Brussels, 31/01/2000 (Agence Europe) - European funds (18 billion CFA francs, or around 27 million euros) that had been misappropriated in Côte d'Ivoire under the reign of Henri Konan Bédié have been repaid in full by the regime of General Gueï, in office since his coup d'etat in late December 1999. Poul Nielsen, European Commissioner charged with development cooperation and humanitarian aid, confirmed the reimbursement, on Saturday in Lisbon, at the informal meeting of the Development Council. The news had already been partially anticipated by the Commission in its answer to the allegations of a Member of the EP (see EUROPE of 29 January, page 13).
Last January, 45% of the sums subject to irregularities (27 million out of the funds allocated between 1992 and 1997 for a structural adjustment programme totalling 73 million euros) had already been paid back in two instalments. The remainder was due by February, according to the repayment calendar established in 1999 by the Commission and the government (see EUROPE of 7 January, page 7). It has been paid by the military junta in accordance with the promise made by General Gueï, who wishes to prove his good will to international fund donors and not to take the blame for misappropriations that took place prior to his accession to power through force.
EUROPE would point out that the irregularities came to light in 1998 and were recognised by authorities of Côte d'Ivoire at that time, following an audit conducted by the Commission services.
The gesture of good will by Côte d'Ivoire towards the Community, to the credit of the military regime, changes nothing in terms of the consultation procedures undertaken by the Council of the Union pursuant to Article 366(a) of the Fourth Lomé Convention (suspension clause) in regard to violation of the principles of democracy and the rule of law, to be added to the list of weak points of the Gueï regime. The fact that the financial commitments have been respected could improve the climate of these consultations, expected to take place on 7 February in Brussels if Côte d'Ivoire authorities respond to the invitation extended to them formally on 14 January last. These consultations will last 30 days and may, if appropriate and as a last resort, lead to partial or even total suspension of development cooperation with the Côte d'Ivoire if the responses are not deemed satisfactory by the European party.