Brussels, 18/04/2008 (Agence Europe) - The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network (EMHRN) speaks of its “disappointment” after the adoption on 3 April by the Commission of a communication on European neighbourhood policy (ENP). “Such a mechanism should in particular provide precise and clear benchmarks which the future country progress reports will be based on”, the EMHRN stresses, nonetheless supporting the Commission's proposal to undertake a realistic examination of the action plan. It calls for this proposal to be applied without delay and for the establishment of a mechanism allowing a systematic and public monitoring of the ENP action plans signed with each of the countries. Despite these action plans, the “human rights situation in the EU's southern neighbouring countries has deteriorated”, EMHRN notes. It takes the view that “the credibility of the ENP requires democratic reforms and respect of human rights to be highly prioritised”. It calls for “a full assessment of the concrete progress and setbacks in the field of democratic reform and human rights in the southern neighbour states … before engaging the EU in closer relations with these countries”. “No country should be rewarded in case of substantial or gross violations of international human rights standards or international humanitarian law”, EMHRN states. (F.B.)