access to water, which is a key aspect of food security, |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas the ACP countries must enjoy effective public services, with particular regard to access to water, which is a key aspect of food security,

| N. | noting the environmental benefit of agrifuels, while highlighting the challenges their production represents in terms of availability of arable land, food prices and hunger eradication in the context of the Millennium Development Goals, |
| --- | --- |

N.

noting the environmental benefit of agrifuels, while highlighting the challenges their production represents in terms of availability of arable land, food prices and hunger eradication in the context of the Millennium Development Goals,

| O. | having regard to the frequency of disasters affecting the agriculture sector, coupled with the decrease in the resources allocated to food aid before and after such disasters in ACP countries, |
| --- | --- |

O.

having regard to the frequency of disasters affecting the agriculture sector, coupled with the decrease in the resources allocated to food aid before and after such disasters in ACP countries,

| P. | whereas the ACP countries are dependent on exports of commodities, which account for over 50 % of their foreign currency revenue, |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas the ACP countries are dependent on exports of commodities, which account for over 50 % of their foreign currency revenue,

| Q. | whereas the role of women in ACP countries is of crucial importance to development, particularly as regards food security and health, and whereas inequality between the sexes reduces women's ability to play that role, |
| --- | --- |

Q.

whereas the role of women in ACP countries is of crucial importance to development, particularly as regards food security and health, and whereas inequality between the sexes reduces women's ability to play that role,

| R. | whereas a direct link exists between women's access to, and control over, household resources and an improvement in their households' food security, |
| --- | --- |

R.

whereas a direct link exists between women's access to, and control over, household resources and an improvement in their households' food security,

| S. | whereas, according to FAO estimates, seven million agricultural workers have died of HIV/AIDS since 1985 and the pandemic is set to claim 16 million more victims over the next two decades in the 25 African countries worst affected, |
| --- | --- |

S.

whereas, according to FAO estimates, seven million agricultural workers have died of HIV/AIDS since 1985 and the pandemic is set to claim 16 million more victims over the next two decades in the 25 African countries worst affected,

| T. | whereas HIV/AIDS mainly affects the productive labour force, reducing not only the amount of work done but also the quality of that work, |
| --- | --- |

T.

whereas HIV/AIDS mainly affects the productive labour force, reducing not only the amount of work done but also the quality of that work,

Responses to the challenges associated with food security in ACP countries

| U. | whereas increased access to modern information technologies is essential to enhancing capacities and better informing farmers on practices, prices and access to factors of production, |
| --- | --- |

U.

whereas increased access to modern information technologies is essential to enhancing capacities and better informing farmers on practices, prices and access to factors of production,

| 1. | Stresses the essential nature of the right to food; reminds the EU and the ACP countries that they have undertaken to help halve the proportion of the population who suffer from hunger by 2015, and calls upon the Commission, the EU Council and the ACP countries to adopt — and properly finance — whatever measures are needed in order to enable that commitment to be honoured; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Stresses the essential nature of the right to food; reminds the EU and the ACP countries that they have undertaken to help halve the proportion of the population who suffer from hunger by 2015, and calls upon the Commission, the EU Council and the ACP countries to adopt — and properly finance — whatever measures are needed in order to enable that commitment to be honoured;

| 2. | Calls for adequate recognition of the importance of research — extension services — farmer linkages in pursuing food-security objectives; stresses the need for ACP countries to adopt affordable technologies that have proved to be effective and innovative for achieving food security; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls for adequate recognition of the importance of research — extension services — farmer linkages in pursuing food-security objectives; stresses the need for ACP countries to adopt affordable technologies that have proved to be effective and innovative for achieving food security;

| 3. | Points out that, in order to strengthen food security in the ACP countries, the most effective method for sustainable exploitation of agricultural land must first be identified and policies which foster the use of that method must then be devised; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Points out that, in order to strengthen food security in the ACP countries, the most effective method for sustainable exploitation of agricultural land must first be identified and policies which foster the use of that method must then be devised;

