Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/1999-10-05-Speech-2-137"
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"en.19991005.8.2-137"2
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"Mr President, like most of my colleagues here, I too welcome the fact that this agreement has come about. Without further ado, we have an important agreement which will make it easier for South Africa to become further involved in the global economy, which will increase political stability throughout the region and which, come what may, will provide a strong boost to our bilateral relations. The trade agreement differs from traditional agreements because it takes South African specificity into account. That is why the agricultural sector has not been left out and great emphasis is placed on development cooperation, as indeed it should be. This agreement creates important momentum. But we must not allow it all to end here. We must not lose sight of the need for a follow-up.
Furthermore, building on the dynamic that has come about, further agreements must be concluded in a number of sectors, in the fisheries sector for example. Therefore, whilst I share everyone’s enthusiasm for the agreement that has been reached, I am much less enthusiastic about the manner in which it has come about. I have lived and worked in South Africa for the past two years. I have had to watch Europe being severely taken to task in the South African press on account of corporate and protectionist reflexes which were in stark contrast to the fine declarations of intent about solidarity with the rainbow nation.
When the Council rejected an agreement concluded by Commissioner De Pinheiro, the question was even openly asked in South Africa if there was still any point at all to concluding such an agreement. For a long time still to come, Europe will be identified with port and sherry in the minds of South Africans. In that respect, the run-up to the agreement was a lost opportunity; a lost opportunity to rid ourselves of the fortress Europe image.
The report focuses a great deal on the regional consequences of this agreement, and rightly so. The rapporteur has pointed out that some SACU countries will see a sharp decline in the income from customs levies which is so important to them. The agreement has tried to anticipate this, due primarily to the pressure brought to bear by Parliament, but we need to remain vigilant. This agreement must invite South Africa to promote regional cooperation as well and must help the South African economy to become the driving force for development throughout the region.
Mr President, I am one of South Africa’s great admirers: I love the landscape, the people and its leaders. However, this special affinity cannot and must not be used as an excuse for not setting the same standards when it comes to preconditions as we do for other ACP countries. Honesty compels us to recognise that South Africa is having to contend with certain dysfunctions in governmental conduct which include sharp rises in corruption and criminality. Good agreements make good friends.
This agreement bestows on us not just the right but also the duty to continue to press for good governance and an effective approach to tackling criminality. Equally though, we must actively support the South African Government in its struggle to reform a society which has first and second class citizens. Mr President, only if we succeed in this can we talk in terms of there being a true partnership between Europe and South Africa."@en1
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