Brussels, 01/12/2003 (Agence Europe) - Cooperation between the EU and the Central African Republic has been partially suspended under Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement. The Council's decision to this effect, postponed for technical reasons (see EUROPE of 20 November, p.13) was formally adopted without debate last week. It was taken as a result of uncertaintly surrounding the return to law and order following the 15 March 2003 coup d'etat. Sanctions will apply to road building projects and macro-economic aid under the 9th EDF. Other areas of aid will continue (viz. aid for healthcare and aid directly to the people) with a view to accompanying efforts made by the Central African Republic's authorities to meet the commitments made at the 12 June 2003 consultation meeting with the EU in Brussels. Support for government moves towards democracy (aid in preparing for elections, technical aid for an action plan to clean up public finances) and sustainable peace and security (aid in peace operations) may be supplied on a case by case basis. Full aid will not start up again until democracy is restored and the rule of law returns. This should take place by 2005 at the latest, the date when the next elections would have been due.
If the Central African Republic's authorities fail to meet their commitments, the Commission reserves the right to reduce the aid earmarked for the country under the 9th EDF by 20% per year.