Brussels, 04/06/2002 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament's Committee on Development held a public hearing on 28 May on a number of aspects aimed at consolidating democracy in the less developed countries (LDC). During the hearing, the President of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ghali Umar Na'Abba, insisted that priority should be given to eliminating poverty and to developing infrastructures, as well as to greater private sector participation in growth. This, he felt, is a way to fight against corruption and a preliminary for democracy. He called on the developed countries to support the initiatives of the African countries in this respect (he gave the example of the strategic 'Minimum Infrastructure Development Bill' plan in Nigeria), and stressed that this could bring about a fall in immigration towards Europe. The debates focused on three themes:
Democratic structures: Stuart Weir, Director of the democratic audit at the Human Rights Centre at Essex University in the UK, insisted on strengthening decentralised democracy (this also being true for Europe, he said). The role of women, the media and education in general is fundamental for improving the link between development and democracy, he said, reaffirming the need for the EU to keep pressure up in favour of respect of human rights "in all relations, with all States, even if this results in vexation for some major powers".
Public finance: In his speech, Dieter Fritsch, former Director General for Development at the European Commission and member of Transparency International (NGO dealing with corruption), stressed the particular gravity of the economic and social damage entailed by corruption in LDC (in terms of price rises, increased indebtedness, bad decision in attributing contracts, etc.). In his view, it would be a good thing to make a qualitative assessment of the performance of countries that receive funding and to make a general control of the "responsible use" of such funding. This entails a series of economic reforms allowing, above all, a transparent public procurement system and effective sanctions against "active frauders" (mainly western companies), added Mr Fritsch. Mr Rolland, Vice-President of the association for the development of technological, economic and financial exchange (ADETEF), posed the problem of the need for alternative taxation revenue (Economic Partnership Agreements which will entail a fall in receipts following the progressive establishment of free trade areas). Mr Rolland recommends respect of 6 criteria: - not to excessively increase the burden weighing on the economy; - a good estimation of the loss of earnings; - a degree of financial solidarity that is acceptable; - transparency through the publication of texts applicable and exemptions granted; - the simplicity of tax ranges; - and the accession of public opinions. In his view, the regions are an ideal framework for action, not only for technical and tax assistance but also for the preparation of decisions, or the control and macro-economic forecasts of receipts.
Security sector: Helen Ahrens and Eberhard Poulet, members of the German company for technical cooperation, in turn supported promoting justice in Africa and civil control of the police. This generally requires reform of the penal code (Ms Ahrens said that procedures more respectful of human rights and a police force that works under a prosecutor) and the establishment of an ombudsman (to strengthen the individual against the State, she added). Peter Boyles, a member of the United Nations Security Service, stressed the need to train security officers and the need for logistic aid to be given by the EU in this field. The chairperson of the parliamentary committee, Joaquim Miranda (GUE/NGL, Portugal) appreciated the information received and considered that the concrete suggestions made on this occasion should allow the committee to use them during its future work).