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La Commission européenne félicite le peuple mauritanien, les acteurs politiques et les autorités de transition pour la réalisation du premier tour des élections présidentielles dans le calme, la transparence et le respect de la loi. Elle note avec satisfaction que les libertés d'expression et de circulation ont été assurées aux candidats pendant la campagne électorale et que les autorités de transition ont respecté leur engagement de neutralité pendant le processus électoral.

Reference:  IP/07/336    Date:  15/03/2007

European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid Louis Michel is visiting the Central African Republic (CAR) from 6 to 8 March to take stock of the security situation, promote political stabilisation in the country and obtain commitments from the government in the matter of governance. While there he will sign two financing agreements: one concerns €55 million for a comprehensive programme of institutional support and measures to open up the country, including the construction of a section of the Bouar-Garoua Boulai road, and the other €13.6 million for a programme to reduce multilateral and domestic arrears. These two operations make the Commission the CAR’s biggest donor. Louis Michel will be meeting the country’s president, prime minister, ministers and representatives of civil society. He will also visit the Kaga Bandoro camp. Mr Michel’s mission is a sign of the enhanced political dialogue between the Commission and the CAR, a fragile, landlocked state experiencing security problems and the regional repercussions of the Darfur crisis.

Référence:  IP/07/303    Date:  07/03/2007

Equal opportunities and equal access to resources for both men and women is key to sustainable development. With the European Strategy to promote gender equality in development cooperation adopted today, the Commission translates into practice the EU commitment to put gender equality at the heart of its development policyThe strategy suggests concrete actions in five key areas for the promotion of gender equality: governance, employment, education, health and domestic violence.It provides guidelines on how to improve gender mainstreaming in development policy and shows the potential of budget support for the promotion of gender equality.

Référence:  IP/07/310    Date:  08/03/2007

Le Commissaire Européen au Développement et à l'Aide Humanitaire, M. Louis Michel, se félicite de la conclusion positive du dialogue direct entre les principaux acteurs de la crise ivoirienne qui a donné lieu, le 4 mars, à Ouagadougou à la signature d'un accord politique entre le Président Gbagbo et le Secrétaire Général des Forces Nouvelles, Guillaume Soro. Cet accord a pu être signé grâce à la facilitation du Président de la CEDEAO, le Président du Burkina Faso, Blaise Compaoré.

Référence:  IP/07/307    Date:  08/03/2007

"Assemblée nationale de la République centrafricaine"
Bangui, le 7 mars 2007

Référence:  SPEECH/07/132    Date:  08/03/2007

Harcèlement des agences humanitaires au Darfour: la Commission européenne exige à toutes les parties le respect du Droit international humanitaire

Le Commissaire européen en charge du Développement et de l'Aide Humanitaire, Louis Michel, s'est dit "gravement préoccupé par la poursuite des violences à l'encontre des populations civiles dans la province soudanaise du Darfour, ainsi que par la détérioration des conditions de sécurité pour les organisations humanitaires". Il a lancé "un nouvel appel à l'ensemble des parties au conflit pour assurer le respect du personnel et de l'intégrité des organisations humanitaires et de leur permettre d'exercer leur mission d'assistance et de protection en toute sécurité partout où les besoins des populations civiles le nécessitent, comme l'exige le droit international humanitaire".

Référence: IP/07/232       Date: 23/02/2007

Louis Michel, Commissaire européen au Développement et à l'Aide humanitaire : "Ensemble rendons l'espoir aux Libériens"

"Liberia Partners's Forum"
USA, Washington D.C., 13-14 février 2007

C'est pour moi un grand honneur de représenter aujourd’hui la Commission Européenne co-organisatrice avec la Banque Mondiale, les Etats Unis, le FMI et la BAD de ce Forum consacré à la République du Libéria.L'Europe, et la Commission européenne en particulier, a toujours été aux cotés du pays, même pendant les moments les plus difficiles.Je pense ne pas avoir besoin de vous réitérer l’importance capitale que nous attachons tous à la stabilité et au développement de la République du Libéria. L'avenir de ce pays est un élément majeur de la région du Mano River et de toute l'Afrique de l'Ouest.Si nous le voulons, si notre engagement est suffisamment ambitieux, s'il est suffisamment diligent, alors le Liberia peut devenir un exemple de réussite qui servira de référence pour un continent qui en a besoin. C'est fort de cette conviction que nous avons réuni les donateurs autour de cette table.

Référence:  SPEECH/07/84       Date:  16/02/2007

Javier SOLANA, EU High Representative for the CFSP, welcomes today's appointment of Roeland VAN DE GEER as EU Special Representative for the Great Lakes Region :

Javier SOLANA, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), welcomed the Council's appointment today of Roeland VAN DE GEER as the European Union Special Representative for the Great Lakes Region in Africa:
"I am very pleased that the Council has appointed, on the basis of my recommendation, Roeland Van de Geer as EU Special Representative for the Great Lakes Region. Mr Van de Geer will have a key role in promoting a coherent overall EU approach towards the challenges facing the Great Lakes Region in the coming year. He will focus on stabilizing the post-electoral period in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with particular emphasis on the reform of the security sector and the fostering of democratic institutions. Another important aspect of his work will be the consolidation of the democratic process in Burundi as well as ensuring constructive cooperation with Uganda and Rwanda in regional matters. He will also help address the still considerable
problem of armed groups operating across the borders and he will encourage substantial follow-up to the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region.

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Javier SOLANA, Haut Représentant de l'Union européenne pour la PESC, s'inquiète de la dégradation de la situation en Guinée :

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La Commission européenne condamne la suspension des libertés fondamentales en Guinée
La Commission européenne exprime son extrême préoccupation par rapport à la dégradation de la situation politique en Guinée et condamne vivement la suspension effective des droits individuels et des libertés fondamentales suite à la déclaration de l'état de siège dans le pays. Elle déplore les pertes de vies humaines à la suite des violentes actions des forces de l'ordre, la violation continuée des droits de l'homme et la suppression de toute liberté. Elle déplore également les mesures répressives mises en œuvre contre les radios privées et regrette que celles-ci aient été pillées, leur personnel arrêté et elles-mêmes forcées de suspendre leurs émissions.
Le Commissaire européen au Développement et à l’Aide humanitaire, Louis Michel, a "regretté le refus des autorités guinéennes d'écouter les nombreux appels à la modération et au dialogue, ainsi que l'éloignement progressif du pays par rapport à la communauté internationale". Il a également "déploré la perte de vies humaines et le manque de respect des droits de l'Homme et des principes de l'Etat de Droit, éléments essentiels de l'Accord de Cotonou dont la Guinée est signataire".
La Commission européenne appelle au respect des engagements qui avaient mené au mois de janvier à la suspension de la grève générale et à la relance du dialogue entre les parties prenantes guinéennes. La Commission continuera de suivre très attentivement l’évolution des événements et encourage la CEDEAO (Communauté économique des Etats de l'Afrique de l'Ouest) à poursuivre ses efforts dans le sens de promouvoir des solutions pacifiques et consensuelles à la crise en Guinée.

