EU Presidency Statement - Situation in Central America

STATEMENT BY THE UNITED KINGDOM ON BEHALF OF THE EUROPEAN UNION ON AGENDA ITEM 13: THE SITUATION IN CENTRAL AMERICA: PROGRESS IN FASHIONING A REGION OF PEACE, FREEDOM, DEMOCRACY & DEVELOPMENT, 40TH PLENARY MEETING OF THE SIXTIETH SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, New York

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey and Croatia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro, as well the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this declaration.

Mr President, may I first offer the deepest sympathies of the European Union to those Central American countries that have been affected by tropical storms Stan and Alpha and hurricane Beta. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. The EU is glad to have provided 1.7 million euros in humanitarian aid to El Salvador and Guatemala in response to the recent flooding and tropical storm Stan.

Mr President, the European Union and Central America share a long history of co-operation in the political, economic and social spheres. Perhaps one of the most important goals we share is that of achieving closer regional integration. Like the European Union, Central American countries have found that through regional integration it is possible to overcome prolonged internal conflict, reduce vulnerability to external shocks - including natural disasters, and to build a regional economic platform, which enables our countries to trade and compete more effectively in a globalised world.

Mr President, in the Secretary General's words, "Central American countries have made significant strides in co-operating towards the establishment of a peaceful region". In 1983, when this agenda item was first bought before the General Assembly, the region was in a very different situation. Then, civil war and social and economic disintegration were facts of life for the citizens of Central American countries. Today, the region has made much progress towards peace and stability, democracy and sustainable development.

Mr President, through the San Jose Dialogue the EU has been able to contribute to the process of peacebuilding and democratisation in the Central American region. In addition, since 2001, the European Commission has had a programme of national and regional co-operation with six Central American Countries, totalling 655 million euros. This co-operation will continue in the years ahead. A new strategy for co-operation for the years 2007 - 2013 is currently being agreed, and will focus particularly on issues of regional integration.

The European Union knows from its own experience that post-conflict transition can take many years. Central American countries still face major challenges - such as the fight against impunity, efforts to promote transparency and democracy and poverty reduction - but these are different issues from those of twenty years ago. The EU is therefore content with the Nicaraguan proposal for a draft decision to maintain this item on the General Assembly's agenda, for consideration upon notification by a Member State.

Thank you Mr President


* Croatia continues to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

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• EU Council Conclusions - Tropical Storm Stan (18/10/2005)
• EU Commission to provide €1.7m in aid for storm victims in El Salvador and Guatemala  (6/10/2005)