Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2000-09-20-Speech-3-122"
| Predicate | Value (sorted: default) |
|---|---|
| rdf:type | |
| dcterms:Date | |
| dcterms:Is Part Of | |
| dcterms:Language | |
| lpv:document identification number |
"en.20000920.11.3-122"2
|
| lpv:hasSubsequent | |
| lpv:speaker | |
| lpv:spokenAs | |
| lpv:translated text |
"Mr President, I would like to congratulate Mrs Ferrer on having produced a balanced report. It is important that we recognise the role of the EU and the extent of its influence. We demand coherence and coordination. I would similarly like to say how satisfied I am that the importance of the work of NGOs, which work independently of governments, is being acknowledged and taken into account in development cooperation with the express purpose of strengthening civil society as a result of such cooperation. I also think that the recommendation that coordination should take place within the framework of the strategies selected by the target countries themselves is a healthy approach to the issue.
When we speak of development cooperation, in the same breath it is a salutary exercise to remind ourselves that development cooperation is not an objective in itself. The objective is for the less developed countries to be able to sort out their affairs themselves, take responsibility for their own development, and act as societies in a manner that is just. And instead of hindering these opportunities, we should try to help put things right.
At EU level, this means, for example, that our policy should not encourage countries to survive on the basis of just one product. Only those countries whose economy is in decent shape can benefit from globalisation. Those developing countries that struggle along on the basis of one product will run into difficulties. At EU level, we must also see to it that our values are reflected in our policy on development cooperation.
Conditionality must have its place. Thus, we cannot aid countries that show no interest in their citizens’ human rights or democracy. In other cases we have to confine ourselves just to humanitarian aid. I would also say it was vital that the EU should have a human rights secretary, in the manner of the Ombudsman, whose job would include observing the human rights situation in the less developed countries. At EU level we must really be aware of the political effects of aid, as we already know from experience that aid can be damaging. In fact the risk is considerable. We have to develop the sort of aid that by its nature prevents conflicts, and does not fuel them. Aid must be directed in such a way that it brings benefit to the worst-off of all. Crises caused by environmental problems must be able to be predicted, and aid should not be given in such a way that it stirs up conflict over natural resources. We have to learn to recognise those societies in which the risk of violence is associated with state-induced terror. In channelling aid we have to see to it that it does not prop up undemocratic state structures. Through the conditionality of aid we can prevent corruption and the oppression of certain groups. I know that the issue is not simple and that conditionality is an arduous and cumbersome exercise, but positive conditionality, as it is referred to, can achieve a lot. Experience has shown it. For that reason the EU should not shy away from it."@en1
|
Named graphs describing this resource:
The resource appears as object in 2 triples