The Platform of Central African Non State Actors (PANEAC) representing the following countries: Cameroon, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Sao Tome and Principe, Gabon, Central Africa Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Chad; 1. Considering that a negotiation round on Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) between the European Union and Central Africa held in Brussels from the 24th –29th of October 2007; 2. Considering the report made by representatives of PANEAC during the meetings in Brussels on the serious differences which persist between the EU and Central Africa at every level of negotiations; 3. Considering that at the political level representatives of PANEAC attended the rude interventions of European Commissioners to Trade and Development during the Joint Ministerial Trade Committee of October 29, 2007 in Brussels with Ministers in charge of EPAs trade issues in Central Africa; 4. Convinced that this atmosphere gave good evidence of the harsh relationships which go beyond partnership and diverge from the spirit of negotiation which is supposed to be flexible and symmetric in favour of Central Africa; 5. Considering that this meeting fizzled out without a joint communiqué as it is tradition, with both parties publishing a unilateral declaration; 6. Considering European Union’s option to use all types of pressure and manoeuvre to obtain a minimum agreement on goods by 31 December 2007 at all cost instead of bringing objective and sincere answers to the development preoccupations of Central Africa; Platform of Central African Non State Actors Cameroon – Congo –Equatorial Guinea – Gabon – Central Africa Republic – Democratic Republic of Congo – Sao Tome & Principe - Chad PANEAC EPA Declaration Page 2 sur 3 7. Having taken full knowledge of the content of Jose Manuel Baroso’s (President of the European Commission) letter addressed to Central African Heads of States stirring threats with no legal foundation on the risks incurred by exports of non LDCs of Central Africa in case of non-signing of EPAs on 31st December 2007, hereby threatening the regional integration dynamics of the region; 8. Taking note and decrying suggestions communicated by the European Union to sign temporary agreements on trade in goods thereby putting aside the fundamental parts related to support measures and funding of the partnership; Recalling that beyond 31st December 2007, the commission has no mandate to negotiate development and funding issues which is not within the competence of the Commission in charge of trade; 9. Having taken note of the agenda and work methodology suggested by the European Commission in view of following-up negotiations, this methodology foresees the dissolving of negotiating organs provided on the road map that was adopted by both parties and which tends to exclude the civil society and private sectors as stipulated in article 6 of the Cotonou Agreement from negotiations; 10. Observing with regret that trade is the only preoccupation of the European Union in EPAs, contrary to the initial objectives – that of promoting regional integration, sustainable development and poverty reduction in Central Africa; 11. Decry every attempt sell-off the economies and fragile integration process of countries in the region through the minimum or partial signing of an agreement by certain states.; 12. Decry every form of pressure carried out by the European Commission on Central African countries; 13. Call on policy-makers at the highest level of Central African countries to MAINTAIN a constant link between liberalisation and measures of compensation and support within the EPAs framework. No legal provision of the World Trade Organisation prohibits such a link which on the contrary is legitimate for developing and least developed countries involved in the Doha development round; 14. Call on the European Commission to ensure the fulfilment of the obligation taken in article 3 of the Cotonou Agreement “they shall refrain from any measures liable to jeopardise development objectives which are: poverty reduction and its eradication in the long term, consistent with the objectives of sustainable development and the gradual integration of the ACP countries into the world economy.”; 15. Invite the European Commission to apply the provisions of article 37.6 of the Cotonou Agreement during the period necessary for the conclusion of negotiations for a fair agreement. This article stipulates that “the Community will examine all alternative possibilities in order to provide these countries with PANEAC EPA Declaration Page 3 sur 3 a new framework for trade which is equivalent to their existing situation and in conformity with WTO rules. 16. Call on both parties in negotiation to elementary courtesy and the respect of principles which guide every partnership; 17. Support conclusions of the meeting of ACP Ministers in charge of EPA negotiations and trade issues held in Brussels on the 8th- 9th November 2007; 18. Engage to inform and mobilise populations of the region to see to the preservation of economic and social acquisitions, but also to take into account the development preoccupations of the region in all EPA texts that will be signed. Done in Yaoundé on November 16th 2007