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| "If the declaration includes faithfully the two clauses that we suggested I may reconsider this position," President Bharrat Jagdeo told a press conference yesterday. (Photo: un.org) | |
GEORGETOWN, Guyana, October 10, 2008 - There is a slim chance that Guyana will sign the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Europe next week after all. That is, if two adjustments are made to the new trade pact.
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is reportedly pushing for a joint declaration which would see the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas - which established CARICOM - taking precedence if it conflicts with the EPA in order to safeguard the regional integration process; and also commit to a review of the EPA every five years to look at the socio-economic impact of the agreement on the region.
"If the declaration includes faithfully the two clauses that we suggested I may reconsider this position," President Bharrat Jagdeo told a press conference yesterday.
He added that in order for this to be effective, all CARIFORUM countries would be required to indicate they would only sign the EPA if the two clauses were included in the agreement.
Mr Jagdeo has insisted that Guyana will not sign the accord as is. He has recommended signing an interim "goods only" agreement as some African countries in the wider African, Caribbean, Pacific (ACP) group have done, but that has already been dismissed by CARICOM leaders.
The Guyana leader yesterday also lashed out at other CARIFORUM states for going ahead with the October 15 signing even as ACP leaders push for a high-level meeting with European Union stakeholders, by the end of this month, with a view to renegotiating the trade pact.
He told reporters that he remained convinced the current EPA is a bad agreement and would therefore continue his fight to get a better deal for the region.
"We are constantly seeking ways to improve the agreement, not for Guyana's sake, but for the sake of the entire region," he said.
Next Wednesday's EPA signing will be held in Barbados.
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