Brussels, 23/03/2000 (Agence Europe) - The senior officials of the European Troika and the African countries charged with organisation of the Africa-Europe Summit in Cairo (3 and 4 April) have not yet finalised preparatory arrangements. Meeting from 17 to 23 March in Lisbon, they examined the detailed draft agenda and draft conclusions, along with provisions for follow-up of this first meeting at the level of Heads of State and Government. "Ten points are still unsettled", declared Portuguese Ambassador Fernando Neves on behalf of the Presidency. They essentially concern the follow-up mechanisms. "The Africans are proposing summit-type meetings every three years. The EU is of the view that this decision lies with the Heads of State", he declared, without going into further detail.
A final preparatory meeting will be held in Cairo on 1 April.
Meanwhile, a number of candidates are volunteering to organise the second EU/Africa Summit. Portugal had announced its interest from the start. Greece has also announced that it is prepared to organise the summit during the first half of 2003, when it will hold the rotating EU Presidency. Some press sources are reporting that Belgium is also a potential candidate.