   |
|
afrol News, 26 June - After the introduction of UN sanctions against Liberia earlier this year, the human rights situation has grown only worse, international observers conclude. The European Union now challenges Taylor's government on rights, democratic principles, the rule of law and corruption. The European Commission today is calling for "the opening of consultations with Liberia in the light of the worsening situation in the areas of human rights, democratic principles, the rule of law and corruption." A Communication adopted today will be submitted for decision to EU Member States in the Council of Ministers, according to a statement by the EU. The Commission's is seeking "an in-depth dialogue with the Liberian authorities to discuss measures that need to be taken to remedy the situation." A novelty in the EU's call is that the Commission's proposal is based on articles 96 and 97 of the Cotonou Agreement. This is the first time that the Commission has proposed using article 97, an innovation of the Cotonou Agreement, as the basis for opening consultations. Article 97 is invoked in serious cases of corruption. According to an EU analysis, "the political situation in Liberia has significantly deteriorated recently. Freedom of the press has been severely undermined, human rights activists have been threatened and attacked and there is concern about the transparent management of public funds by the Liberian government." Additionally, there have been continuing allegations about the role played by Liberia in actively supporting the RUF terrorist movement in Sierra Leone, which had originally led the UN to launch sanctions against Taylor's government. On March 7, 2001, the UN Security Council had requested Liberia to put an end to any form of support to the RUF. Consequently, the aim of the consultations in the EU Commission's proposal is to "stress the importance for the EU of Liberia complying with its obligations under the Cotonou Agreement, in particular as regards human rights, democratic principles, the rule of law, serious cases of corruption and the effects of the government's policy in Sierra Leone on human rights in that country." Articles 96 and 97 of the Cotonou Agreement signed in Benin in June 2000 between the EU and the 77 African, Caribbean and Pacific states provide for consultations where a party is considered to have breached its obligations in the matter of human rights, democratic principles, rule of law, and serious cases of corruption. The purpose of the consultations is to have a thorough discussion of the problems identified and of the measures to be taken to remedy the situation. According to the results of the consultations, the terms of EU co-operation are also re-assessed. The EU had been the biggest donor of aid to Liberia since the civil war in 1996. The aid is channelled and administered by the Commission, without government involvement, to the poorest sections of the population. For the period 1998-1999, the Commission spent €50 million, approximately US$ 45 million, mainly in the area of food aid, food security and the rehabilitation of the countries basic infrastructure. In May this year, EU member states gave their approval for a €25 million (US$ 22 million) programme for the resettlement of refugees and displaced people. This programme would allow the EU Commission to continue its assistance in the following sectors; health, community development, and the supply of water and electricity. Sources: Based on EU sources and afrol archives
|
