28/01/2013 (Agence Europe) - Further step towards first EPA with Africa. The foundations have been laid for the ratification of the interim Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the EU and four states of Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) - Madagascar, Mauritius, the Seychelles and Zimbabwe. It was by a comfortable majority (494 votes in favour) that the European Parliament returned its assent on 17 January, as recommended by Daniel Caspary (EPP, Germany), rapporteur for this matter (see EUROPE 10756). This EPA, which has been applied since 14 May of last year, will formally come into force once the ratification procedures have been concluded by all parties (the 27 member states of the EU and the four ESA countries). (AN/transl.fl)