Sources : Commission Européenne

Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union
on the situation in the Republic of Guinea

The European Union welcomes the agreement reached on 27 January 2007 between the unions and the Government, which provides for the appointment of a Prime Minister with executive powers.
The European Union very much hopes that that appointment will be made without delay and by consensus, that it will help to bring the political crisis to an end, and that it will enable the EU to resume a constructive dialogue with the new authorities in the framework of the consultations under way since 2004 under the Cotonou agreement.

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Réunion de Haut Niveau Union Européenne – Mali
sur les Migrations et le Développement – 8 février 2007

Dans le cadre du dialogue euro-africain sur les migrations et le développement, M. Louis Michel, Commissaire européen au Développement et à l'Aide humanitaire, Mme Brigitte Girardin, Ministre déléguée à la Coopération au Développement et à la Francophonie de la République Française et M. Bernardino León, Secrétaire d’Etat aux Affaires Etrangères du Royaume d’Espagne, ont effectué une mission au Mali dans le but de contribuer à la mise en œuvre de l'approche globale de l'UE sur la migration et le développement. Dans ce contexte, une Réunion de Haut Niveau Mali - CEDEAO - Union Européenne a eu lieu à Bamako le 8 février 2007. La réunion a été présidée par Son Excellence Monsieur Ousmane Issoufi MAIGA, Premier Ministre, Chef du Gouvernement du Mali. La CEDEAO était représentée par M. Baber Tandina, Directeur a.i. de la libre circulation des personnes.

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EU to deploy Election Observation Mission to Mauritania Presidential Elections

Following an invitation from the Government of Mauritania, the European Commission has decided to deploy an EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Mauritania for the Presidential elections scheduled to take place on 11 March 2007. The EU EOM will be led by French Member of the European Parliament, Marie-Anne Isler-Béguin. These elections follow the recent municipal and legislative elections, also observed by the EU[1], and will complete the electoral cycle launched by the Mauritanian authorities 6 months ago with the successful constitutional referendum.

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Council Conclusions on Sudan
2780th EXTERNAL RELATIONS Council meeting
Brussels, 12 February 2007

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Inauguration des travaux de la route Kaedi-M’Bout-Selibaby-Gouraye : intervention de l’Union européenne de 62 millions d’euros

Les travaux de la route Kaedi-MBout-Selibaby-Gouraye ont été officiellement inaugurés ce vendredi 9 février à Selibaby par le Chef de l’Etat, Colonel Ely OULD MOHAMED VALL, et par les Ambassadeurs de l’Union européenne basés en Mauritanie, à savoir SEM Ernst-Joachim DÖRING, Ambassadeur d’Allemagne, SEM Alejandro Polanco MATA, Ambassadeur d’Espagne, SEM Patrick NICOLOSO, Ambassadeur de France et SEM Jean-Eric PAQUET, Ambassadeur – Chef de la Délégation de la Commission européenne en Mauritanie.

Sources : Commission Européenne .  More info

European Commission calls for increasing international mobilization against female genital mutilation

Development Commissioner Louis Michel today welcomed the increasing mobilization of the international community to combat female genital mutilation. Since a long time, the European Commission has made a priority of  this in its political dialogue with the developing countries.Marking the International Day for Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation, Commissioner Michel said: "We call on the entire international community to join us in supporting the movement for eradication of this abominable mutilation. This is a human rights issue Let us all use the means at our disposal to make this mutilation a thing of the past. Campaigning once a year is just not enough. It may be good for some consciences, but it's just not enough. The European Commission seizes every opportunity available to take up the matter in its political dialogue with its partners in the developing countries’ and we expects others to do so."In the 21st century, about two million young women are still subjected to genital mutilation every year. They risk death and, if they survive their injury, they face the prospect of disability and very risky childbirths. Most people still think this mutilation is something that happens only in Africa, the Middle East and some Asian countries. In fact, increasing mobility of populations from those parts of the world means we are seeing growing numbers of women cut in the European Union."Poverty and gender inequality are at the roots of this profound violation of women’s rights. Our answer must be to encourage the empowerment of women through education and through efficient enforcement of laws against mutilation. Once women understand the profound consequences that mutilation can have for health and wellbeing, they will be able to make informed choices about whether to accept traditional cutting of their daughters", Commissioner Michel added.Encouraging is that many African countries have already enacted laws criminalising genital mutilation.

Background
World Health Organisation estimate that 150 million women and girls have been subjected to this practise and that an additional 2 million girls are at risk of being subjected annually. This corresponds to 5500 mutilations per day. Female genital mutilation (FGM) has consequences for pregnancies and childbirth and women which have been subject to cutting are more likely to end up with obstetric fistula. FGM is prevalent in 28 African countries, in a few Arab and Asian countries and among some African immigrants in Europe and the US. 14 African countries have enacted laws criminalising FGM. Most countries have today legislation in place prohibiting FGM, but enforcement of these laws is difficult in particular in rural areas.Female genital mutilation is one of the inter-related human rights and sexual and reproductive health problems the EU is committed to address as part of its policy for providing support in developing countries. This is a highly sensitive issue in many countries difficult to address as most deep rooted traditions are.

There is a specific commitment to eradicate female genital mutilation in the Cotonou Agreement with 79 African, Caribbean and Pacific countries. Partnership countries should ensure that FGM is eliminated. Under the Cotonou Agreement the political dialogue between the Commission and the partner countries include human rights issues.

