ACP parliamentary network promoted

Lawmakers from the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries who convened in Kigali this weekend have pushed for a strong Africa Caribbean Pacific (ACP) parliamentary network and emphasised the need for their European counterparts to respect the dignity of Africa. The decision was made during the preliminary session of the 55th session of the ACP Parliamentary Assembly ahead of the ACP-European Union (ACP-EU) Joint Parliamentary Assembly that began today to address issues related to sustainable development. The New Times reports that Abjourouvi Missiame, a delegate from Togo, said the meeting was a good opportunity ‘to make our contribution and to be in equal position’ with the Europeans. The ACP-EU Partnership Agreement, signed in Cotonou, in June 2000 ends in February. It has been the framework for the EU's relations with 79 ACP countries. A new agreement is supposed to be finalised and approved by then.