29/04/2004 (Agence Europe) - The Council has authorised the European Commission to open negotiations with South Africa with a view to adapting the agreement on trade, development and cooperation already agreed with that country to cover the ten new member states of the EU. It has also authorised the opening of negotiations with South Africa for an agreement on wines and spirits. The main aim of the negotiations is to guarantee the protection of the designations in use in the new member states.