Sources : Commission Européenne

Javier SOLANA,
Haut Représentant de l'Union européenne pour la PESC
salue la formation du nouveau gouvernement en République Démocratique du Congo

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The EU and the African Union launch the consultation process on a Joint EU-Africa Strategy (EN/FR)

English version

Commissioner Louis Michel and the Chairman of the Commission of the African Union Alpha Oumar Konaré today launched the public consultation process on a joint EU-Africa Strategy which shall develop a political vision and practical elements for the future partnership between the EU and Africa.
For the first time ever the European Union and the African Union, will develop a joint strategy for the future of their partnership. This strategy should be adopted by the EU/Africa summit in Lisbon in the second half of 2007.
In 2005, the EU presented its own Africa Strategy, putting Africa at the heart of its political agenda. With the new EU-Africa strategy which will be agreed jointly between the European Union and the African Union, a decisive step will be made to further develop the existing political and strategic partnership between both continents, a partnership based on common interests and mutual respect.
In order to define the main challenges, objectives and priorities of the EU-Africa Strategy, a wide consultation process of stakeholders in Europe and Africa has been launched today by Commissioner Michel and Alpha Omar Konaré, chairman of the Commission of the African Union. At this occasion Commissioner Michel said: "I would like to invite today members of the civil society, trade unions, entrepreneurs and all African and European citizens concerned and committed by the future of our continents to make your voices heard and provide your valuable input to this important process."
The HE. Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, Professor Konaré said, “I request all Africans, whatever their social status is, in Africa and in the Diaspora to participate in this consultation. This is your opportunity to be part of the development of the joint Strategy for our future partnership with the European Union. You are the voice of Africa so rise up and be heard through your respective input in this consultative process.”
The consultation launched today is designed to collect opinions about the future of Euro-African relations addressing challenges or suggesting solutions to issues that may shape the EU's and Africa's common future. In a two-stage process, the consultation will feed first into a draft discussed at the EU-Africa Ministerial troika meeting in Brussels on 15 May and secondly into the final EU-Africa strategy which should be adopted towards the end of the year at the EU/Africa summit.
The consultation is carried out via a special website http://europafrica.org which is managed on behalf of the EU and the AU by an independent foundation, the European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM).

Version Française

L’Union Européen et l’Union Africaine lancent le processus de consultation de la stratégie conjointe UE - Afrique
Le Commissaire Louis Michel et le Président de la Commission de l’Union Africaine, Alpha Oumar Konaré, ont officiellement lancé aujourd’hui le processus de consultation d’une stratégie conjointe EU-Afrique visant à développer la vision politique et la praticabilité d’un partenariat futur entre l’Union Européenne et l’Afrique.
C’est une première dans l’histoire du partenariat des deux institutions, qu’une stratégie commune sera développée entre l’Union Européenne et l’Union Africaine. Cette stratégie sera adoptée lors du Sommet UE/Afrique, qui se tiendra dans le deuxième semestre de 2007 à Lisbonne.
En 2005, l’UE avait présenté sa Stratégie pour l’Afrique, une stratégie centrée sur son programme politique. L’entente des deux parties sur la nouvelle stratégie UE – Afrique, marquera un pas décisif dans le développement politique et dans la stratégie de partenariat existant entre les deux continents. Ce partenariat est basé sur les intérêts communs et le respect mutuel des deux parties.
En ce qui concerne les principaux défis, objectifs et priorités de la stratégie UE -Afrique, une large consultation regroupant les opérateurs économiques Européens et Africains a été lancée aujourd’hui par le Commissaire Michel et le Président de la Commission Alpha Oumar Konaré.
“ J’aimerai en ce jour inviter les membres de la société civile, les syndicalistes, les entrepreneurs et tous les citoyens Africains et Européens qui se sentiront concernés par l’avenir de nos deux continents à bien vouloir s’engager davantage et lever leurs voix tout en mettant l’input nécessaire pour faire avancer le processus” a noté le Commissaire Michel.
Le Président de la Commission de l’Union Africaine, le Professeur Konaré a, à ce propos, lancé un appel à « tous les africains, tous statuts sociaux confondus, en Afrique et dans la Diaspora, à prendre part à cette Consultation, qui constitue, a-t-il indiqué « une opportunité pour tous de prendre part au développement de la stratégie conjointe en vue d’assurer un avenir meilleur pour l’Afrique à travers le partenariat UE/Afrique. » « Vous êtes la voix de l’Afrique alors levez vous et faites vous entendre à travers vos inputs respectifs à ce processus » a-t-il ajouté.
Les consultations en cours visent à enregistrer un certain nombre d’opinions en ce qui concerne l’avenir des relations Euro - africaines, tout en évoquant les défis et suggérant les solutions aux sujets qui pourraient influencer l’avenir commun de l’UE et de l’Afrique.
Suivant une procédure à deux étapes, la consultation sera présentée, dans un premier temps, sous forme de projet lors de la réunion de la troïka ministérielle EU-Africa, prévue pour le 15 mai à Bruxelles, ensuite elle sera examinée comme stratégie finale EU-Africa et soumise pour adoption, à la fin de l’année 2007, lors du Sommet UE /Afrique.
Les consultations se feront, également, à travers un site spécial sur Internet : http://europafrique.org/ conçu pour l’occasion par une Fondation Indépendante appelée, le Centre Européen pour la Gestion des Politiques de Développement, (ECDPM).

Sources : European Commission

Javier SOLANA, Haut Représentant de l'Union européenne pour la PESC,
félicite le Président Kufuor pour son élection à la présidence de l'Union africaine :

Javier SOLANA, Haut Représentant de l'Union européenne pour la politique étrangère et de
sécurité commune (PESC), adresse ses très sincères félicitations au Président du Ghana, M. John
Kufuor, pour son élection à la présidence de l'Union africaine, intervenue hier lors du Sommet
d'Addis-Abeba.
Cette élection consensuelle va consolider les perspectives de partenariat entre l'Union africaine et
l'Union européenne pour la résolution des crises du Darfour, de la Somalie et de la Côte d'Ivoire, sur
lesquelles l'Union européenne et le HR en particulier sont mobilisés.

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Fiji: Commission proposes opening of consultations following military take-over

The Commission today proposed the opening of Consultations under the Agreement between the EU and 76 countries in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific (Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement). This move reflects continuing concern about the situation in Fiji regarding human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law, and could ultimately lead to the suspension of EU cooperation with Fiji. The proposal will now be discussed by the 27 Member States of the European Union.

Commissioner responsible for Development, Humanitarian Aid and Relations with Africa, the Caribbean and Pacific States, Louis Michel, said: "I have proposed to the EU Member States to take this step because of human rights abuses, breach of democratic principles and lack of respect for the rule of law. With the welfare of the people of Fiji in mind, we hope that the situation can be remedied through consultations and that we can avoid suspension of our cooperation."

  Reference:  IP/07/57    Date : 17/ 01/ 2007

Council Conclusions on Somalia
2776th EXTERNAL RELATIONS Council meeting

Brussels, 22 January 2007

The Council adopted the following conclusions:
"1 The EU believes that a window of opportunity exists for a sustainable solution to Somalia's
difficulties. It considers that the current momentum should be seized by all parties in order
to reach a durable political settlement that will enable Somalia to achieve lasting peace,
development and prosperity.

