In order to avoid such conflicts more and more countries are coming to realise that full respect must be accorded to minorities, that ethnic, religious and social discrimination must be avoided, and that the rule of law must prevail. Respect for human rights, and the application of basic democratic principles, are the best way to reduce the internal tensions that so often lead to civil strife. I have recently returned from a mission to Kenya where I saw a serious attempt being made by both the government and the opposition parties to reach agreement on the principles governing the revision of that country's constitution. Here again, the rule of law and respect for basic human rights are a prerequisite for civil cohesion. Such cohesion does not solve all problems.
Economic difficulties can persist even in countries where civil rights are scrupulously respected.
Nevertheless without respect for these rights it is very difficult to take the decisions necessary for laying the basis of economic prosperity. Intergovernmental conflicts and civil wars have different origins. Their causes and their means of resolutions are not the same. The ACP countries and the ACP regional organisations both have responsibilities and opportunities for conflict prevention and resolution. From now on the ACP-EU partnership should also have a moral and political obligation to involve itself in conflict prevention and resolution.