| 4. | Considers it essential to give fresh impetus to the EU-ACP partnership by negotiating fair and balanced EPAs which are genuinely geared towards development and not purely confined to trade considerations; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Considers it essential to give fresh impetus to the EU-ACP partnership by negotiating fair and balanced EPAs which are genuinely geared towards development and not purely confined to trade considerations;

| 5. | Takes the view that imposing the liberalisation of services on ACP countries has a negative influence on the development of promising new sectors and deprives the public authorities in those countries of the power to manage key public services which are more in accordance with the realities of the societies concerned; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Takes the view that imposing the liberalisation of services on ACP countries has a negative influence on the development of promising new sectors and deprives the public authorities in those countries of the power to manage key public services which are more in accordance with the realities of the societies concerned;

| 6. | Stresses that it is essential for the discussions on the implementation of the 10th EDF to take far greater account of the needs of populations in terms of agricultural food production than has previously been the case; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Stresses that it is essential for the discussions on the implementation of the 10th EDF to take far greater account of the needs of populations in terms of agricultural food production than has previously been the case;

| 7. | Calls on the EU to include in its 10th EDF a specific priority programme of agricultural development for each of the ACP countries, and for that programme to include clear and ambitious targets as well as concrete measures to be established and applied within precise time limits, in close consultation with farmers' organisations and civil society; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Calls on the EU to include in its 10th EDF a specific priority programme of agricultural development for each of the ACP countries, and for that programme to include clear and ambitious targets as well as concrete measures to be established and applied within precise time limits, in close consultation with farmers' organisations and civil society;

| 8. | Calls on the EU Commission and Council to give priority, in close consultation with the ACP countries, to the issue of the impact on ACP countries of Europe subsidising the export of its agricultural products, and to pledge to provide concrete solutions for the prevention of dumping, in line with the commitments made in connection with the Millennium Development Goals; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Calls on the EU Commission and Council to give priority, in close consultation with the ACP countries, to the issue of the impact on ACP countries of Europe subsidising the export of its agricultural products, and to pledge to provide concrete solutions for the prevention of dumping, in line with the commitments made in connection with the Millennium Development Goals;

| 9. | Urges the EU Member States and the international community to assist the WFP in facing up to new challenges in the fight against hunger, with soaring global food and oil prices, increasingly severe weather shocks due in part to climate change, and declining global food stocks; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Urges the EU Member States and the international community to assist the WFP in facing up to new challenges in the fight against hunger, with soaring global food and oil prices, increasingly severe weather shocks due in part to climate change, and declining global food stocks;

| 10. | Calls for efficient planning of water supply for irrigation in ACP countries, so as to permit significant growth in agricultural production; stresses that water and water-related services (which are essential to food security) cannot be regarded as a commodity or as commercial services and calls for the EU and the ACP countries to have the right to water formally recognised as a universal, indivisible, inalienable and imprescriptible human right stemming from the right to life for all; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Calls for efficient planning of water supply for irrigation in ACP countries, so as to permit significant growth in agricultural production; stresses that water and water-related services (which are essential to food security) cannot be regarded as a commodity or as commercial services and calls for the EU and the ACP countries to have the right to water formally recognised as a universal, indivisible, inalienable and imprescriptible human right stemming from the right to life for all;

| 11. | Calls upon the EU and the ACP countries to back a comprehensive movement in support of public-private water-access partnership programmes launched by and involving North-South, South-South and North-North local communities; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Calls upon the EU and the ACP countries to back a comprehensive movement in support of public-private water-access partnership programmes launched by and involving North-South, South-South and North-North local communities;

| 12. | Calls on the EU to factor into its development policy the short-term needs and constraints to which men and women living in rural areas are subject, be they social, economic, judicial or technological, in order to guarantee the success of agricultural and rural development projects and programmes in general and, in particular, programmes relating to food security; stresses, in this connection, the importance of investing in educational programmes for all people living in rural areas; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Calls on the EU to factor into its development policy the short-term needs and constraints to which men and women living in rural areas are subject, be they social, economic, judicial or technological, in order to guarantee the success of agricultural and rural development projects and programmes in general and, in particular, programmes relating to food security; stresses, in this connection, the importance of investing in educational programmes for all people living in rural areas;

