Opening of consultations with the Republic of Madagascar under article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement

Source: European Union (EU)
Date: 06 Jul 2009

Conclusions of the European Union

Brussels, 6 July 2009 - The European Union considers that the forcible transfer of power in Madagascar on 17 March 2009 is a flagrant violation of the essential elements of Article 9 of the Cotonou Agreement.

Under Article 96 of the Agreement it has entered into a political dialogue with the regime in place which has led to the opening of consultations with a view to examining the situation and the possible options for a swift return to constitutional order.

During the opening session of these consultations in Brussels on 6 July 2009, the European Union failed to note any satisfactory proposals from the Malagasy side.

The proposals and undertakings from the Malagasy side remain unconstitutional and do not offer any credible prospects for the moment for a return to constitutional order in the short term.

This does not therefore open the way for European support for the implementation of this process.

The European Union encourages the Malagasy High Transitional Authority to continue contacts with the Malagasy political forces under the auspices of the International Contact Group with a view to reaching a consensual agreement which allows a return to constitutional order. The European Union is ready to reexamine its position as soon as a roadmap to that effect will have been agreed between these Malagasy political forces.

In a spirit of openness to dialogue and in full awareness of the complex political situation in the country, the European Union reiterates its desire to remain alert to any possible positive developments in Madagascar.

Pending suitable proposals from the Malagasy side and as long as the serious failure to observe the essential elements set out in the Cotonou Agreement persists without notable improvements, the European Community maintains the precautionary measures already in place. Cooperation activities underway will continue to be limited to humanitarian measures or certain programmes and projects of direct benefit to the people.

The enhanced political dialogue, under Article 8 of Cotonou, will be maintained as an important channel for discussion with the Malagasy authorities and as a way of encouraging them to work within a transition process culminating in a return to constitutional legality.