WRITTEN QUESTION E-1864/02

by Niall Andrews (UEN) to the Council

(28 June 2002)

Subject: Spanish Presidency and sub-Saharan Africa

As the Spanish Presidency is drawing to a close will the Council state to what extent its wish to impart continuity and impetus to the European Union's policy in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in seeking settlement formulas for the major armed conflicts (Great Lakes, Western Africa and Horn of Africa) and for the domestic problems faced by countries such as Angola and Zimbabwe, has been realised?

Reply

(19 December 2002)

Insofar as the question refers to the first half of 2002, the Council would inform the Honourable Member of the following:

1. Concerning the Great Lakes region, the EU has welcomed the progress made at the meetings in the Inter-Congolese Dialogue which closed in Sun City, South Africa on 19 April 2002 after having run for 52 days. While regretting that not all resolutions discussed could be adopted,

the EU considered that the 37 reports approved establish beyond doubt the high level of commitment invested in the search for national reconciliation and peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The EU has allocated EUR 3,2 million to support the mediation efforts and the organisation of the dialogue. During the whole period it was continuously informed about the proceedings through reports from the EU Special Representative, Mr Ajello.

2. The EU has been following closely the political, military and humanitarian developments in Western Africa. In particular, the EU is concerned about the negative effects of the continued violence in the Mano River Union (Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia) on the peace process in the region. The humanitarian situation remains fluid and varies in the three countries; while developments in Sierra Leone have improved there are no positive trends in Guinea and things are getting worse in Liberia. In a Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the EU on 12 March 2002, the EU expressed its support for the initiative of the King of Morocco which brought together the three Heads of State at the Mano River Union Summit in Rabat (27 February 2002). The EU is deeply concerned by the recent intensified fighting in Liberia which can only lead to further destabilisation and increase the suffering of the population. While supporting all local and regional mediation efforts, the EU will also maintain its pressure, via the Special Representative of the Presidency for the region, Mr Hans Dahlgren, for an end to all violence and for a continued political dialogue.

3. The European Union has been active in supporting peace initiatives in the Horn of Africa in the context of IGAD.

Concerning the Somalia peace process the EU particularly welcomed IGAD's recommendation urging the Transitional National Government (TNG) and all other parties to commit themselves to combating terrorism in all its forms and called upon all parties to participate in the IGAD-facilitated dialogue without preconditions. The EU emphasised its readiness to examine ways and means of supporting IGAD's efforts with a view to resolving and completing the national reconciliation process.

In the IGAD framework the EU is also supporting initiatives to promote a comprehensive peace settlement in Sudan. Considering that the continuation of the conflict and violation of human rights constitute the main obstacles to social and economic development, the EU considers its contribution to the peace process to be a priority.

The EU welcomed the decision of the boundary Commission on the final legal settlement of the position of the Ethiopia/Eritrea border which is considered to be a central element of the comprehensive peace agreement signed between the two countries on 12 December 2000. Concerned about the serious deterioration of the internal situation in Eritrea since the end of last year, the EU reiterated the need to address these problems in the continued dialogue with the authorities.

4. The European Council in Barcelona expressed its satisfaction at the announcement of the cessation of the hostilities in Angola by the government on 13 March with a view to achieving a global cease-fire in the country. This statement was followed up by the GAC on 13 May, which welcomed the Commission's intention to contribute to the alleviation of the humanitarian situation in the country as well as to assist the different phases of the Peace Process. The Council also expressed its willingness to support the efforts of the Angolan people to bring lasting peace, stability and sustainable development to the country. In this context the Council is also preparing a review of its Common Position on Angola.

5. Seriously concerned about the developments leading up to the elections in Zimbabwe from 9 to 11 March this year, the Council first conducted negotiations with the country under Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement.

6. At its meeting on 18 February 2002, the Council recalled its conclusions of 28 January, under which it was agreed to implement targeted sanctions if the Government of Zimbabwe prevented the deployment of an election observation mission, or if it prevented the mission from operating effectively, or prevented the international media from having free access to cover the election, or there was a serious deterioration in the situation on the ground, in terms of a worsening of the human rights situation or attacks on the opposition, or if the election was assessed as not being free and fair. Consequently, given the continuing political violence, serious violations of human

rights and restrictions on the media in Zimbabwe, it decided on 18 February to take appropriate measures(1) and implement targeted sanctions, in particular on a number of people in Zimbabwe closely associated with the regime. When Zimbabwe subsequently prevented election observers from the EU from doing their job and when it was confirmed that the elections by all democratic standards were not free and fair, the European Council decided, on 15 and 16 March, to dispatch a high level troika to the countries of the SADC region to discuss the EU's concerns regarding Zimbabwe. The troika led by State Secretary Nadal visited Mozambique, South Africa and Malawi from 19 to 22 May and reported to the Council on 17 June on its findings.

7. On 17 June, the Council again expressed its deep concern at the deterioration in the situation and undertook to monitor events as they unfolded and act accordingly. The Union undertook to respond generously to the appeal made by the United Nations to alleviate the food and humanitarian crisis that besets Zimbabwe and other countries in the Region; it also urged the Zimbabwean authorities to review the process of agricultural reform in accordance with the proposals of the UNDP.

(1) OJ L 50, 21.2.2002.