Strasbourg, 17/05/2000 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament followed its rapporteur, Miguel Angel Martinez (Socialist, Spain), calling for the total appropriation for development cooperation in South Africa for 2000-2006 to be raised from the Council's proposal of EUR 787.5 million to EUR 910 million. This would include a modest (1%) annual increase and cover inflation. The EP also recommended the use of committee procedures for projects worth more than EUR 5 million (rather than 3 million as proposed by the Council). Speaking on behalf of the European Commission, Mr Nielson expressed disappointment with the request for this higher level, but added that he would be willing to agree to it to guarantee early entry into force of the regulation. Parliament also hopes to see the regulation take effect at an early date, because its adoption could be an incentive for breaking the stalemate in the negotiation of the Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement with South Africa, which is being held up over the interpretation of rules on wine and alcohol.