Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1905/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 establishing a financing instrument for development cooperation(4)(‘the Development Cooperation Instrument’), and in particular Article 37 thereof,

28.9.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 263/2 ---|---|---|--- * * * COUNCIL DECISION of 24 September 2012 amending and extending the period of application of Decision 2007/641/EC on the conclusion of consultations with the Republic of the Fiji Islands under Article 96 of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement and Article 37 of the Development Cooperation Instrument (2012/523/EU) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 217 thereof, Having regard to the Partnership Agreement between the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, of the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, of the other part, signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000 (1), as last amended in Ouagadougou on 22 June 2010 (2) (‘the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement’), and in particular Article 96 thereof, Having regard to the Internal Agreement between the representatives of the governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on measures to be taken and procedures to be followed for the implementation of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement (3), and in particular Article 3 thereof, Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1905/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 establishing a financing instrument for development cooperation (4) (‘the Development Cooperation Instrument’), and in particular Article 37 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission, Whereas: (1) | Council Decision 2007/641/EC (5) was adopted to take appropriate measures following the violation of the essential elements referred to in Article 9 of the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement and of the values referred to in Article 3 of the Development Cooperation Instrument. ---|--- (2) | Those measures have been extended by Council Decisions 2009/735/EC (6), 2010/208/EU (7), 2010/589/EU (8), 2011/219/EU (9) and 2011/637/EU (10), since not only has the Republic of Fiji yet to implement important commitments it made in consultations held in April 2007 concerning essential elements of the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement and the Development Cooperation Instrument, but important regressive developments concerning a number of these commitments have occurred. ---|--- (3) | However, since early 2012 some positive developments towards the restoration of democracy in Fiji have taken place and should be acknowledged. A prospective reengagement towards the programming of future development assistance should therefore be considered. ---|--- (4) | Decision 2007/641/EC expires on 30 September 2012. It is appropriate to extend its validity, and to update the content of the appropriate measures accordingly, ---|--- HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Article 1 Decision 2007/641/EC is hereby amended as follows: (1) | in Article 3, the second paragraph is replaced by the following: ‘It shall expire on 30 September 2013. It shall be reviewed regularly at least once every six months.’; ---|--- (2) | the Annex is replaced by the Annex to this Decision. ---|--- Article 2 The letter in the Annex to this Decision shall be addressed to the Republic of Fiji. Article 3 This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its adoption. Done at Brussels, 24 September 2012. For the Council The President A. D. MAVROYIANNIS * * * (1) OJ L 317, 15.12.2000, p. 3. (2) OJ L 287, 4.11.2010, p. 3. (3) OJ L 317, 15.12.2000, p. 376. (4) OJ L 378, 27.12.2006, p. 41. (5) OJ L 260, 5.10.2007, p. 15. (6) OJ L 262, 6.10.2009, p. 43. (7) OJ L 89, 9.4.2010, p. 7. (8) OJ L 260, 2.10.2010, p. 10. (9) OJ L 93, 7.4.2011, p. 2. (10) OJ L 252, 28.9.2011, p. 1. * * * ANNEX H.E. Ratu Epeli NAILATIKAU President of the Republic of Fiji Suva Republic of Fiji Excellency, The European Union (EU) attaches great importance to the provisions of Article 9 of the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement and Article 3 of the Development Cooperation Instrument. The ACP-EU partnership is founded on respect for human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law, which form the essential elements of the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement, and form the basis of our relations. On 11 December 2006 the Council of the EU condemned the military takeover in the Republic of Fiji. Under Article 96 of the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement, and considering that the military takeover on 5 December 2006 constituted a violation of the essential elements listed in Article 9 thereof, the EU invited Fiji to consultations, as provided for in the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement, in order to thoroughly examine the situation and, where necessary, take steps to remedy it. The formal part of those consultations began in Brussels on 18 April 2007. The EU was pleased that at the time the Interim Government confirmed a number of key commitments regarding human rights and fundamental freedoms, respect for democratic principles and the rule of law, as noted below, and proposed positive steps regarding their implementation. Regrettably, there have since been a series of regressive developments, in particular in April 2009, meaning that Fiji is now in breach of a range of its commitments. This concerns notably the abrogation of the Constitution, the very substantial delay in holding the parliamentary elections, and human rights violations. Although implementation of the commitments has been substantially delayed, the majority of those commitments remain highly relevant to Fiji’s present situation, and are therefore attached to this letter. As Fiji has unilaterally decided to break a number of key