Brussels, 03/05/2007 (Agence Europe) - The architecture of negotiations for the future bilateral free trade agreement between the Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN/Burma, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) and the thorny issue of Burma were to be the focus of discussions on the fringe of the ministerial ASEAN meeting in Brunei on 3 and 4 May, between Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson and his south East Asian counterparts. The chief negotiators were to seek to find a compromise in the hope of triggering the first round table of talks before summer and concluding an agreement within two years.
While taking into account the sensitivity of the EU27 with regard to human rights and political repression in Burma/Myanmar, Mr Mandelson was to suggest to his South-East Asian counterparts a differentiated treatment for the three least advanced countries of the zone - Cambodia, Laos and …Burma/Myanmar recommending that their capacities be strengthened before greater liberalisation. Thus, according to this formula, while taking part in the talks and signing the FTA, these countries could be exempted from commitments accepted by their seven other partners. A solution which, although taking into account the heterogenous nature of development levels, has so far come up against the wish of the ASEAN member nations to negotiate as a bloc. Philippine Trade Secretary Peter B. Favila, said, when explaining the situation to journalists on Wednesday, that the parties may “talk about modalities and sensitive lists”. His comment was reported in Business World.
In addition to the Burma question and that of differentiation within the Asian bloc there is the question of the format of negotiation sessions, namely whether the Commission will negotiate with a single coordinator on behalf of the ten member states or whether each capital will have its own negotiation during the roundtables. Such arrangements should also be the focus of discussions in Brunei. Mr Mandelson who, in this context, presented the Union's position, pointed out to his counterparts that talks will continue in a binding policy framework, the EU27 being attached to respect by their partners of firm commitments in terms of democracy and respect of human rights. Also, the trade commissioner was to recall his wish to include “Doha +” provisions on respect of social and environmental norms in the context of the FTA with ASEAN. All drawbacks that should, in future discussions, further complicate the task of negotiators and prolong discussions beyond the two year delay recommended by the parties. (eh)