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Council Conclusions on Sudan
2776th EXTERNAL RELATIONS Council meeting

The Council adopted the following conclusions:
"1. The Council remains greatly concerned about the security, humanitarian and human rights
situation in Darfur, which is clearly intolerable. It condemns the continuing ceasefire
violations by the parties to the conflict and denounces in particular air strikes against
civilian targets carried out by the Sudanese Air Force, such as the bombing of villages in
North Darfur on 29 December and on 5 January. Stressing the urgent need for an
immediate cessation of hostilities, the Council demands that all parties refrain from any
form of violence against civilians and organisations providing humanitarian assistance.
The Council expects the Sudanese authorities to fulfil its responsibility to provide effective
protection to all the citizens and to put an end to impunity in Darfur.

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La Commission européenne condamne la violence et appelle au dialogue en République de Guinée

La Commission européenne exprime sa très vive préoccupation par rapport à la dégradation de la situation politique en Guinée. Elle condamne les violentes interventions des forces de l'ordre et appelle à la modération et au civisme lors des manifestations organisées dans le cadre de la grève générale en cours.
Le Commissaire européen au Développement et à l’Aide humanitaire, Louis Michel, a "déploré la perte de nombreuses vies humaines et encouragé les différents intervenants à poursuivre un dialogue constructif pour mettre en œuvre les réformes politiques nécessaires". Le Commissaire a également "appelé le pouvoir exécutif et les autres parties prenantes à respecter les principes de l'Etat de droit et à approfondir les discussions pour débloquer la situation dans le respect des procédures constitutionnellement prévues". Dans ce sens, le Commissaire Michel a salué la décision de la CEDEAO (Communauté économique des Etats de l'Afrique de l'Ouest) d'envoyer une délégation à Conakry pour entamer des consultations avec les différents acteurs politiques guinéens.
La Commission européenne continuera à soutenir le processus de renforcement de la démocratie et la mise en place de conditions pour l'expression démocratique dans le cadre de la Constitution. La Commission suit très attentivement l’évolution des événements et, le moment venu, appréciera la situation en fonction des dispositions applicables de l’Accord de Cotonou dont la Guinée est signataire.
Sources : Commission Européenne

MALAYSIA AND THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION HELD THE FIRST ROUND OF NEGOTIATIONS ON A FLEGT VOLUNTARY PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT.

The first Malaysia-European Commission Senior Officials Meeting on a Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade – Voluntary Partnership Agreement (FLEGT-VPA) was held in Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia on Friday the 19th of January 2006.
The meeting was opened by H.E. Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui, Federal Minister for Plantation Industries and Commodities. Minister Datuk Peter Chin expressed the hope that both sides could finalise the VPA by the end of 2007.
Malaysia and the EC agreed on the broad areas of work necessary to lay the foundation for an effective FLEGT Partnership Agreement, including work on how to identify and track legally harvested timber and derived products, EU market access and capacity building.
Both parties emphasized the importance of building a broad base of support for the agreement through effective stakeholder consultation with relevant parties including NGOs and the private sector.
The EC Delegation welcomed the leadership demonstrated by Malaysia in moving ahead with the negotiations and reflected that progress with such agreements could pave the way for a future international framework to address the problem of trade in illegal timber and timber products.
The Second Senior Officials Meeting will be held on 17 and 18 April 2007 in Brussels.
Sources : European Commission

Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union
on the acquittal of five accused persons in Burundi :

The European Union, which had expressed its concern when the accused were arrested,
welcomes the acquittal and release of the public figures implicated in the preparation of a
putative attempted coup in Burundi. It also welcomes the recent release of the journalists
and activists from civil society. These releases contribute to a positive climate which
strengthens the rule of law and democratic institutions.

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Indonesia and EU agree to tackle illegal logging through a "FLEGT" Partnership

The Hon. M.S. Kaban, Minister of Forestry of Indonesia met Commissioners Louis Michel and Stavros Dimas, responsible for Development and Environment respectively, in Brussels on 8th January 2007. They agreed to initiate formal negotiations towards conclusion of a voluntary partnership agreement (VPA) on Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT), which will provide assurance that Indonesian forest products imported to the EU are verified to be legal. The agreement will also provide for cooperation, including capacity building, market and technical studies and knowledge-sharing.

Référence:  IP/07/25

Presentation by Javier Solana, EU High Representative for the CFSP, on the Democratic Republic of Congo / EUFOR at the United Nations Security Council New York, Tuesday, 9 January 2007:

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Commissioner Louis Michel condemns the military take-over in Fiji

On 5 December 2006 the commander of Fiji's military has declared that he has taken over the government of Fiji.

Louis Michel, Commissioner for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid firmly condemns this unlawful act by Fiji's military.  He calls for an immediate return to the constitutional order and the restoration of good governance. EU is firmly committed to the Pacific island states. In May this year the Commission published its first ever strategy on EU relations with the Pacific islands. The strategy, endorsed by the Council in July, is aiming at strengthening the partnership with the Pacific notably through an enhanced political dialogue and a new framework for cooperation.A coup d'etat by the military constitutes a violation of the Cotonou Agreement of which Fiji is a signatory and, hence, committed to the essential elements regarding human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law, as established in Article 9 of this Agreement. Such a violation triggers a number of instruments, notably consultations between the parties under Article 96 on appropriate measures in order to remedy the situation, and which may lead to a suspension of cooperation as a last resort.

Sources : Commission Européenne.   Date : 7 / 12 / 2006 .

European Commission proposes doubling European aid to support democratic government in the Congo

After more than 40 years of dictatorship and war, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) now has a President elected by direct universal suffrage, a modern Constitution that has been ratified by an overwhelming majority, and a democratic Parliament representing all of its citizens. The Commissioner for development and humanitarian aid, Louis Michel, who is going to Kinshasa on 6 December for the investiture of President Joseph Kabila, is proposing to double European development aid to support the reconstruction of the Congolese State. An initial package of €33 million will be used to strengthen governance and the institutions serving the country's citizens.

Reference:  IP/06/1675    Date:  04/12/2006

La Commission européenne salue l'annonce des résultats de la présidentielle en RDC et encourage l'effort collectif pour faire du Congo un modèle pour la région et l'Afrique toute entière.

Suite à l'annonce officielle des résultats par la Cour Suprême de Justice, la Commission européenne tient à féliciter Joseph Kabila pour son élection  à la Présidence de la République. Il s'agit d'une étape clé dans la poursuite de la mise en place des institutions démocratiques.

