B4-0222/99

Resolution on the refusal of the Council to approve the Draft Agreement on Trade and Cooperation with South Africa

The European Parliament,

A. bearing in mind that the negotiations between the EU and South Africa have been taking place for more than three years in order to conclude an Agreement which is of considerable strategic importance to both sides both politically and commercially and in terms of development, and which is also of the utmost importance for the peace, stability and development of the Southern African Region,

B. whereas the European Union must adopt a long-term perspective for its relations with South Africa which takes into account the political and economic development of the country,

C. bearing in mind the commitment made by EU Heads of State and Government in Cardiff and Vienna to conclude the Agreement as soon as possible and no later than March 1999,

D. bearing in mind the necessary compromises which must be agreed by all concerned in order to reach an agreement of this type, and regretting that certain countries, at the last minute, felt unable to make the ultimate concessions required by the compromise which virtually undermined 3½ years of negotiation efforts,

E. recalling the mandate conferred upon the Commission for the negotiation of, and Parliament's ongoing commitment to, a mutually advantageous development and trade agreement of an asymmetrical nature which recognises South Africa's specific needs as a result of the apartheid inheritance,

F. bearing in mind the compromise which was approved between the Commission - subject to Council approval - and the South African negotiating team in the margins of the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos,

G. bearing in mind the desire of the European Parliament and the South African National Assembly to approve the agreement before the expiry of their current mandate,

The European Parliament,

1. Deeply regrets the failure of the Council to approve the Draft Agreement concluded between the Commission and South Africa in Davos;

2. Fully supports the efforts of the European Commission in fulfilment of its negotiating mandate and expresses its astonishment that certain Member States questioned the integrity of the Commission negotiators in reaching a compromise proposal;

3. Notes the conclusions of the General Affairs Council which in effect fix a new deadline of 22 March 1999 for a decision;

4. Therefore calls upon the Council to urgently reconsider this matter at the first possible opportunity, in order to grant approval to the Commission's proposals and thus fulfil the expectations of Parliament and the Heads of State and Government in this respect;

5. Emphasises that an agreement between the two parties would give an important stimulus to social progress, to the development of the poorest sectors of South African society and to the consolidation of South Africa's democracy;

6. Expects that as a result of the conclusion of this agreement, cooperation between the European Union and South Africa will be continued in a renewed climate of confidence and mutual respect which will be to the advantage of all;

7. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the Government and National Assembly of South Africa.