| ACP wants EPAs that contribute to growth and development ACP PRESS STATEMENT The 88th Session of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Council of Ministers ended with the Group re-iterating its commitment to conclude an inclusive Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union that will contribute to growth, development and enhancement of regional integration. At the close of the meeting last week, ministers and senior officials from 79 ACP States also called on the EU to fully consult with the ACP side as provided for under the Cotonou Partnership Agreement prior to making commitments to third parties that could potentially exert negatively impact on AC-EU Trade. The ministers also expressed regret that it has not been possible to convene, before the end of 2008, the consultation process between the ACP and EU leadership to address concerns and interests, as foreseen and called for at the 6th ACP Summit in October, Ghana. Furthermore, the Council reiterated its resolve to ensure that the high level engagement takes place at the earliest opportunity in 2009 and calls on the Presidency of EU to facilitate the consultations. During the meeting, six representatives from the ACP regions informed the Council on the current state of play of EPAs, expressing serious concerns on negotiations, but otherwise were determined to see the negotiations completed. Of the ACP Regions, only the Caribbean had signed a full EPA with the EU in October this year. Further details contact: iroga@acp.int
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