Brussels, 17/06/2002 (Agence Europe) - In Luxembourg on Monday, the General Affairs Council formally adopted the negotiating brief for economic partnership agreements with the 77 countries of Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific (except for South Africa, with which a trade agreement already exists) linked to the European Union by the Cotonou Agreement. The Commission's brief covers: - identification and reduction of non-tariff obstacles to imports from ACP countries; - gradual liberalisation of ACP economies; - regional integration of ACP economies; - investment promotion; - a certain flexibility regarding the timetable and unfolding of negotiations on services. The negotiating process should begin in September and last six years. The ACP countries wanted to examine horizontal aspects before moving on to negotiations with regional entities. Commissioner Pascal Lamy will discuss preparations for these negotiations with the Heads of State and Government of the ACP countries at their summit in Fiji in July.