Brussels, 13/01/2000 (Agence Europe) - Consultations between the EU and authorities of Côte d'Ivoire, under the Lomé Convention, will be formally launched in the coming days. The Member State Permanent Representatives approved on Thursday the initiative proposed by the Commission (implementation of Article 366(a) of the Fourth Revised Lomé Convention, introducing a dialogue procedure prior to possible suspension of cooperation with any ACP state having violated democratic principles, human rights or the rule of law) for examining the situation that exists further to the military coup d'etat in Côte d'Ivoire and, if possible, to remedy it (see EUROPE of 12 January, page 7 and 7 January, page 7).
The Council decision, which will make it possible to send Côte d'Ivoire authorities an official invitation, will be made formal in the next few days, in a rapid procedure, so that the consultations can be held as soon as possible in Brussels.