EU-Syria Agreement in Final Stages
Syria Media Report, 24-Oct-08
EU-Syria Agreement in Final Stages
Syria Media Report, 24-Oct-08
The Syrian government expects to sign a partnership agreement with the European Union before the end of this year, the official newspaper Al-Thawra reported on October 19.
Citing a source close to government, Al-Thawra reported that the Syrian officials reviewing the agreement want to reduce customs tariffs, while several ministries have requested closer cooperation with Europe.
The pro-government website Syria News reported on October 19 that officials are trying to eliminate customs charges for cotton, wheat and some agricultural products not widely available in Europe.
Economist Muhammad Moamar told Syria News that renegotiating the deal will be to Syria’s advantage. The earlier draft allowed free trade in all areas except agriculture, which is important to Syria.
Moamar said the agreement needed to be put into effect as soon as possible.
Syria and the EU initialled the agreement in 2004, but it was frozen following the assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq al-Hariri in 2005. Damascus was implicated in the killing.
EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana was expected to discuss the agreement on a visit to Syria this week, the pro-government website Syria Tomorrow reported on October 19.
