Brussels, 09/10/2002 (Agence Europe) - The EP's foreign affairs committee has begun the debate on the EU-Lebanon Association Agreement, thereby beginning the assent procedure for this text signed on 17 June 2002. The report by Gerardo Galeote (Partido popular) will be debated in committee on 25 November, in the presence of the Lebanese foreign minister, and assent is scheduled for December's plenary. At the same time, the chair of the parliamentary committee, Elmar Brok will table a political resolution commenting on relations with Lebanon, its economic situation and its position in the peace process and the fight against terrorism. As it stands, the report refers to the weakness of Lebanon's trade links with the EU (44% of its imports come from Europe and hardly 20% of its exports are to the EU), Lebanon's great efforts at restructuring and the need to reduce the debt, equivalent to 160% of its GNP. Lebanon "is still suffering today from the effects of the tragic and devastating civil war" over suxteen years, Mr. Galeote recalls, calling for a "fluid and intense" political dialogue to be set up with the country on democratic practices and human rights, and combating terrorism. You may recall that, in June 2002, an exchange of letters had accompanied the signing of the agreement. "The undertakings made will have to be assessed and their implementation monitored".