Brussels, 22/02/2011 (Agence Europe) - The enormity of the challenges to be faced by Southern Sudan, a terribly poor country which will become the 54th state of Africa in July of this year, once the international community has formally recognised its existence, is justification enough in the view of EU development ministers for the EU to coordinate its aid as effectively as possible to assist the development of this soon to become independent state which still faces security problems. It was as one, then, that member states, meeting in informal Council in Brussels on Tuesday 22 February (see EUROPE 10320), called on the Commission swiftly to convene a meeting of volunteers to begin joint planning of aid for Southern Sudan. All felt that EU donor coordination should be a prerequisite for successful EU action on the ground.
“A very special task falls to the EU. Never before has it faced such a task. It is about state-building. It requires strong commitment, a practical approach and perfect coordination. Let's put in place coordinated planning”, said Hungarian Foreign Minister Zsolt Nemeth, summarising for the press the outcome of the ministerial exchange of views. That is why, European Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs will very shortly call “a meeting of member states wishing to be involved in the development of Sothern Sudan”, Nemeth, who currently chairs the Council, said. EU Special Representative to Sudan Ros Marsden and civil society representatives will also be invited.
“The aim is to have all the Europeans singing from the same hymn sheet, and, if things work for Southern Sudan, then why wouldn't they work in other countries of the region?” Nemeth argued. That, at any rate, is the challenge being taken on by European development ministers for whom Southern Sudan - a country where 80% of the population is illiterate and lives in absolute poverty - may prove a learning ground for aid to all developing countries. It is particularly relevant to the development chapter of the comprehensive strategy that the EU is preparing for the Sahel to address development and security. (A.N./transl.rt)