EC/Sri Lanka agreement: cooperation and development agreement

The committee adopted the draft report by Mrs POLLACK on the proposal for a Council decision on the conclusion of the Cooperation Agreement between the European Community and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on Partnership and Development. The rapporteur stressed that a new partnership agreement would strengthen the dynamics of the trade and economic relations between the two parties. It was a useful legal instrument that provided many opportunities for cooperation at a crucial time for the evolution of the new international trade system. The rapporteur highlighted the fact that the consolidation of democracy and respect for human rights should be closely linked to the strengthening of relations between Sri Lanka and the Union. The report would be debated at the next sitting of Parliament. �