Valencia, 23/04/2002 (Agence Europe) - Spanish Prime Minister José Aznar, who was speaking on behalf of the European Union, and Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika signed on Monday in Valencia (see yesterday's EUROPE, p.3) the association agreement binding the two parties and which should lead to gradual liberalisation in industrial exchange and to improved access for farm products. As every Euro-Mediterranean agreement is adjusted to the specific situation of the country concerned and to the volume of its trade and investment flows with the EU countries, the agreement with Algeria insists less on trade aspects - as Algeria exports mainly oil and gas - but places emphasis on rebuilding an economy hitherto managed in a controlled manner and which has not greatly developed the activity of small and medium-sized businesses. Thus, the strongest dimension of the agreement is the offer to support modernisation in all economic sectors. Another specific feature of the agreement with Algeria lies in the greater importance given to the social dimension (immigration and movement of persons).
Mr Aznar stressed that "in addition to the fact that the agreement encompasses the common features that define the EU's partnership with the countries of the southern Mediterranean rim, it also contains a reference to the common fight against terrorism". President Bouteflika acknowledged in his speech during the signing ceremony that the processing of issues linked to migratory matters could create tension. But, he said "we discuss them in a friendly and open way" and, for the remainder, he sees "neither contention nor grey areas" in relations between his country and the EU. The Algerian President reaffirmed his interest for the agreement, calling, however, for it to be implemented in a gradual way. He recalled that negotiation was difficult given, above all, the fears expressed by a still fragile Algerian private sector. The conclusion of this agreement had been delayed because of "Algero-Algerian reasons", he said, but "we have managed it" and the agreement is the instrument for giving Algeria the possibility to contribute to the Union of the Arab Maghreb, said Mr Bouteflika (without specifying whether it was a question of joining the Agadir agreement or whether he was simply speaking of the UAM) and also of preparing for WTO membership. Mr Aznar placed emphasis on the fact that the "agreement must allow the EU to accompany Algeria in the development of economic reforms, and also to contribute to a substantial political dialogue" during which even matters as delicate as the protection of human rights may be tackled in as open and intense a way as possible. Commissioner for External Relations Chris Patten also stressed the importance of promoting human rights and democracy, which are essential elements of the agreement.