| 13. | Urges the ACP countries and the European Union to lay emphasis on gender equality in general and to recognise and promote the multi-dimensional role of women in seeking to achieve food security, particularly in connection with regard to access to and acquisition of land, in order to allow sustainable growth in this sector; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Urges the ACP countries and the European Union to lay emphasis on gender equality in general and to recognise and promote the multi-dimensional role of women in seeking to achieve food security, particularly in connection with regard to access to and acquisition of land, in order to allow sustainable growth in this sector;

| 14. | Calls upon the EU and the ACP countries to recognise the vital economic role played by women in the agricultural sector and the importance of increasing women's productivity and their contribution to food systems; calls upon them to incorporate, as a major concern in their food-security policies and programmes, the direct link between women's access to, and control over, household resources and an improvement in their households' food security; calls upon the EU Commission and Council and the ACP countries to make micro-credit programmes accessible to women in rural areas; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Calls upon the EU and the ACP countries to recognise the vital economic role played by women in the agricultural sector and the importance of increasing women's productivity and their contribution to food systems; calls upon them to incorporate, as a major concern in their food-security policies and programmes, the direct link between women's access to, and control over, household resources and an improvement in their households' food security; calls upon the EU Commission and Council and the ACP countries to make micro-credit programmes accessible to women in rural areas;

| 15. | Urges the ACP countries and the European Union to release the additional resources to which they committed with a view to meeting the Millennium Development Goals, in particular the third goal (‘Eliminate gender disparity in primary and secondary education enrolments preferably by 2005, and at all levels by 2015’), since proper nutrition for entire families depends to a large extent on women; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Urges the ACP countries and the European Union to release the additional resources to which they committed with a view to meeting the Millennium Development Goals, in particular the third goal (‘Eliminate gender disparity in primary and secondary education enrolments preferably by 2005, and at all levels by 2015’), since proper nutrition for entire families depends to a large extent on women;

| 16. | Expresses concern at the fact that HIV/AIDS constitutes a risk for the economic and social development of ACP countries, owing to the decrease in size of the workforce, and also in the quality of the work done, and calls for the issue of HIV/AIDS also to be considered from the viewpoint of food security and its impact on nutrition; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Expresses concern at the fact that HIV/AIDS constitutes a risk for the economic and social development of ACP countries, owing to the decrease in size of the workforce, and also in the quality of the work done, and calls for the issue of HIV/AIDS also to be considered from the viewpoint of food security and its impact on nutrition;

| 17. | Urges EU and ACP governments to address the problem of land-tenure arrangements for HIV/AIDS-affected households and individuals in areas where there is land pressure/land scarcity and calls on them to address the impact of changes on land-tenure systems (including patterns of ownership, inheritance, access and rights) caused by HIV/AIDS, with a focus on women and children; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Urges EU and ACP governments to address the problem of land-tenure arrangements for HIV/AIDS-affected households and individuals in areas where there is land pressure/land scarcity and calls on them to address the impact of changes on land-tenure systems (including patterns of ownership, inheritance, access and rights) caused by HIV/AIDS, with a focus on women and children;

| 18. | Recommends that agricultural and rural development be promoted and that investments be made which, as a priority, lead to opportunities for the very poor to improve their livelihoods; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Recommends that agricultural and rural development be promoted and that investments be made which, as a priority, lead to opportunities for the very poor to improve their livelihoods;

| 19. | Urges increased investment in information and communication technologies (ICTs) in order to improve capacities and better inform farmers about production factors, and to facilitate market access; believes that a special effort is needed to ensure that the poorest people in ACP countries can access ICTs, which means putting in place policies to address computer illiteracy and the high cost and lack of access to computer equipment; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Urges increased investment in information and communication technologies (ICTs) in order to improve capacities and better inform farmers about production factors, and to facilitate market access; believes that a special effort is needed to ensure that the poorest people in ACP countries can access ICTs, which means putting in place policies to address computer illiteracy and the high cost and lack of access to computer equipment;