commitments, this has led to losses for Fiji in terms of development funds. Although restrictions on certain human rights and fundamental freedoms remain, some positive steps have taken place since early 2012, namely the lifting of the Public Emergency Regulations on 7 January 2012, the announcement on 9 March 2012 of a political process that would lead to a new constitution by March 2013 and the re-establishment of a constitutional democracy through new parliamentary elections due to be held by September 2014. In recognition of those developments and in the spirit of partnership forming the cornerstone of the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement, the EU expresses its readiness to engage in a new formal dialogue regarding those developments. Such a formal dialogue could be envisaged on the occasion of a review mission in the framework of Article 96 of the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement, after the successful conclusion of an inclusive, credible and transparent constitutional consultation process, expected in March 2013. Accordingly, the EU has decided to extend the existing appropriate measures for Fiji and amend them as a first response to the steps taken by Fiji, allowing in particular the launch of programming discussions for the 11th European Development Fund (EDF), and notification in due course of an indicative allocation for Fiji. The finalisation, signing and implementation of the 11th EDF programming documents will then be envisaged with the future democratically elected government. Consequently, it is of particular importance that the Interim Government commits to an inclusive, credible and transparent constitutional consultation process and domestic political dialogue, and respects in particular its commitments with regard to human rights and the rule of law and lifts remaining restrictions. While the EU’s position is guided by the essential elements of the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement as well as its fundamental principles, notably regarding the pivotal role of dialogue and the fulfilment of mutual obligations, it is stressed that there are no foregone conclusions on the EU’s side regarding the outcome of this dialogue. If the envisaged review and formal dialogue have a positive outcome, the EU is committed to a further positive review of these appropriate measures. Conversely, if the situation in Fiji does not improve, then further losses of EU development funds for Fiji are set to continue. In particular, the assessment of further progress made towards a return to constitutional rule will guide the EU in the upcoming decisions on Fiji’s national indicative programme under the 11th EDF. Until the formal dialogue has taken place, the EU invites Fiji to continue and intensify the enhanced political dialogue. The appropriate measures are as follows: — | humanitarian aid and direct support to civil society and vulnerable populations may continue, ---|--- — | the cooperation activities under way, in particular under the 8th and 9th EDFs, were allowed to continue, ---|--- — | cooperation activities that would help the return to democracy and improve governance may be pursued, save under very exceptional circumstances, ---|--- — | implementation of the sugar reform accompanying measures for 2006 was allowed to proceed. The financing agreement was signed at the technical level by Fiji on 19 June 2007. It is noted that the financing agreement includes a suspension clause, ---|--- — | the 2007 sugar allocation is zero, ---|--- — | availability of the 2008 sugar allocation was subject to evidence of credible and timely preparation of elections in accordance with the agreed commitments, notably regarding a census, the redrafting of boundaries and electoral reform in accordance with the Constitution, and measures taken to ensure the functioning of the Elections Office, including the appointment of a Supervisor of Elections by 30 September 2007 in accordance with the Constitution. This 2008 sugar allocation was lost on 31 December 2009, ---|--- — | the 2009 sugar allocation was cancelled in May 2009 because the Interim Government decided to delay general elections until September 2014, ---|--- — | the 2010 allocation was cancelled before 1 May 2010 as no progress was made in the continuation of the democratic process; however, given the critical situation of the sugar sector, part of the allocation was set aside for direct assistance to the population directly dependent on sugar production in order to mitigate adverse social consequences. These funds are centrally managed by the EU’s Delegation in Suva and not channelled through the government, ---|--- — | the preparation and eventual signing of the multiannual indicative programme for sugar reform accompanying measures for 2011-2013 can proceed, ---|--- — | the availability of the indicative allocation under the multiannual indicative programme for accompanying measures for former Sugar Protocol countries 2011-2013 will be conditional on an agreement in the consultation process; in the absence of such an agreement only social mitigation interventions will be considered for funding through this allocation, ---|--- — | the preparation of programming for the 11th EDF may be launched, so that Fiji could expect to be notified of an indicative allocation in due course, ---|--- — | specific support for the preparation and implementation of key commitments, in particular in support of the preparation and/or holding of elections, could be considered, ---|--- — | regional cooperation, and Fiji’s participation in it, is unaffected. ---|--- Monitoring of the commitments will be in accordance with the terms in the Annex to this letter concerning regular dialogue, and effective cooperation with assessment and monitoring missions and reporting. Furthermore, the EU expects Fiji to cooperate fully with the Pacific Islands Forum regarding the implementation of the recommendations by the Eminent Persons’ Group, as endorsed by the Forum