Brussels, 27/05/2009 (Agence Europe) - The EU is shortly to decide to launch political consultations with the Madagascar authorities, under article 96 of the Cotonou agreement, to seek to remedy the situation caused by the coup d'etat last March against the elected president, Marc Ravalomanana, in violation of legal and constitutional order.
The ambassadors of the 27 were due to discuss the subject on Wednesday 27 May at the Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper), but discussions have been postponed until Wednesday 3 June. The indicative date earmarked for the opening of these consultations is 7 July, under the Swedish Presidency. Article 96 of the Cotonou agreement between the EU and the ACP (African/Caribbean/Pacific) countries provides that in the event of the violation of one or more essential elements of the agreement (respect for human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law) by one of the parties, political consultations should be undertaken prior to the partial or total suspension of cooperation, the latter option being seen as a last resort. (A.N./transl.fl)