| 20. | Recommends that support be provided for training and for the exchange, development and adoption of sound agricultural practices in the ACP countries, in order to ensure that the poor have immediate access to food; calls upon the EU Council and Commission and each of the Member States to support research into bio-fuels produced from agricultural waste and those produced from inedible plants grown on arid or semi-arid land; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Recommends that support be provided for training and for the exchange, development and adoption of sound agricultural practices in the ACP countries, in order to ensure that the poor have immediate access to food; calls upon the EU Council and Commission and each of the Member States to support research into bio-fuels produced from agricultural waste and those produced from inedible plants grown on arid or semi-arid land;

| 21. | Calls upon ACP countries and the EU to promote the adoption by the UN General Assembly of a moratorium on plant production intended for conversion into fuel; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Calls upon ACP countries and the EU to promote the adoption by the UN General Assembly of a moratorium on plant production intended for conversion into fuel;

| 22. | Emphasises the need for the EU and the ACP countries to have effective, well-thought-out plans for dealing with emergency situations arising from disasters in the agricultural sector; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Emphasises the need for the EU and the ACP countries to have effective, well-thought-out plans for dealing with emergency situations arising from disasters in the agricultural sector;

| 23. | Recommends that studies be carried out into environmental problems such as soil deterioration, damage to the biodiversity of agricultural areas and the effects of climate change on agriculture, and that relevant action be taken in order to enable environmental resources to be properly managed (one example being the regeneration and conservation of soil); |
| --- | --- |

23.

Recommends that studies be carried out into environmental problems such as soil deterioration, damage to the biodiversity of agricultural areas and the effects of climate change on agriculture, and that relevant action be taken in order to enable environmental resources to be properly managed (one example being the regeneration and conservation of soil);

| 24. | Calls upon the ACP countries to bolster their government procedures for budget implementation and management, particularly with a view to facilitating the financing of all specific actions and measures designed to combat food insecurity; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Calls upon the ACP countries to bolster their government procedures for budget implementation and management, particularly with a view to facilitating the financing of all specific actions and measures designed to combat food insecurity;

| 25. | Calls on the EU Member States and Commission to increase ODA, in particular for the least developed ACP states and the net-food-importing ACP states, so as to enable them to mitigate the adverse effects they are experiencing following the significant rises in food prices which are increasingly exacerbating their balance of payments problems; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Calls on the EU Member States and Commission to increase ODA, in particular for the least developed ACP states and the net-food-importing ACP states, so as to enable them to mitigate the adverse effects they are experiencing following the significant rises in food prices which are increasingly exacerbating their balance of payments problems;

| 26. | Deplores the inadequate coordination, particularly at national level but also within the international development community, of the efforts made in the context of programmes which are a burden on human and financial resources; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Deplores the inadequate coordination, particularly at national level but also within the international development community, of the efforts made in the context of programmes which are a burden on human and financial resources;

| 27. | Calls for pinpointing of the areas in which the integration of policies is particularly poor, and for development of the means to enable that integration at every level; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Calls for pinpointing of the areas in which the integration of policies is particularly poor, and for development of the means to enable that integration at every level;

| 28. | Instructs its Co-Presidents to forward this resolution to the ACP-EU Council and the European Commission. |
| --- | --- |

28.

Instructs its Co-Presidents to forward this resolution to the ACP-EU Council and the European Commission.

---

(1)  Adopted by the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly on 20 March in Ljubljana (Slovenia).

RESOLUTION
   (1)

on the situation in Kenya

The ACP EU-Joint Parliamentary Assembly,

| — | meeting in Ljubljana (Slovenia) from 17 to 20 March 2008, |
| --- | --- |

—

meeting in Ljubljana (Slovenia) from 17 to 20 March 2008,

| — | having regard to Article 17(2) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 17(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the valuable role Kenya has played in promoting peace in the region, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the valuable role Kenya has played in promoting peace in the region,

| — | having regard to the African Charter of Human and People's Rights guidelines on the conduct of democratic elections, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the African Charter of Human and People's Rights guidelines on the conduct of democratic elections,

| — | having regard to the African Union Declaration on the Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa (2002), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the African Union Declaration on the Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa (2002),