Foreign Ministers at their meeting in Vanuatu on 16 March 2007. The EU welcomes recent progress concerning the engagement with the Pacific Islands Forum Ministerial Contact Group set up to monitor the progress of Fiji’s preparations for the elections and its return to democracy. The EU will continue to closely follow the situation in Fiji. Under Article 8 of the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement, an enhanced political dialogue will be conducted with Fiji to ensure respect for human rights, restoration of democracy and respect for the rule of law until both parties conclude that the enhanced nature of the dialogue has served its purpose. If there is a slowing down, breakdown or reversal in the implementation by the Interim Government of the commitments made, the EU reserves the right to readjust the appropriate measures. The EU stresses that Fiji’s privileges in its cooperation with the EU depend on respect for the essential elements of the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement and the principles set in the Development Cooperation Instrument. In order to convince the EU that the Interim Government is fully prepared to follow up on the commitments given, it is essential that early and substantial progress be made in the fulfilment of the agreed commitments. Yours sincerely, Done at Brussels, For the Council President For the Commission Commissioner ANNEX TO THE ANNEX COMMITMENTS AGREED WITH THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI A. Respect for democratic principles Commitment No 1 That free and fair parliamentary elections take place within 24 months from 1 March 2007, subject to the findings of an assessment to be carried out by the independent auditors appointed by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. The processes leading to the holding of the elections will be jointly monitored, adapted and revised as necessary on the basis of mutually agreed benchmarks. This implies in particular that: — | by 30 June 2007 the Interim Government will adopt a schedule setting out dates for the completion of the various steps to be taken in preparation for the new parliamentary elections, ---|--- — | the schedule specifies the timing of a census, the redrafting of boundaries and electoral reform, ---|--- — | the determination of boundaries and electoral reform will be carried out in accordance with the Constitution, ---|--- — | measures will be taken to ensure the functioning of the Elections Office, including the appointment of a Supervisor of Elections by 30 September 2007 in accordance with the Constitution, ---|--- — | the appointment of the Vice-President will be in accordance with the Constitution. ---|--- Commitment No 2 That the Interim Government, when adopting major legislative, fiscal and other policy initiatives and changes, will take into account consultations with civil society and other relevant stakeholders. B. Rule of law Commitment No 1 That the Interim Government will use its best endeavours to prevent statements by security agencies designed to intimidate. Commitment No 2 That the Interim Government upholds the 1997 Constitution and guarantees the normal and independent functioning of constitutional institutions, such as the Fiji Human Rights Commission, the Public Service Commission, and the Constitutional Offices Commission. The substantial independence and functioning of the Great Council of Chiefs will be preserved. Commitment No 3 That the independence of the judiciary is fully respected, that it is allowed to work freely and that its rulings are respected by all concerned parties, in particular: — | that the Interim Government undertakes to appoint the tribunal pursuant to Section 138(3) of the Constitution by 15 July 2007, ---|--- — | that any appointment and/or dismissal of judges is henceforth carried out in strict conformity with constitutional provisions and procedural rules, ---|--- — | that there will be no instances whatsoever of interference, of whatever form, by the military and the police or by the Interim Government with the judicial process, including full respect for the legal profession. ---|--- Commitment No 4 That all criminal proceedings in connection with corruption are dealt with through the appropriate judicial channels and that any other bodies that may be set up to investigate alleged cases of corruption will operate within constitutional boundaries. C. Human rights and fundamental freedoms Commitment No 1 The Interim Government will take all necessary steps to facilitate that all allegations of human rights infringements are investigated or dealt with in accordance with the various procedures and forums under the laws of Fiji. Commitment No 2 The Interim Government will lift the Public Emergency Regulations in May 2007, subject to any threats to national security, public order and safety. Commitment No 3 The Interim Government is committed to ensuring that the Fiji Human Rights Commission functions with full independence and in accordance with the Constitution. Commitment No 4 That freedom of expression and freedom of the media, in all forms, are fully respected as provided in the Constitution. D. Follow-up of commitments Commitment No 1 That the Interim Government undertakes to maintain a regular dialogue to allow verification of the progress made and gives EU and European Commission authorities/representatives full access to information on all matters relating to human rights, the peaceful restoration of democracy and the rule of law in Fiji. Commitment No 2 That the Interim Government cooperates fully with any missions from the EU to assess and monitor progress. Commitment No 3 That the Interim Government sends progress reports every three months starting 30 June 2007 regarding the essential elements of the Cotonou Agreement and the commitments. It is noted that certain issues can only be effectively addressed through a pragmatic approach that acknowledges the realities of the present and which focuses on the future. * * *