ACP/EU relations, Lome IV Convention: human rights, democratisation, article 366 a for consultations

Under Article 366a of the Lomé Convention, if a party considers that there has been a failure to fulfil an obligation concerning one of the essential elements of the Convention (e.g. respect for human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law), it may invite the other party to hold consultations and, subject to certain conditions, take appropriate measures including partial or total suspension of application of the Convention with regard to the party concerned. Although the principle of suspension exists, there is still the question of an appropriate procedure. As to putting this into effect, the Committee has approved the introduction of such a procedure by adopting the report by Magda AELVOET (Greens, B). The committee wants the Council to act by qualified majority, after Parliament has given its assent. It also wants Parliament to give its assent before resumption of cooperation with a country that has violated human rights. The report represents an interim stage in which Parliament presents its recommendations with a view to its assent to the Council decision in this connection. �