| — | having regard to the Decision of the Assembly of the African Union on the situation in Kenya following the presidential election of 27 December 2007, at its meeting in Addis Ababa from 31 January to 2 February 2008 (10th Ordinary Session), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Decision of the Assembly of the African Union on the situation in Kenya following the presidential election of 27 December 2007, at its meeting in Addis Ababa from 31 January to 2 February 2008 (10th Ordinary Session),

| — | having regard to the Pact on Security, Stability, and Development in the Great Lakes Region, signed on 16 December 2006 in Nairobi, Kenya, by the Heads of State and Government of the countries in the Great Lakes Region, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Pact on Security, Stability, and Development in the Great Lakes Region, signed on 16 December 2006 in Nairobi, Kenya, by the Heads of State and Government of the countries in the Great Lakes Region,

| — | having regard to the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation and Code of Conduct for International Election Observers, commemorated at the United Nations on 27 October 2005, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation and Code of Conduct for International Election Observers, commemorated at the United Nations on 27 October 2005,

| — | having regard to the Preliminary Statement of 1 January 2008 of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EUEOM) in Kenya and to the European Parliament resolution of 17 January 2008 on Kenya, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Preliminary Statement of 1 January 2008 of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EUEOM) in Kenya and to the European Parliament resolution of 17 January 2008 on Kenya,

| — | having regard to the Partnership Agreement between the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, of the one part and the European Community and its Member States, of the other part, signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000 (the ‘Cotonou Agreement’) and amended in Luxembourg on 25 June 2005, in particular Articles 8 and 9 thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Partnership Agreement between the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, of the one part and the European Community and its Member States, of the other part, signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000 (the ‘Cotonou Agreement’) and amended in Luxembourg on 25 June 2005, in particular Articles 8 and 9 thereof,

| — | having regard to the valuable efforts made by the United Nations to find a solution to the crisis, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the valuable efforts made by the United Nations to find a solution to the crisis,

| A. | whereas the people of Kenya in exercise of their democratic rights turned out in large numbers on 27 December 2007 to choose their presidential, parliamentary and civic leaders, in which nine parties fielded presidential candidates, including President Mwai Kibaki of the Party of National Unity (PNU) and Raila Odinga of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the people of Kenya in exercise of their democratic rights turned out in large numbers on 27 December 2007 to choose their presidential, parliamentary and civic leaders, in which nine parties fielded presidential candidates, including President Mwai Kibaki of the Party of National Unity (PNU) and Raila Odinga of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM),

| B. | whereas the whole campaign period and the elections were peaceful and freedom of association, freedom of expression and freedom of assembly were broadly respected; whereas, however, the campaign was also marked by ethno-political divisions, which contributed to the volatile situation in the run up to the elections, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the whole campaign period and the elections were peaceful and freedom of association, freedom of expression and freedom of assembly were broadly respected; whereas, however, the campaign was also marked by ethno-political divisions, which contributed to the volatile situation in the run up to the elections,

| C. | whereas the two major parties, the PNU and the ODM, and their affiliate parties won 103 and 104 seats respectively out of 210 seats in the national parliament, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas the two major parties, the PNU and the ODM, and their affiliate parties won 103 and 104 seats respectively out of 210 seats in the national parliament,

| D. | whereas international and domestic observers concluded that, overall, the election process prior to tabulation was well managed and that the parliamentary elections could be deemed largely successful, but that the presidential election tallying lacked credibility, and therefore expressed doubts as to the accuracy of the results, |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas international and domestic observers concluded that, overall, the election process prior to tabulation was well managed and that the parliamentary elections could be deemed largely successful, but that the presidential election tallying lacked credibility, and therefore expressed doubts as to the accuracy of the results,

| E. | whereas the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK), in general, managed the electoral process well, but did not demonstrate at the counting stage in the presidential election the impartiality, transparency, confidentiality and, above all, autonomy necessary for organising credible elections, |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK), in general, managed the electoral process well, but did not demonstrate at the counting stage in the presidential election the impartiality, transparency, confidentiality and, above all, autonomy necessary for organising credible elections,

