Brussels, 16/09/2011 (Agence Europe) - The participants at the fourth EU-South African summit, held at Kruger National Park on 15 September 2011 (see EUROPE 10450) say it was particularly promising on the future of Libya, democracy in Zimbabwe, the climate and an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the EU and South Africa. On all sensitive issues, both sides (which have been in a strategic partnership since 2007) decided to put their differences to one side and decide to make progress. Overall, we are very happy with the content and depth of the talks and the meeting helped consolidate the permanent dialogue with and commitment to the EU, said South African president Jacob Zuma after the summit. Herman van Rompuy, the President of the European Council, agreed, saying that although there had been fundamental differences in the past, the future would be shared.
Libya. South Africa voted in favour of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973 on the protection of civilians, but criticises the NATO bombings of Libya and does not recognise the Libyans National Transition Council (NTC), although it has been recognised by Europe. All the same, with the fall of the Gadaffi regime, the important thing for both sides now is the democratic transition, stability and rebuilding the country. Herman Van Rompuy said he thought both South Africa and the EU had the same vision for the future, agreeing that the country's future lay in the hands of its own people and international action was crucial to help the country move towards inclusive democracy.
Zimbabwe. South Africa disproves of the EU sanctions on Zimbabwe, but both the EU and South Africa want to help ensure there are free and fair elections in the country next year. Van Rompuy repeated the EU's commitment to return to normal relations with Zimbabwe and called for a credible roadmap for the holding of free, fair, transparent and peaceful elections as a necessary counterpart to this.
EU-South Africa EPA. Unable to settle the technical issues still outstanding, the two parties said they desired to sign an EU-South Africa EPA. Jacob Zuma said the talks had shown there was a new basis for negotiations, and Herman van Rompuy said: 'Southern African countries will benefit from a new Economic Partnership with the EU that will enable further growth in trade. It is in our joint interest to finalise those negotiations quickly. The strong commitment to conclude the negotiations as a priority is a strong deliverable of this summit.'
Climate. Ahead of the UN climate change conference in Durban, South Africa, from 28 November to 9 December 2011, the EU and South Africa pledged to get balanced decisions taken to ensure the outcome of the Cancun Summit (COP 16) were put into practice and to deal with the remaining issues. The EU is determined to ensure a positive outcome for everyone, including European and Africa, commented José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, pointing out the need for collective action by all major emitters, reflecting the joint responsibility of all to tackle climate change. On this issue, and also for the G20 in Cannes, France, in November, South Africa is a BRIC emerging economy (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) with a big role to play (A.N./transl.fl)