The Secretariat of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States

ACP PRESS STATEMENT NOVEMBER 27 2009

At his final ACP Parliamentary Assembly meeting in an ACP country, the Secretary-General, Sir John Kaputin, took the opportunity in the 18th Session of the ACP Assembly in Luanda, Angola to express his concern at the slow progress of the Economic Partnership Agreement negotiations.

Addressing the ACP Assembly, Sir John said that the fact these negotiations have dragged on for two years after they should have been concluded is an indication that negotiations have not met the development aspirations of the ACP States.

He expressed his personal concern that provisions to provide financial assistance to ACP States was couched in non-binding language, and that further, there is no indication yet whether resources to support EPAs will be additional money to EDF.

Sir John urged ACP Parliamentarians to ensure that their chief negotiators take into account the development needs of the people of ACP.

He re-iterated that even after the EPAs have been signed, in whatever form and configurations, parliamentarians still need to evaluate, review and monitor the implementation of EPAs.

Global challenges

Meanwhile, the Secretary-General pointed out that global issues like climate change, migration, natural disasters, commodity and energy crises -- have an impact on developed and developing countries alike as no one is protected and insulated.

Like never before, we need political will, good leadership, effective action and dynamic change with a sense of urgency. The time has come to construct a multi-inclusive approach to these global challenges,” he said.

In taking the floor, ACP Parliamentarians thanked Sir John for his contribution to the JPA and ACP as a whole.

ACP members will join their European colleagues in the ACP-EU Joint Assembly, which starts on Monday.

ACP Assembly

In the Assembly, ACP Parliamentarians heard reports from the Standing Committee on Political Affairs, Committee on Economic Development, Finance and Trade and Committee on Social Affairs and Environment. MPS then debated the reports and took positions on motions for resolution which include: The Impact of the financial crisis on ACP States, Social and Cultural Integration and Participation of Young People and Global Governance and the Reform of International Institutions.

For details contact iroga@acp.int