[EU] ...backs poverty fight

from The National

THE European Union has assured the 79 delegates from the African, Caribbean and Pacific nations of the union’s full support to eradicate poverty in their regions.

Speaking at the closing dinner last Friday evening, co-president of the European Union Hans Winkler said the aspirations for better conditions for the people of the ACP countries in alleviating poverty and bringing prosperity for the region was also the aim of the union. “The European Union and the colleagues of the member states who have come a long way to this country have a better understanding now of the concerns, problems and also the hopes of the ACP countries.”

He said fighting poverty and increasing prosperity could be achieved through respect for the dignity of the human being, good governance, democracy and the respect for human rights and the rule of law.

“I think these are the common values that we both share, which are a good basis to build upon in the future.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare said many of the economic, social, health and political challenges that the ACP-EU countries were trying to address know no boundaries.

“Issues affecting our people are no longer confined to our individual borders, but are the concerns of the world community.

“PNG is proud of its membership to the ACP group of nations and, through this medium, its partnership with the European Union. We appreciate the strength that the ACP group brings to our negotiations with the EU.

“I would like to express our gratitude for the assistance given by the EU to PNG since becoming a member of the ACP.”

He said he was happy to hear that issues such as funds for economic development, structural adjustment assistance, economic partnership arrangements and sustainable development initiatives have all been discussed in a frank and cooperative spirit.

“I am confident your deliberations in the last few days in both the ACP and ACP-EU joint meetings will help our countries implement these development targets.

“Apart from facilitating improved standards of living for our people, the ACP-EU group is also well positioned to address conflicts arising from economic and political and social stability.

“ACP-EU group is not only about economic cooperation between the north and south. I believe it has a role to play in sharing important information and ideas crucial to facilitating better dialogue between member states,” Sir Michael said.