Madrid, 22/05/2002 (Agence Europe) - The 18th ministerial conference of the San Jose dialogue between the EU and Central America adopted, on 18 May in Madrid, a new dialogue "agenda" between the two regions and confirmed the launch of the co-operation and political dialogue agreement, which could prepare a free trade agreement, favoured by the Central American countries, but raising European concerns. We have decided to rekindle this dialogue in a new agreement, which contains an analysis of the situation of democracy, of the promotion of human rights, the rule of law, good governance, civil society and everything that can improve regional integration and improve economic and trade relations, announced Josep Pique. In concrete terms, the two parties should gather every year at ministerial level, at the commission level and in co-operation commission, indicated the EU Council President.
The two parties have undertaken to negotiate an agreement on co-operation and political dialogue, which would prepare for the negotiation of a free trade agreement, on the basis of the result of the Doha working programme, which they undertook to conclude at the latest in 2004. I am not frustrated by this compromise solution, assured Norman Caldera, Nicaraguan Minister for Foreign Affairs, who holds the presidency of the Central American common market. This formula will enable to associate the two regions without trauma, he said, while adding: the EU has its priorities, which are linked to the Doha agenda. What we agreed today is a window of opportunity which we must take advantage of (…). It would be irresponsible to begin negotiations with the EU without being capable of holding promises. Recalling that the regions concluded free trade agreements with Mexico and the Dominican Republic, and began negotiations with Panama, the United States and Canada. Mr Caldera noted that Napoleon said he never fought more than one battle at a time and when he did, he lost. The EU and Central America must renew their negotiating agenda and adapt it to the new needs linked to the internal realities of each region, underlined the Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Josep Pique. The President of Nicaragua, Enrique Bolanos, recalled that in 2002, the Central American countries signed an agreement to resolve disputes and a free trade treaty in the field of services and investment, comparable to the agreement on services between the Scandinavia countries. Moreover, he added, we are engaged to conclude an agreement in the field of agriculture and to establish common external tariffs on 1 January 2003, as well as a common customs administration on 1 January 2004. We will arrive at the date (of 2004) prepared to begin the negotiation, he indicated to the EFE press agency. An EU/Central America association agreement will include political concentration, co-operation and especially free trade, allowing Europe, closest ally of the peace process, of democratisation and the development of the region, to maintain its status of associate to the region, underlined the Nicaraguan President. The President of Costa Rica, Abel Pacheco, stated his satisfaction, underlining the unimaginable change in EU attitude, which accepted to "possibly" begin talking, while until now it had stated its clear and massive refusal. President Chirac, noted on the eve, that the Central American countries will have to be prepared to make concessions and could loose, while today they have access to the European market in the framework of the unilateral concessions in the generalised system of preferences.