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Momodou
Denmark
11823 Posts |
 Posted - 20 Feb 2007 : 12:45:28
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EU URGED TO STOP NEGOTIATIONS ON EPAS
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Participants at the recent World Social Forum in Nairobi, Kenya, have called on the European Commission to stop negotiating Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA) with governments, in the developing countries.
A statement issued by The Gambia Social Forum on Friday at a Press Conference held at the office of The Association of Non Governmental Organisation (TANGO), have it that the proposed free trade agreements will exacerbate the current agricultural crisis that farmers already face which has increased poverty and violated human rights.
It also states that the basis of the current partnership does not ensure the protection of the rights of citizens or the sovereignty of states, nor does it respect the provision set forth in the Cotonou Agreement that no country should be worst off as a result of such a partnership. It states:
"The principle of reciprocity itself undermines this provision. Especially a reciprocity that will lead to increased competition from subsidised EU agricultural commodities that decimate farmers' livelihoods, chronic food insecurity and unemployment, major economic instability as a result of the elimination of tariff and duty barriers." It adds that there will be significant welfare losses, particularly in the purchasing power of consumers and the provision of basic social services from governments that have lost crucial state revenues. The WSF also said that EPAs weakened regional integration process and the reversal of those gains achieved so far. The statement added that the principle of reciprocity undermined development objectives of African countries and the sovereignty of peoples and states.
The Social Forum indicated that the new partnership with the EU must be in compliance with WTO rules and not to be in partnership based on reciprocity. It also called for an agreement that will protect Africa-Caribbean-Pacific (ACP) producers in domestic and regional markets.
Sirra Ndow, Chairperson of The Gambia Social Forum, said this is the first time that delegates from The Gambia have participated in the WSF. Mrs. Ndow said that they would sensitise government and parliament on the EPAs. Amodou Taal, a member of the forum, said the WSF is unique and significant to the world citizenry who find it as a platform to discuss global and individual issues.
Alagi Kebbeh a member said the holding of the WSF at the same time with the World Economic Forum was to counter the latter's agenda. Other speakers at the press conference were Ousman Yabo and Yadicon Njie-Eribo.
The 7th edition of the World Social Forum (WSF) was held from 20th -25th January, 2007, in Nairobi. It was first held in 2001. Last year it was held in Mumbai. The WSF is a global movement which creates a forum for reflective thinking, democratic debates and interlinking of civil society that oppose neo-liberalism.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 020/2007, 19-20 February, 2007
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