Brussels, 27/05/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 27 May, world leaders at the G8 summit gave their support for the democratic aspirations of the Arab Spring. They adopted the “Deauville Partnership” to provide political, economic and financial aid to the countries of North Africa and the Middle East that carry out significant reform. “We hear the voice of the citizens, support their determination for equality and stand by their legitimate call for democratic, open societies and inclusive economic modernisation”, the leaders' statement reads. To begin with, the Deauville Partnership concerns only Egypt and Tunisia, countries in which the Arab uprisings began, but the aim is to open up to all countries of the region.
Political and economic support. The Partnership is based on two pillars: - political support from G8 countries to promote democratic reform; - and economic support with a view to helping the countries of the region to reform their economies, attract investment, increase trade and create jobs. The economic chapter will be adjusted to fit the situation and needs of each country. In the short term, the objective is to prevent socio-economic instability from compromising political reform. In the medium and long term, the aim is to develop sustainable economies. The multilateral development banks (World Bank, EIB, EBRD, African Development Bank, etc.) are called upon to step up their commitments. The G8 countries undertake to strengthen their bilateral aid and to keep their commitments on the “return of stolen assets” by former dictators.
Market access. At the commercial level, the G8 affirm: “We stand ready to offer additional support through, inter alia, improved mutual market access opportunities”. Also, the statement goes on to say, the EU will take measures along these lines in the context of its “partnership for democracy and shared prosperity” in order to develop trade with the countries of the southern Mediterranean, “including through deep and comprehensive free trade agreements (FTAs) and investments, the conclusion of agreements on accreditation and acceptance of industrial products and the enhancement of the PanEurMed system of cumulation of rules of origin”. The EU will also revise its European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). The United States, for its part, will launch a “comprehensive trade and investment partnership initiative” in the region, and Russia will use its agreement with the Arab League to explore regional cooperation projects.
Egypt, Tunisia. The G8 welcomes the economic and financial stability programme that Egypt and Tunisia presented to the international donors community with a view to bringing in pledges of aid and attracting investment. “We stand ready to support them”, G8 leaders say, without giving further details. They welcome Egypt's decision to call for aid from the IMF and other multilateral development banks, as well as Tunisia's request for a joint and coordinated development policy loan. “In this context, multilateral development banks could provide over $20 billion, including €3.5 billion from the EIB, for Egypt and Tunisia for 2011-2013”, the G8 leaders assert.
Van Rompuy and Barroso pleased. EU leaders attending the Deauville summit welcomed the results of the summit. “The Deauville Partnership builds very much on the EU's new partnership with the region”, say Herman Van Rompuy and José Manuel Barroso in a joint statement.
Libya, Syria, Yemen and Iran. G8 leaders also call for the immediate cessation of hostilities in Libya and affirm that Colonel Gaddafi has no future in a democratic and free Libya, and that he must stand down. They express great concern about the death of such a large number of peaceful demonstrators in Syria and call on the Syrian leaders to put an immediate end to the use of force and intimidation against their people. They point out that, if the Syrian authorities do not take this entreaty into account, then other measures will be envisaged. With regards Yemen, the G8 calls on President Saleh to immediately honour his commitments (Ed.: namely to stand down from power) and to ensure that the legitimate aspirations of the Yemeni people are upheld. Finally, the G8 expresses great concern about the ongoing violation of democratic rights in Iran. The country must play a constructive and responsible role in the region, they stress. (H.B./transl.jl)