EC/Syria agreement: negociations with a view to the conclusion of a Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreement

Mrs Véronique DE KEYSER (PES, B) made a proposal for a recommendation to Council on the negotiations with a view to the conclusion of a Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreement between the European Community and its Member States, and Syria, pursuant to Rule 114(1) of the Rules of Procedure.

In her proposal, Mrs De KEYSER called on the Council to step up its efforts towards the signing of the agreement, and to take account of the following recommendations:

• to be mindful of the fact that, while the draft accord between the European Union and Syria is modelled on the other Euro-Mediterranean association agreements in force, it also contains new provisions, relating inter alia to non-proliferation of weapons, the fight against terrorism, reduction of customs tariffs, and the right of establishment, which has made the negotiations more complex;
• to take account of the political signals emerging from the 10th Ba’th Party Regional Congress, the most visible of which is the introduction of a new and younger leadership;
• to take steps with the Syrian Government to ensure that it lifts the state of emergency, which would help the rule of law to progress, while respecting the spirit of Article 2 of the agreement.

At the same time, Parliament pointed out that Syria was currently in a period of transition which may lead it towards a social market economy, a more democratic political regime and greater respect for human rights. The future association agreement and the strengthening of relations between the European Union and Syria in permanent mutual respect may enable this development to be sustained.

The final conclusions of the International Independent Investigation Commission into the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri are a decisive factor in the signing and ratification of the association agreement.