Le Commissaire européen au Développement et à l'Aide humanitaire, Louis Michel, a déclaré: "Je félicite chaleureusement Joseph Kabila pour sa victoire et tiens à l'assurer du soutien de la Commission européenne dans la tâche qui l'incombe. Je tiens également à adresser mes sincères félicitations à Jean Pierre Bemba qui a recueilli un très large soutien de la part de la population, ainsi qu'au peuple Congolais, pour son civisme et sa maturité depuis le début du processus."Après plus de 40 ans de dictature et de guerres, la République démocratique du Congo voit donc son premier Président élu au suffrage universel. Cette nouvelle étape clé dans le processus de transition, entamé en 2002, fait suite à la mise en place en septembre dernier de la première Assemblée nationale élue et multipartiste."

Je suis très heureux de voir le Congo prendre résolument le chemin de la démocratisation et de la stabilité" a déclaré Louis Michel, pour continuer: " Une nouvelle ère commence: celle de l'unité, du développement et de la réconciliation. J'invite l'ensemble des citoyens et des acteurs politiques et économiques à saisir l'opportunité qui leur est offerte de faire de ce magnifique pays un modèle pour la région et l'Afrique toute entière."

Le Commissaire s'est dit confiant "que le Président Kabila saura rassembler l'ensemble des Congolais autour d'un projet de reconstruction nationale dans l'esprit de l'inclusivité politique et du respect de la bonne gouvernance." 

De nombreux défis attendent le nouveau Président et son gouvernement afin de permettre à la population de bénéficier des fruits de la démocratie. "Les dividendes de la démocratie requièrent les efforts et la patience de chacun. La Commission européenne s'engage à soutenir le peuple Congolais, le Parlement, et le nouveau gouvernement dans cet effort collectif. " a-t-il ajouté.

 Depuis 2002, la Commission européenne a appuyé le processus de transition en République démocratique du Congo, dont 165 millions d'euros pour financer le processus électoral. La Commission va maintenant pouvoir définir avec le nouveau gouvernement son programme de coopération jusqu'à 2013, programme qui portera sur  plus de 400 millions d'euros. 

Sorces : Commission Européenne.  Date : 27/11/2006

Dans son discours prononcé ce matin à Berlin, le Commissaire européen au développement et à l'Aide humanitaire, Louis Michel invite la Présidence allemande à utiliser sa double Présidence de l'UE et du G8 en 2007 pour remettre l'Afrique au centre de l'agenda international. Par solidarité, par responsabilité et par intérêt mutuel géostratégique et économique.

"Il est temps de remettre l'Afrique au centre de la politique extérieure européenne"

Conférence publique sur la Stratégie Afrique
Berlin, le 28 novembre 2006

Mesdames, Messieurs,

Chers amis,

Je voudrais tout d'abord remercier la KfW de m'accueillir dans ses locaux prestigieux. Je suis particulièrement satisfait de l'occasion que vous me donnez de vous exposer la stratégie de l'Union Européenne pour l'Afrique. Vous savez que l'Afrique occupe une place spéciale dans mon agenda, dans ma politique et dans ma vision du monde de demain. C'est un engagement qui trouve sa source dans le respect que je ressens pour ces hommes, ces femmes et ces enfants que je rencontre lors de mes nombreux voyages; un engagement basé sur l'indignation et l'urgence quant à la pauvreté et les conflits qui continuent à ravager ce continent. Mais un engagement aussi basé sur l'optimisme que m'inspire l'autre visage de l'Afrique, trop souvent négligé par les médias et caractérisé par une nouvelle génération de leaders africains, déterminés à prendre le destin de leur pays dans leurs mains.

Reference : SPEECH/06/753

La Commission européenne condamne les violences au Tchad

La Commission européenne exprime sa plus vive préoccupation concernant la situation au Tchad et lance un appel à l'arrêt immédiat des combats et au calme.
Le Commissaire européen au développement et à l'aide humanitaire, Louis Michel, condamne fermement les violences de ces derniers jours ainsi que toute tentative de déstabilisation par la force, et demande aux différents groupes armés de cesser les hostilités. Le Commissaire Michel exprime également son inquiétude quant aux effets que la crise tchadienne pourrait avoir au niveau sous-régional. Le Commissaire Michel tient à rappeler que "seul un dialogue politique, pacifique et constructif peut apporter une issue à la crise actuelle".

Sources : Commission Européenne.  Date : 28 novembre 2006

Louis Michel
Commissaire européen au Développement et à l'Aide humanitaire
"Promouvoir une migration accompagnée"
Conférence ministérielle UE-Afrique sur la migration et le développement
Tripoli, 22-23 novembre 2006

Je suis particulièrement heureux de pouvoir m'adresser à vous, dans le cadre de cette première conférence euro-africaine sur la migration.

Que de chemin parcouru, mais aussi que de tragédies, pour en arriver aujourd'hui à un dialogue commun sur un problème commun que ni l'Europe seule, ni l'Afrique seule, ne peuvent gérer chacun de leur côté.

Il a été beaucoup question, depuis hier, des flux migratoires entre l'Afrique et l'Union européenne - comment les gérer, comment les contrôler et comment en faire un facteur de développement pour les deux continents?

Lorsqu'on aborde la question des migrations, les réflexions portent surtout sur les mouvements migratoires du Sud vers le Nord. Pourtant, à l'heure de la mondialisation, les réalités migratoires sont beaucoup plus dynamiques que cela.

More info Reference:  SPEECH/06/735

The EU meets the entire African continent in Tripoli to launch a partnership on migration and development

The first Ministerial Conference on Migration and Development between the EU and the entire African continent will take place on 22 and 23 November in Tripoli. On this occasion, the EU and Africa will agree to work together in a spirit of mutual partnership and shared responsibility to manage migration more effectively for the benefit of the two continents. The Conference should be seen in the context of the comprehensive approach to migration that the European Union is developing. It aims to make migration meet the interests and priorities of countries of origin, transit and destination, as well as migrants themselves, by fostering partnerships with third countries and international organisations and bringing together the various policy areas that are relevant to migration, such as good governance, human rights and development policies. Vice-President Frattini, responsible for Justice, Freedom and Security and Commissioner Louis Michel, responsible for Development Policy and Humanitarian will particpate.

