20 Human rights and democratisation in
the Mediterranean region
| (24741)
9696/03
COM(03) 294
| Commission Communication: Reinvigorating EU actions on human rights and democratisation with Mediterranean partners — Strategic guidelines
|
| Legal base | — |
| Department | Foreign and Commonwealth Office
|
| Basis of consideration | Minister's letter of 17 December 2003
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| Previous Committee Report | HC 63-xxxi (2002-03), para 6 (10 September 2003)
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| Discussed in Council | 25 November 2003
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| Committee's assessment | Politically important
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| Committee's decision | Cleared
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The Commission Communication
20.1 The Communication sets out working guidelines to help the
EU achieve its core objective of promoting democracy, the rule
of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms,
in cooperation with the Mediterranean partner countries. It makes
ten recommendations, which include the systematic inclusion of
human rights and democracy issues in all dialogues which take
place on an institutional basis, such as the Association Councils
and Committees.
20.2 When we considered the document on 10 September,
we asked the Minister to comment on the reaction of the
Mediterranean partners to the implementation by the EU of those
guidelines which had already been put into practice. We also
asked him to tell us whether any reservations about the recommendations
were expressed by Member States.
The Minister's letter
20.3 The Minister for Europe (Mr Denis MacShane)
says that the reaction of the Mediterranean partners to the implementation
of the guidelines has been one of cautious interest. None has
indicated that they do not wish to co-operate with the EU in the
ways suggested in the Commission Communication. He adds:
"In terms of implementation there have been
two initiatives. On the bilateral side, the EU and a number of
Mediterranean Partners (notably Jordan, Tunisia, Morocco and Israel)
are in the process of establishing, within the broader framework
of their Association Agreements, sub-committees in areas of interest;
for example agriculture or customs matters. The EU has requested
that a human rights sub-committee also be created to discuss human
rights issues. The Mediterranean Partners involved have agreed
to establish or consider establishing this additional sub-committee.
I believe that these subcommittees present a useful precedent
and an opportunity to raise more effectively our concerns about
respect for human rights with Mediterranean Partners. I expect
that, as their Association Agreements enter into force, we will
establish human rights sub-committees with Algeria, Egypt [and]
Lebanon.
"The Commission has also discussed with Mediterranean
Partners how to implement the multilateral aspects of the Commission
Communication on human rights and democratisation through dialogue
and regional or sub-regional co-operation. We expect this work
to be taken forward during the Irish and Dutch Presidencies.
"The Council of the European Union unanimously
agreed conclusions welcoming the Commission Communication on 25
November 2003. There were no reservations expressed by Member
States on the Commission Communication."
Conclusion
20.4 We thank the Minister for providing us with
this elucidation of the reactions of the Mediterranean partners
to the EU's more active approach to raising human rights issues
with them. It will be important to monitor whether the incentives
the EU is able to offer will indeed allow it to exert an effective
influence in this difficult area of international relationships.
Meanwhile, we note his comment that the initiatives being taken
provide improved opportunities.
20.5 We now clear the document.
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