Brussels, 09/11/2009 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission and Libya are to resume their talks in Brussels on 11 November on a framework agreement that does not rule out the possibility of association in time, after the fashion of the neighbouring Maghreb and Mashrek countries. Libya is, to date, the only Mediterranean rim country not to have contractual relations with the EU.
Answering questions put to him by the members of the European Parliament delegation for cooperation with the Maghreb, Bernard Brunet, who is a member of the team of negotiators within the European Commission, said talks are moving forward well. A technical mission left for Libya in October and, as Mr Brunet points out, has reached detailed elements of agreement on “migration” aspects. He did not wish, however, to reveal the content of these understandings. The EU is proposing to help this country in its effort to integrate world trade (including at the WTO), Mr Brunet said. At the technical cooperation level, the EU finances programmes to support the hospitals of Benghazi (commitment made in exchange for the release of the Bulgarian nursing staff and Palestinian doctor) and proposes to employ its experience in the management of hydraulic resources.
Addressing MEPs, Mr Brunet stressed that this agreement is of “strategic” importance. In addition to the opening of its market, Libya would, he said, be a credible regional partner for the settlement of many conflicts in the region as well as on the African continent (Mali/Touaregs, for example). He also noted with interest Tripoli's resolve to change, structure the economy and to liberalise the economy. (F.B./transl.jl)