Brussels, 31/01/2002 (Agence Europe) - The European Union intends resuming its development co-operation with Sudan, suspended since 1990. Preparations along these lines are underway in the European Commission, announced Poul Nielson, Commissioner for development policy, in view of the assurances the Union Troika received (last December) that the Sudanese Government would re-establish the full respect of human rights, democracy and the Rule of Law, and strive for peace in this country in the throws of internal armed conflict. Throughout 2002, the political dialogue will continue between the Union and the Sudanese authorities, under Article 8 of the Cotonou Agreement, of which Sudan is a signatory. At the same time, the Commission, in co-operation with the Sudanese authorities, will work on drawing up a national development strategy, planning the resources from the European Development Fund (9th Edf) and determining measures to take in fields that, eleven years ago, led to the freeze on co-operation.
On the 9th Edf, the Commission is considering allocating 135 million euro over five years for measures aimed at reducing poverty, 20 million in emergency aid, easing the debt and compensation for fluctuations in export revenue. To these amounts could be added unused resources from the previous Edfs. Placing these funds at Sudan's disposal will depend on the results of the political dialogue that will be assessed end-2002. The Sudanese authorities have been formally informed of the Commission's intentions.