Brussels, 28/01/2000 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission recently reacted with a press release to statements by Member of the EP Thierry Jean-Pierre (EPP Group, France) concerning the Commission's attitude in the case of irregularities in the use of EU funds in Côte d'Ivoire. The MEP told the French press (Le Figaro of 19 January last) that Commission services had tried to keep under wraps discoveries concerning irregularities in the use of EUR 28 million and that they were continuing a "policy of concealment" vis-à-vis the European Parliament.
The Commission says the remarks are "groundless" and recalls that the Member States, Parliament and the Court of Justice were informed in February 1999 of the initial results of the inquiry and that, in July 1999, the final reports were forwarded to the EP, Court of Auditors and OLAF. Last September, Côte d'Ivoire agreed to repay EUR 28 million and to introduce remedial measures in the management of public finances. At the time of the coup d'etat in Côte d'Ivoire, 45% of the amount had already been repaid; a delay then followed, but reimbursement resumed this month (Côte d'Ivoire authorities have renewed relations with international fund donors). The Commission is presently discussing a timeframe for repayment of the remaining debt; meanwhile, it has suspended payments in the equivalent amount.
The Commission points out that it insisted that the next ACP/EU convention (following Lomé) include good governance as an essential element of the new relationship, along with respect for democratic principles and the rule of law.