Brussels, 02/04/2004 (Agence Europe) - On 14 April, consultations will open in Brussels between the European Union and Togo, under article 96 of the Cotonou agreement, to examine the country's political situation and allow the EU to decide whether or not to re-start co-operation with Togo, which was suspended in 1998. On 30 March, the Council of the EU approved the Commission's proposal to open these consultations, provided under article 96 in case of infringement, by one of the parties to the Cotonou agreement, of one or more essential elements of the agreement (respect for human rights, democratic principles, the rule of law, good management of public affairs), and which must precede the adoption of appropriate measures. The possible partial or total suspension of co-operation between the EU and an ACP State must always be the last resort.
The letter, sent jointly by the Council and the Commission to the Togolese Prime Minister Koffi Sama, states that the consultations intend to examine the situation at human rights and fundamental freedoms level- including media freedom- and to see exactly what the government intends to do to commit to proper dialogue with the opposition parties and representatives of civil society, and initiate a democratic process at all levels.
Mr Koffi Sama's request of October 2003 to President Prodi to re-start political dialogue with the EU triggered this relaunch of consultations.