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

In adopting the interim report by Mrs Magda AELVOET (V, B), the European Parliament adopted, pursuant to Rule 80(3) of its Rules of Procedure, a resolution comprising a number of recommendations to the Commission concerning the implementation of its proposal for a Decision. In addition to its recommendations, Parliament called for a conciliation procedure to be opened with the Council prior to delivering its definitive assent. The recommendations concern the following points: - inclusion in the text of the Decision of respect for human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law as 'essential elements' in development cooperation between the Union and the ACP countries, - a change to the procedure envisaged so that the initiative for consultations taken following a violation by an ACP State may come from Parliament on the same basis as from the Commission or a Member State. The decision as to whether to initiate the procedure or not will have to be taken by the Council after Parliament has given its assent. Similarly, on expiry of the deadline set for consultations, the Council may only take steps after it has sought the assent of Parliament (and possibly at Parliament's request), - the resumption of cooperation with the country concerned may only be decided after an assessment of progress made regarding respect for the rights violated by that country and may only be decided by the Council, acting by a qualified majority, after Parliament has given its assent. �