| F. | whereas the resulting tense atmosphere brought about by the announcement of the presidential election results triggered violence and arson with ethnic undertones, leaving over 1 000 dead, more than 300 000 internally displaced and about 10 000 seeking refuge in Uganda, thus causing an enormous humanitarian crisis, |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas the resulting tense atmosphere brought about by the announcement of the presidential election results triggered violence and arson with ethnic undertones, leaving over 1 000 dead, more than 300 000 internally displaced and about 10 000 seeking refuge in Uganda, thus causing an enormous humanitarian crisis,

| G. | whereas the violence was extremely intense in some areas, not only threatening the safety of hundreds of thousand of Kenyans, but also jeopardising various aspects of daily life, including economic transactions, education and health, |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas the violence was extremely intense in some areas, not only threatening the safety of hundreds of thousand of Kenyans, but also jeopardising various aspects of daily life, including economic transactions, education and health,

| H. | whereas the temporary turmoil in Kenya affected economic activities in the region, with devastating effects on land-locked neighbours; whereas the prices of people's basic necessities are increasing and many employees have lost their jobs, |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas the temporary turmoil in Kenya affected economic activities in the region, with devastating effects on land-locked neighbours; whereas the prices of people's basic necessities are increasing and many employees have lost their jobs,

| I. | whereas the efforts of the then African Union Chairman, President of the Republic of Ghana John Kufuor built ground for facilitation of dialogue undertaken by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, assisted by Graça Machel and former president Benjamin Mkapa, to resolve the dispute, |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas the efforts of the then African Union Chairman, President of the Republic of Ghana John Kufuor built ground for facilitation of dialogue undertaken by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, assisted by Graça Machel and former president Benjamin Mkapa, to resolve the dispute,

| J. | whereas the Government of Kenya and the Orange Democratic Movement embarked on Kenya National Dialogue and Reconciliation talks under the facilitation of Kofi Annan, culminating in a National Accord to create a grand coalition government, |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas the Government of Kenya and the Orange Democratic Movement embarked on Kenya National Dialogue and Reconciliation talks under the facilitation of Kofi Annan, culminating in a National Accord to create a grand coalition government,

| 1. | Hails the maturity of the people of Kenya for embracing democracy, as demonstrated by the peaceful elections conducted on 27 December 2007; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Hails the maturity of the people of Kenya for embracing democracy, as demonstrated by the peaceful elections conducted on 27 December 2007;

| 2. | Deeply deplores the loss of innocent lives and the critical humanitarian situation brought about by the post-election violence; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Deeply deplores the loss of innocent lives and the critical humanitarian situation brought about by the post-election violence;

| 3. | Condemns all acts of violence that have taken place, for which there can be no impunity, and underlines the need to protect the human rights of all in Kenya, to stop the abuses and gender-related violence and to ensure respect for international humanitarian law; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Condemns all acts of violence that have taken place, for which there can be no impunity, and underlines the need to protect the human rights of all in Kenya, to stop the abuses and gender-related violence and to ensure respect for international humanitarian law;

| 4. | Deeply regrets the death of Melitus Were and David Kimutai Too, two newly elected Members of Parliament, and expresses solidarity with the Kenyan Parliament on the loss of colleagues; |
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4.

Deeply regrets the death of Melitus Were and David Kimutai Too, two newly elected Members of Parliament, and expresses solidarity with the Kenyan Parliament on the loss of colleagues;

| 5. | Calls for all acts of violence to be urgently and thoroughly investigated through appropriate means and in a way that helps to restore the trust of the Kenyan people in democracy; |
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5.

Calls for all acts of violence to be urgently and thoroughly investigated through appropriate means and in a way that helps to restore the trust of the Kenyan people in democracy;

| 6. | Also calls on the Government of Kenya to ensure that offences under the Electoral Offences Act are impartially and rigorously investigated and perpetrators held accountable for their actions, and in this regard commends the creation of the Election Inquiry Commission; |
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6.