Reference : MEMO/06/437

La Commission européenne félicite le peuple congolais pour son civisme et sa participation à l’élection présidentielle

La Commission européenne félicite le people congolais pour son civisme et sa participation dans le calme aux élections présidentielle et provinciales. Une fois de plus depuis le début du processus électoral, le peuple congolais a fait preuve de maturité, de sérénité et d'engouement.
Le Commissaire européen au Développement et à l'Aide humanitaire, Louis Michel, a déclaré: "Je suis particulièrement heureux d'avoir, dès son début, fait confiance à ce processus, au peuple congolais et à ses acteurs. Avec ce vote, le Congo est désormais entré de façon irréversible dans la phase finale de la Transition. »

Referene : IP/06/1495

Monday 13 to Friday 17 November: Launch of the “European Development Days”

The news:

The "European Development Days" have been launched to enable the European Union to respond to two major concerns:

to inform Europeans citizens and raise awareness of the challenges of development;
to make European aid more effective in line with the new European consensus on development, which emphasises the EU’s common values, principles and commitment to eradicating poverty.
The main message of the “general public” component will be “Africa on the move”. Several events are scheduled: the Youth Prize award ceremony, an exhibition of African strip cartoon, an exhibition of African artists, a mini gala of African films, the Millennium campaign "No excuse 2015 - Voices against poverty" and a fashion show to promote African fashion design.

A forum of development specialists will discuss the direct links between development and good governance. Various round tables will be held, attended by the Nobel peace prize-winner Desmond Tutu, the President of the World Bank Paul Wolfowitz, the Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt, Commissioner Louis Michel and numerous African heads of state, to discuss the common interest of Africans and Europeans in doing business with each other on the grounds of the common future they share.

The event:

Press conference by Development Commissioner Louis Michel to present the event at the Berlaymont in Brussels on 6 November.

Available on EbS
At Heysel in Brussels, opening session on 13 October and closing session on 17 October attended by President José Manuel Barroso, Development Commissioner Louis Michel and several African heads of state.

Participation in round tables by various European ministers, directors of United Nations agencies and representatives of the World Bank and of the ILO.

Coverage on EbS
Press conference by Louis Michel and Desmond Tutu at the Berlaymont in Brussels on 17 November 2006 at 12.45.

Available on EbS
More info

Monday 13 November: Award of the Development Youth Prize 2006 (with focus on Africa)

The news

The first round of the Development Youth Prize (with a focus on Africa) has just been held.

Commissioner Louis Michel will take part in the prize-giving ceremony, which will take place at the Berlaymont Piazza and pressroom on Monday, 13 November 2006.

A total of 751 contributions were entered in the competition by schools from all the EU Member States. The national panel of judges from each of the 25 EU Member States selected a winner and a runner up, evaluating the entries on the basis of the three topics of the competition: education, health and the environment.

In their entries participants described the difficulties of life in Africa caused by hunger, malnutrition, lack of schooling, floods and desertification.

The winner, his or her teacher and the runner up of each Member State will be invited to Brussels to take part in the European Development Days.

The winners and their teachers will also accompany Commissioner Louis Michel on one of his trips to Africa in spring 2007.

The event:

“Youth and Development" prize-giving ceremony from 9.30 to 11.30
Presentation of the Development Youth Prize by Commissioner Louis Michel from 10.15 to 11.15 (Berlaymont pressroom)
EbS coverage

More info

Lorenzo Natali Prize for Journalists Launched

The European Commission launches today the 15th edition of the Lorenzo Natali prize for journalists writing on topics of human rights and democracy in the developing world. A total of 50.000 EUR prize money is awarded to outstanding pieces of print and online journalism in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Latin America/Caribbean. Submissions are welcome at www.nataliprize.eu until 31 January 2007.Press Release.

Reference : IP/06/1457

Migration et développement: Louis Michel entame une tournée en Afrique de l’Ouest

Louis Michel, commissaire européen au Développement et à l’Aide humanitaire, se rend au Sénégal, en Guinée Conakry et en Mauritanie du 25 au 27 octobre pour une mission placée sous le signe de la coopération au développement et des questions de migrations. Press Release.

Reference : IP/06/1459

European Commission proposes an EU strategy for peace, security and development in the Horn of Africa:

The European Commission has adopted today an “EU partnership for peace, security and development in the Horn of Africa[1].” This strategy sets out a comprehensive approach to conflict prevention in the Horn of Africa, tackling the root causes of instability, and provides a political framework for concrete regional initiatives and for structured dialogue between partners. The Horn of Africa is one of the poorest and most conflict prone regions in the world. The protracted border dispute between Eritrea and Ethiopia, the Somalia crisis and the Sudanese and Northern Uganda conflicts have a negative impact on the region as a whole and broader international ramifications. Cross-border dynamics, such as illegal migration and trafficking of arms, drugs and refugee flows, are factors contributing to regional instability. An uncontrolled, politically neglected, economically marginalised and environmentally damaged Horn has the potential to undermine the region and the EU broad stability and security.

Reference: IP / 06 /1441

The most important players of the international Development community will meet in Brussels between the 13th and the 17th of November for the First edition of the European Development Days (EDD) organized by the Directorate General for Development of the European Commission, under the responsibility of Commissioner Louis Michel. This first edition will focus on the African continent and the challenges in terms of governance as main topics and will include an EU-Africa Business Forum.

Reference:IP/06/1433

Journée internationale contre la pauvreté: La Commission européenne s’inquiète de la lenteur des progrès vers les Objectifs du Millénaire
Chaque année, la « journée internationale de l'éradication de la pauvreté » vient nous rappeler des chiffres qui cachent une réalité bien plus dramatique encore. Plus d'un milliard de personnes vivent en dessous du seuil de pauvreté extrême (un dollar par jour). Plus de 800 millions de personnes souffrent de la faim. Chaque année, six millions d'enfants en dessous de cinq ans meurent de malnutrition. Toutes les trente secondes, un enfant africain meurt de la malaria. La Commission européenne reste inquiète du fait que les Objectifs du Millénaire pour le Développement (OMD) sont loin d'être atteints.

Référence:  IP/06/1414    Date:  17/10/2006

Botswana leads the way in relations between African, Caribbean and Pacific Countries and the European Union
Botswana has become the first country of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group to ratify the revised Cotonou Agreement with the European Union. The revised agreement, signed in June 2005 provides for a substantial increase in financial support and reinforced political dialogue.  Read More.

