Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2012-12-10-Speech-1-061-000"
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"en.20121210.16.1-061-000"2
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"Madam President, Colombia has had a GSP+ agreement but has been breaking its conditions for years. Far from enforcing it, the EU proceeded to a full FTA. This was baffling to us and the Colombians who were fighting for justice. The FTA has safeguard clauses on human rights and on the environment.
We would have gone further, and were uncertain that real and lasting changes were in place, so we passed the roadmap, which called for clear, measurable progress towards robust protection for minorities, environment protection and freedom of speech. The governments have responded, but we have not yet heard from the monitoring groups and other stakeholders, which is a pity.
When I visited Bogotá, I met ministers working on the issues. I found people committed to change and to ushering in a new era for Colombia. I met President Santos and was impressed with his commitment to change. I also spoke with NGOs who were distrustful as to whether any real progress was happening, but I feel we have no choice now but to look to the future.
We should not be under any illusion about the continuing presence of the old forces which caused many of Colombia’s difficulties, but there has been progress in Colombia, with the government showing willingness to engage with the EU and to address our concerns. However, we have seen other countries slip back once agreements have been signed. Will this happen with Colombia? Do we have sufficient reason to proceed, or should we refuse to do so?
The US, Canada and Norway have trade agreements with these two countries and China is now opening negotiations. Without Europe’s presence under an FTA can we stay actively involved, and be in a position to monitor progress or exercise any influence on the issues we have all worked towards? It is unlikely.
So my Group will support this agreement, but this support goes with a clear message: this is just the start of our relationship. The European Parliament will be watching progress carefully. This is the beginning of a closer relationship which I hope will help to bring increased prosperity, stability and, most of all, peace to the Colombian and Peruvian peoples, as well as to the EU."@en1
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