Also calls on the Government of Kenya to ensure that offences under the Electoral Offences Act are impartially and rigorously investigated and perpetrators held accountable for their actions, and in this regard commends the creation of the Election Inquiry Commission;

| 7. | Further calls on the Kenyan authorities to ensure adequate protection and assistance for all displaced persons, wherever they are, without ethnic discrimination, and to meet their obligations regarding the social and economic rights of those displaced (access to food, health and education services), resettlement and land disputes; |
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7.

Further calls on the Kenyan authorities to ensure adequate protection and assistance for all displaced persons, wherever they are, without ethnic discrimination, and to meet their obligations regarding the social and economic rights of those displaced (access to food, health and education services), resettlement and land disputes;

| 8. | Calls on all parties to put in place, and to promote, a sequence of confidence-building measures in order to encourage the safe return and resettlement of the refugees and internally displaced persons; |
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8.

Calls on all parties to put in place, and to promote, a sequence of confidence-building measures in order to encourage the safe return and resettlement of the refugees and internally displaced persons;

| 9. | Is deeply concerned at the repercussions of the political crisis, its detrimental effect on the country's socioeconomic development and the economic consequences for neighbouring countries, which depend to a large extent on Kenya's infrastructure and whose humanitarian situation is being undermined by the crisis; |
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9.

Is deeply concerned at the repercussions of the political crisis, its detrimental effect on the country's socioeconomic development and the economic consequences for neighbouring countries, which depend to a large extent on Kenya's infrastructure and whose humanitarian situation is being undermined by the crisis;

| 10. | Strongly condemns the increase in sexual violence that has occurred as a result of the political turmoil, and is particularly concerned by the plight of women and girls in refugee camps; calls, in this respect, on the Kenyan authorities to ensure appropriate medical care for victims and calls for the police to encourage them to report crimes and to take all reports of sexual violence seriously; |
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10.

Strongly condemns the increase in sexual violence that has occurred as a result of the political turmoil, and is particularly concerned by the plight of women and girls in refugee camps; calls, in this respect, on the Kenyan authorities to ensure appropriate medical care for victims and calls for the police to encourage them to report crimes and to take all reports of sexual violence seriously;

| 11. | Commends the Government of Kenya and the Orange Democratic Movement for embarking on a peaceful search for a solution to the political crisis arising out of the presidential elections of 27 December 2007; |
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11.

Commends the Government of Kenya and the Orange Democratic Movement for embarking on a peaceful search for a solution to the political crisis arising out of the presidential elections of 27 December 2007;

| 12. | Welcomes the National Accord between the Government and the Orange Democratic Movement on power sharing; encourages its ongoing implementation and calls for accelerated assistance in order to consolidate peace and security; |
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12.

Welcomes the National Accord between the Government and the Orange Democratic Movement on power sharing; encourages its ongoing implementation and calls for accelerated assistance in order to consolidate peace and security;

| 13. | Supports the Parliament of Kenya for initiating the legal and constitutional instruments necessary for operationalising the Accord; congratulates it for unanimously approving, on 18 March 2008, the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill and the National Accord and Reconciliation Bill, to give effect to the power-sharing agreement; |
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13.

Supports the Parliament of Kenya for initiating the legal and constitutional instruments necessary for operationalising the Accord; congratulates it for unanimously approving, on 18 March 2008, the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill and the National Accord and Reconciliation Bill, to give effect to the power-sharing agreement;

| 14. | Notes the efforts by both parties to return the country to normality through respect for of the rule of law, which is necessary for securing calm and security in all parts of the country, and respect for human life and private property; |
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14.

Notes the efforts by both parties to return the country to normality through respect for of the rule of law, which is necessary for securing calm and security in all parts of the country, and respect for human life and private property;

| 15. | Commends the international community, in particular the ACP-EU institutions, the EU, the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the East African Community (EAC) and the Panel of Eminent African Persons including former heads of state, for their great concern and the positive contribution they made during the search for peace; |
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15.

Commends the international community, in particular the ACP-EU institutions, the EU, the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the East African Community (EAC) and the Panel of Eminent African Persons including former heads of state, for their great concern and the positive contribution they made during the search for peace;

| 16. | Stresses that their response reflected the internationally agreed and fundamental principle of the responsibility to protect; |
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16.