La Commission européenne condamne les attentats contre le Président et le Parlement en Somalie
Le Commissaire européen au Développement et à l'Aide Humanitaire, Louis Michel, condamne l'attentat perpétré le 18 septembre à Baidoa, siège des institutions fédérales de transition en Somalie, contre le Président Abdullahi Yusuf et le Parlement somalien. De toute évidence, cet attentat visait, au delà des institutions fédérales de transition somaliennes, à saboter l'ensemble du processus de paix.
Reference:  IP/06/1226    Date:  20/09/2006

Javier SOLANA, EU High Representative for the CFSP and EU Commissioner Louis MICHEL welcome the Khartoum II declaration between the Transitional Federal Institutions and the Union of Islamic Courts
Javier SOLANA, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), and Louis MICHEL, EU Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, welcome the declaration signed on 4th September 2006 in Khartoum between the Transitional Federal Institutions and the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC). They commend Somali parties for their commitment to set aside their differences and to meet the aspirations towards peace, stability and reconciliation of the Somali people. The High Representative and the Commissioner reaffirm their full appreciation to the ongoing efforts of the League of Arab States in facilitating inter-Somali talks and remain committed to continue to engage in support of the process. They are confident that the momentum generated by the Khartum talks can be pursued and that the agreed joint follow-up mechanism is effectively made operational in order to build confidence and prepare for the third round of the talks.
Contact : Amadeo Altafaj (Spokesperson) Tel +32 2 2952658  GSM +32 498 952658

EU deploys Election Observation Mission to Zambia
The European Commission is deploying an EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) for the Presidential and Parliamentary elections in Zambia scheduled to take place on 28 September 2006. The EU EOM will be led by Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck, Belgium Member of the European Parliament. The EOM is a further contribution by the European Commission to supporting democracy in Zambia.
Référence:  IP/06/1152    Date:  05/09/2006

European Commission grants an extra €16 million for the elections in Congo

In response to a request of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, the European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Louis Michel, today announced an additional contribution of €16 million from the European Development Fund (EDF) to finance the current elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo. With a total contribution of €165 million the European Commission is the biggest donor to the country’s electoral process. It is also involved in Congo through programmes on health, justice, governance, reform of the security sector and the restoration of basic infrastructure. It also finances humanitarian aid to the people most in need via an aid package that amounted to some €50 million in 2006. Also, for the present elections, the European Union is sending its largest ever observation team.

Référence:  IP/06/1146    Date:  04/09/2006

Governance at the heart of development cooperation: Commission proposes measures to foster reforms

The European Commission has today adopted a communication which proposes enhancing the means used to support governance and calls on the Member States to harmonise their work in this area. It advocates supporting the development of democratic institutions and processes more adapted to the needs of ordinary citizens, even the most marginalised, in the political, economic, social, cultural or environmental field. Poverty reduction, sustainable development and peace can be achieved only if significant progress is made towards democratic governance. The most important features of the proposed measures to encourage developing countries to step up their reform efforts are enhanced political dialogue, a common approach and a higher level of more effective assistance. Furthermore, an incentive envelope of EUR 3 billion has been set aside for this purpose for the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries.

Référence:  IP/06/1137    Date:  30/08/2006

Déclaration du Commissaire Louis Michel sur les incidents qui ont  lieu à Kinshasa

"Je condamne fermement les graves incidents et les recours à la force qui ont lieu à Kinshasa et j'appelle tous les partis  à faire preuve de modération afin que le processus électoral, dans lequel le peuple congolais a investi son espoir et son engagement, puisse se poursuivre dans le respect des normes démocratiques." La Commission européenne demande l'arrêt de toute provocation militaire de part et d'autre. Elle condamne le recours à la force notamment, les tirs d’armes lourdes qui ont entraîné plusieurs décès. Elle appelle également les deux candidats à faire preuve de retenue dans leur propos et à s'engager dans un dialogue apaisé et constructif qui tienne compte de la volonté exprimée par la population lors du scrutin du premier tour de l'élection présidentielle. La Commission a bien pris  note des résultats publiés par la CEI le 20 août dernier et rappelle que le processus électoral s'est déroulé de façon très positive et que la population congolaise a manifesté un fort engouement en faveur d'élections libres et démocratiques. La Commission européenne appelle donc toutes les formations politiques à faire preuve de modération dans le cadre de la poursuite du processus électoral au Congo et à respecter les résultats qui sont sortis des urnes et sortiront des urnes dans le cadre des élections législatives. A cet égard, la Commission lance un appel au calme afin que le processus continue dans la voie de l'apaisement  et que les opérations électorales, notamment celles du dépouillement, se poursuivent dans la transparence et la sécurité pour le bien être du peuple congolais et dans le respect de la démocratie.

Contact : Amadeo Altafaj (spokesperson)  +32 2 295 26 58   Marc Lognoul (press officer) +32 2 295 64 93  

Déclaration du commissaire Louis MICHEL à l’occasion de la signature de l’accord politique global dans le cadre du dialogue intertogolais

Le Commissaire européen en charge de la politique de Développement et de l’Aide Humanitaire, Louis MICHEL, a exprimé sa profonde satisfaction à l’occasion de la signature de l’accord politique global dans le cadre du dialogue intertogolais.

Il a fait la déclaration suivante :

« Je me réjouis vivement de l’aboutissement du dialogue intertogolais et de la signature de cet accord qui ne se limite pas aux seules élections mais traite également des problèmes de fonds qui ont entretenu une situation de crise dans le pays. Il s’agit indiscutablement d'un événement essentiel et d’un pas fondamental vers une réconciliation nationale durable.

Concilier l’ensemble des points de vue n’était pas une chose facile. Je tiens à adresser mes félicitations à tous ceux qui ont participé de près ou de loin à ce succès, en particulier aux participants au dialogue qui ont eu le courage de faire des concessions mutuelles mais également au Président Compaoré dont le travail de facilitation a été essentiel. 

Cet accord est un élément essentiel qui devrait permettre rapidement de procéder à la normalisation de la coopération entre le Togo et l'Union européenne. La Commission européenne reste pleinement mobilisée et continuera, en concertation avec ses partenaires de l’Union Africaine et de la CEDEAO, à accompagner le Togo dans ses efforts pour renforcer la démocratie et le respect des droits de l’homme. »

During her visit to Gaza today, Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner announced that the European Commission is making its first social allowance payments to Palestinian doctors and nurses. Along with other public sector workers, doctors and nurses have only been paid broadly one month's salary over the last five months. The allowances from the Temporary International Mechanism (TIM) will not match the level of their regular salaries but will enable health workers to carry on performing an essential service that benefits the whole population. Their salaries have not been paid due to the financial crisis in the Palestinian authority. This is a further action under the TIM following on from the European Commission's support to provide deliveries of fuel to for hospital generators, water pumps and water treatment plants following the destruction by the Israel Defence Force of 6 transformers of the Gaza Power Plant. The delivery of fuel has allowed the continued provision of essential health services to over 90,000 patients and access to water for some 1.2 million people in Gaza.

Référence:  IP/06/1069    Date:  27/07/2006

With growing evidence of a large-scale humanitarian crisis unfolding in Lebanon, the European Commission has mobilised a further tranche of emergency humanitarian funding to help victims of the conflict. Following the announcement of an initial emergency decision for €10 million last week (IP/06/1049), a further decision, also for €10 million, has been launched today.

