Traduction de «La société emprisonnée - Afrique du Sud » (Français → Anglais) :

The category of strikingly unequal societies includes many poor countries, such as Sierra Leone and the Central African Republic, but also wealthier countries like Lesotho, Botswana and South Africa.

These were a historic event since they transformed South Africa from a society based on apartheid to a non-racial democracy.

A twin-track approach for a dual nature society Prof. PINHEIRO, Member of the European Commission in charge of relations with African, Caribbean and Pacific Countries and South Africa, outlined the main elements of the European Union proposal for the long-term framework for co-operation: 1) The EU proposal is comprehensive and far-reaching "After years of significant but nevertheless fragmented support to the transition process in South Africa, it is time to put our relationship with the new South Africa into a broad, coherent and long term perspective.

The Community and its Member States, recalling the statement adopted by the Council on 25 May 1993 on the future of development cooperation with South Africa and the Council's conclusions of 18 and 19 April 1994, reaffirm their determination to continue resolutely their efforts at development cooperation with South Africa. 2. The aim of the Community's policy on development cooperation with South Africa is, while taking account of the specific characteristics of the South African economy and South African society, to contribute to the lasting economic and social development of the country and to consolidate the foundations of a democrat ...[+++]ic society in South Africa, through support aimed at satisfying the population's basic needs and improving the standard of living, especially among the poorest sections of society, taking into account the development priorities defined by the new South African government, particularly in its National Programme for Reconstruction and Development. 3. In view of the considerable progress made in the transformation of South Africa into a democratic, multiracial society in which human rights are respected, the time has come to normalize Community cooperation policy with South Africa by adapting it and the way it operates.

Talks between the European Commission and the Deputy-President covered a wide range of issues of mutual interest encompassing : the socio-economic and political transition underway in South Africa, EU-South Africa development cooperation, the current negotiations for a long-term agreement, regional cooperation in Southern Africa, conflict prevention and crisis situations in Africa with particular attention to the Great Lakes region, the Information Society, and longer-term relations between the EU and Africa beyond the year 2000.

The Commission is expecting to receive an official South African proposal shortly to allow the negotiations to resume. III. EU financial assistance to South Africa The aim of the EU aid is to help in the peaceful transition of South Africa towards a stable, democratic and prosperous society.