Stresses that their response reflected the internationally agreed and fundamental principle of the responsibility to protect;

| 17. | Welcomes the humanitarian aid provided by the international community; |
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17.

Welcomes the humanitarian aid provided by the international community;

| 18. | Commends the Government, the people and the President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, for welcoming and providing security and humanitarian assistance for the Kenyan refugees; also appreciates the efforts by Yoweri Museveni in his capacity as the Chairperson of the Summit of the EAC and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting; |
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18.

Commends the Government, the people and the President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, for welcoming and providing security and humanitarian assistance for the Kenyan refugees; also appreciates the efforts by Yoweri Museveni in his capacity as the Chairperson of the Summit of the EAC and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting;

| 19. | Hails the efforts of Kofi Annan and the Panel of Eminent African Persons in assisting Kenya to resolve the political dispute; also appreciates the critical intervention by the current African Union Chairman, Jakaya M. Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania; |
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19.

Hails the efforts of Kofi Annan and the Panel of Eminent African Persons in assisting Kenya to resolve the political dispute; also appreciates the critical intervention by the current African Union Chairman, Jakaya M. Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania;

| 20. | Calls for concrete measures to establish a truly impartial electoral commission which will be better able to conduct free and fair elections in the future and to undertake the necessary judicial, constitutional and institutional reforms; |
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20.

Calls for concrete measures to establish a truly impartial electoral commission which will be better able to conduct free and fair elections in the future and to undertake the necessary judicial, constitutional and institutional reforms;

| 21. | Urges that all national law reviews address the pre-election, election and post-election periods, to allow for credible and effective mechanisms for redress of election complaints; |
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21.

Urges that all national law reviews address the pre-election, election and post-election periods, to allow for credible and effective mechanisms for redress of election complaints;

| 22. | Is concerned at the trend of political pluralism towards ethnicisation within democratisation processes, and calls for a serious study into the issue; |
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22.

Is concerned at the trend of political pluralism towards ethnicisation within democratisation processes, and calls for a serious study into the issue;

| 23. | Further urges all parties to live up to their responsibilities by engaging constructively and fully in the reconciliation process, working jointly through dialogue on all issues, including electoral, constitutional and gender-sensitive reforms, and to agree on a sustainable and consensual political solution to the crisis; |
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23.

Further urges all parties to live up to their responsibilities by engaging constructively and fully in the reconciliation process, working jointly through dialogue on all issues, including electoral, constitutional and gender-sensitive reforms, and to agree on a sustainable and consensual political solution to the crisis;

| 24. | Calls upon Kenyan civil society, religious organisations and the people of Kenya to support and promote the process of reconciliation; |
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24.

Calls upon Kenyan civil society, religious organisations and the people of Kenya to support and promote the process of reconciliation;

| 25. | Calls upon the international community to render adequate assistance for reconstruction of the affected areas, including the urgent resettlement of displaced persons, with special focus on rural areas and slums; |
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25.

Calls upon the international community to render adequate assistance for reconstruction of the affected areas, including the urgent resettlement of displaced persons, with special focus on rural areas and slums;

| 26. | Urges the Kenyan authorities to address the economic disparity between the rich and the poor in order to pave the way for a more balanced distribution of wealth in the country; urges them also to address the underlying issues, such as land ownership, that have undermined governance in the country; |
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26.

Urges the Kenyan authorities to address the economic disparity between the rich and the poor in order to pave the way for a more balanced distribution of wealth in the country; urges them also to address the underlying issues, such as land ownership, that have undermined governance in the country;

| 27. | Instructs its Co-Presidents to forward this resolution to the ACP-EU Council, the European Commission, the African Union, the Pan-African Parliament, the IGAD, the EAC, the EAC Legislative Assembly and the Government and Parliament of Kenya. |
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27.

Instructs its Co-Presidents to forward this resolution to the ACP-EU Council, the European Commission, the African Union, the Pan-African Parliament, the IGAD, the EAC, the EAC Legislative Assembly and the Government and Parliament of Kenya.

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(1)  Adopted by the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly on 20 March 2008 In Ljubljana (Slovenia).

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