Burundi: the eu end the Consultations under article 96 Of the cotonou agreement

March 14, 2016 at 4:30 pm #1484

Burundi: the eu end the Consultations under article 96 Of the cotonou agreement

On 14 March 2016, the council concluded the procedure Consultation with the burundi under article 96 of The agreement of EU-acp partnership (Cotonou agreement).
The proposals of commitments submitted by the Government of burundi are insufficient to To respond to the concerns of the EU. This one has Suspended the direct financial support provided to the Burundian Government, including the supports Budgetary, but maintains his full support Financial to the population and its humanitarian aid.
In its decision, the council has also set out of Specific measures that the government of burundi Must take and which are likely to allow the Resumption of full cooperation. Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the union For Foreign Affairs and security policy, Said: ” the situation in burundi remains very Concern for the EU, although we have Recently glimpsed a few glimmers of hope. The Today’s decision clearly indicates that, For our relations, we fully resume Expect that a number of concrete measures Be implemented. The effort that we call Is achievable, with the will and the Determination: it is based on measures and Process already put in place by the African Union, the East African community and the united The United Nations, and hailed by the five heads of state African mandated by the African Union. Contact Believe in particular that it can contribute to the dialogue Inter-Burundian conducted under the mediation of the East African community, which plays a key role In the search for a lasting political solution to the Crisis.”

Neven Mimica, Commissioner of the EU for the International cooperation and development, has Added: ” the EU is and will remain firmly committed To the burundian population in this crisis Who has already more than 400 deaths and thousands of Wounded, and has forced more than 240 000 people Take refuge in neighbouring countries. Our solidarity with the People of Burundi, the first victim of this crisis, Remains. We urge the Government to show the necessary commitment So that our relations with the burundi and normalise Again. At the same time, of projects funded by the EU To ensure the population access to services Basic, but without channel resources Financial accounts held by the Government of Burundi, are being developed, And the EU remains committed to provide emergency assistance “.
The decision of the council will be reviewed regularly, At least every six months, thanks to missions Follow-up of the European service for external action, Combining the services of the commission.

Context
On 8 December 2015, consultations have been Engaged with the government of burundi under Article 96 of the cotonou agreement, in order to examine the Concerns Expressed and find ways to Rectify the situation. The dialogue took place in the presence of Representatives of the group of African States, Caribbean and Pacific, the African Union, of the East African community and the united Nations.
During the meeting, the parties have discussed Measures Necessary to ensure a swift return to Respect of democratic principles and values, Human rights and the rule of law on the basis of The Cotonou agreement and principles enshrined in the Arusha agreements. The Representatives of the government Burundians have presented proposals Commitments. However, these have so far Been judged unsatisfactory by the EU.
Article 96 is the legal basis for Suspend the cotonou agreement, as the result of a Period of dialogue, in cases where one of the parties Considers that the essential and fundamental elements of The agreement are not respected.