Référence:  IP/06/1064    Date:  26/07/2006

By Orlando Matos

HAVANA (IPS) - The Cuban government's rejection of European Union funds for cooperation projects, and its new regulations for seeking international funding, threaten the continuity of European non-governmental agencies' work on the island.

Resolution 15 of the Ministry for Foreign Investment and Economic Cooperation, in force since May, stipulates that Cuba will not accept any conditions "that lead to intrusion in Cuban domestic affairs or go against the principles of the revolution."

The resolution states that economic cooperation must be guided by "the priorities established by the government" and should not be aimed at "the creation of social services or distribution systems" parallel to those of the state. It also subjects the search for funding sources to government approval.

Continued in Reference: http://www.ipsterraviva.net/Europe/article.aspx?id=3627

The European Commission, on behalf of the European Union, and Mauritania have initialled a new fisheries partnership agreement to replace the current fisheries agreement due to end on 31 July 2006. It is the most important fisheries agreement concluded by the EU with a third country both in financial terms and as regards fishing opportunities for EU vessels. The new agreement will be in place for 6 years. A protocol, for a period of two years, renewable twice, will provide fishing possibilities for about 200 EU vessels on crustaceans (mainly shrimps), hake and other demersal species (living near the sea floor), cepaholopods, small pelagics (living mid-water) and tuna. Taking into account scientific assessments of the state of the stocks in Mauritanian waters, fishing effort by EU vessels on sensitive species, such as cephalopods and some other demersal species, will be substantially reduced compared to the current agreement. New possibilities will be available for small pelagic stocks, in particular for vessels able to land in Mauritanian ports which could increase the benefit for the local economy. Stricter control of fishing effort in Mauritanian waters will be applied, in particular for the small pelagic fisheries. The EU financial contribution will amount to € 86 million per year, as in the current agreement. The level of licence fees to be paid by shipowners operating under the agreement will be gradually increased amounting approximately to € 22 million per year. A greater part of the EU financial contribution will be devoted to supporting the implementation of a responsible and sustainable fisheries policy by Mauritania in its waters. This is in line with the approach on EU fisheries partnership agreements adopted under the 2002 reform of the Common Fisheries Policy which focuses on close co-operation with the partner countries to achieve sustainable fisheries in their waters. The new agreement and protocol will be applicable from 1 August 2006, pending final adoption by the EU institutions.

Référence:  IP/06/1052    Date:  22/07/2006

The European Commission is launching an emergency decision for €10 million to provide humanitarian aid for victims of the conflict in Lebanon. The funds, managed by the Commission's Humanitarian Aid department (ECHO), will cover a range of urgent relief activities including the provision of emergency supplies for displaced people and medical assistance.

Louis Michel, the Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, said: "In Lebanon, from a humanitarian standpoint, we are witnessing a tragic, downward spiral. We already have a crisis with rapidly growing unmet needs. Every day the fighting continues takes us closer to a human catastrophe."

Reference:  IP/06/1049    Date:  20/07/2006

In recognition of the changing political landscape in Somalia, the International Somalia Contact Group discussed concrete options for supporting continued progress in the ongoing political process.

The International Somalia Contact Group expresses grave concern regarding the continuing conflict in Somalia and requests all parties to comply with the cease fire agreed on 22 June in Khartoum and to provide unrestricted and safe access for humanitarian relief agencies to vulnerable communities.

The Contact Group calls for immediate intra-Somali dialogue to broaden participation in the Transitional Federal Institutions and to discuss concrete issues such as the establishment of regional and local administrations and security sector issues.

The members of the International Somalia Contact Group are willing to support the development of an effective security sector in Somalia on the basis of a sustainable peace process.

The International Somalia Contact Group was briefed on the African Union/IGAD and partner’s assessment and reconnaissance mission and supports AU/IGAD initiatives to contribute to peace and stability in Somalia. In this regard, the contact group takes note of the endorsement of the National Security and Stabilisation Plan (NSSP) by the Transitional Federal Parliament. It looks forward to the submission of the detailed mission plan of the proposed IGAD/AU Peace Support Operation (PSO) in accordance with the UNSC Presidential Statement of 13 July 2006.

The International Somalia Contact Group urges the UN Security Council to consider with a sense of urgency modifying the arms embargo to allow for training, capacity building, and development of a broad based, representative security sector building on successful dialogue between Somali parties. At the same time, the International Somalia Contact Group emphasizes the continued need for all to comply with the arms embargo. The Transitional Federal Charter (TFC) and the Transitional Federal Institutions (TFIs) constitute the legitimate framework for continued dialogue and the reestablishment of governance in Somalia leading to a successful transition to an elected, representative government at the end of the transitional period in 2009. 

The International Somalia Contact Group underlines the need for inclusive dialogue and urges all Somali parties to engage in constructive and broad-based consultations to peacefully resolve their differences, build confidence and address issues of common concern, in particular the establishment of the TFIs in the capital city, Mogadishu. In this regard, the International Somalia Contact Group urges the TFIs and the Islamic Courts to resume immediately and without any preconditions the talks launched and facilitated by the League of Arab States in Khartoum on 22 June.  The Contact Group encourages that this dialogue be broadened to include representation from stakeholders including women's groups, civil society and the business community of Mogadishu. All parties should refrain from inflammatory statements that fuel tension and undermine the search for common ground for a political settlement.  The International Somalia Contact Group reaffirms its continued support to the unity and effective functioning of the TFIs, encourages the convening of a Coordination and Monitoring Committee (CMC) in Nairobi in the coming weeks and is ready to organise a Contact group meeting back-to back with the CMC meeting. The International Somalia Contact Group urges the TFIs, Islamic Courts and all other parties in Somalia to firmly reject any violent extremist agenda and deny safe haven to terrorists and their supporters in compliance with existing international obligations as laid out in relevant UN resolutions and international conventions.

The International Somalia Contact Group underscores the Somali ownership of the peace process and reaffirms its commitment to support the efforts of regional partners, particularly the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the League of Arab States, towards restoring peace and stability in Somalia. The International Somalia Contact group stresses the central role of IGAD in general and Kenya, as the present Chair, in facilitating peace in Somalia.

The International Somalia Contact group also recognised the important role of the UN to support these regional efforts and reiterated the support for the UN SRSG efforts in the region. The International Somalia Contact Group calls on all regional and international partners to demonstrate unity of purpose and to engage constructively in Somali affairs.

Done at Brussels, 17 July 2006*
 
 *The 17 July meeting convened at the European Commission included the European Union (Presidency and Commission), Italy, Norway, Sweden, Tanzania, the United Kingdom and the United States together with the United Nations, African Union, League of Arab States, and Intergovernmental Authority on Development.