A LOOK BEHIND THE NEWS /

EU and ACP countries should revise some of their ideas about Partnership Agreements and WTO negotiations in order to restore mutual trust and understanding

Two dossiers that didn't get off to a good start. The current divergences between the EU and ACP states (African, Caribbean and Pacific countries) basically arise from imperfect understanding of the other side's views. Both sides are involved in a perilous exercise - the new WTO free trade round and negotiations to sign EPAs (Economic Partnership Agreements) between the EU and various regions of ACP countries. Neither has got off to a good start.

ACP states are suspicious of "regional...