Brussels, 25/07/2000 (Agence Europe) - A mixed EU/Caricom committee will look into over the coming weeks the technical problems raised by the "1st come 1st served" mechanism considered for the allocation of import quotas, in the framework of the new Community strategy aiming to resolve the conflict over bananas. The European Commissioners Franz Fischler and Pascal Lamy reached an agreement, during a "very constructive" meeting with the prime Minister of St Vincent and Grenadines, Sir James Mitchell, President of the Caribbean common market.
The formula known as "1st come 1st served", which could enable to temporarily maintain a quota based system in the framework of a global solution to the conflict over bananas, is for the moment only a concept, reminded the head of Common trade policy. Nevertheless numerous are those who fear to see develop a "boat race" to grab Community market share, putting in fine producers out of the game to the benefit of multinational banana producers (see yesterday's EUROPE.). Others question the practicability of such a mechanism or even its conformity with World Trade Organisation regulations. It is when taking into account these difficulties - of which the Commission says it is well aware - as well as technical problems that the joint works will take place, starting "immediately" with the hope of reaching results "very soon", noted Mr. Fischler , while recalling "the feeling of urgency" that pushed the Commission to find a concrete solution. Sir Mitchell also raised "the urgency for defining such a system" and, starting with, a solution to the bananas problem that is "fair, practical and remunerating." "What we are calling for is understanding and equity during the transition, so that our production may be maintained," he insisted, while also saying he was "very keen to ensure stability in our countries, to maintain our market share and to preserve the quality of our bananas."
The EU and Caricom "share the same agenda and concerns, which are the basis of the mandate that was entrusted to us in view of finding a fair system for the protection of that the EU owes to these producers and the ACP and this production must be WTO compatible,: added Mr. Lamy.
Other bananas producing countries, also concerned by the Community reform required by the WTO, will be called to attend technical talks around the functioning of this mechanism, for which three options are presently on the table. "If they are interested to rollup their sleeves, it is in their interests to contact us," noted the European Commission. It is necessary to stop, they underlined, calling for this or that and immediately act. This is our responsibility.