Council Regulation (EC) No 2259/96 of 22 November 1996 on development cooperation with South Africa

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 2259/96 of 22 November 1996 on development cooperation with South Africa
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 130w thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1),
Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 189c (2),
Whereas in the past Community policy towards South Africa took the form of punitive measures involving a trade embargo and economic sanctions against the government that bore responsibility for a policy of apartheid, and also of positive measures to help the victims of apartheid under the special programme of assistance channelled via Non Governmental Organizations;
Whereas, since the elections of April 1994 and the establishment of a democratic government, the Community has turned towards a strategy of support for the policies and reforms undertaken by the South African authorities;
Whereas in its declaration of 25 May 1993 the Council expressed its support for the establishment of democratic institutions;
Whereas, in its declaration of 19 April 1994 on future relations between the Community and South Africa, the Council confirmed its support for stepping up cooperation with South Africa by focusing Community assistance on areas of activity likely to improve the living conditions of the people, and especially the poorest sections of the population;
Whereas the aim of the Agreement on cooperation between the European Community and the Republic of South Africa signed in Pretoria in October 1994 is to promote harmonious and sustainable social and economic development and constitutes the first stage in the establishment of long-term cooperation with South Africa for which a proposal for negotiating directives was submitted by the Commission to the Council on 31 March 1995;
Whereas the budgetary authority has decided, in the framework of the 1986 budget, to create a budget line to support development actions in that country;
Whereas the arrangements for administering the financial resources set aside by the Community for implementing such cooperation should be laid down;
Whereas a financial reference amount, within the meaning of point 2 of the Declaration by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission of 6 March 1995, is included in this Regulation for the duration of the programme, without thereby affecting the powers of the budgetary authority as they are defined by the Treaty,