Resolution on the Uruguay Round for Multilateral Trade Negotiations

CM/Res.1350 (LIV)

RESOLUTION ON THE URUGUAY ROUND FOR MULTILATERAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS

The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Fifty-fourth Ordinary Session in Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria, from 27 May to 1 June 1991,

Having considered the report of the Eleventh Session of the Conference of African Ministers of Trade contained in Document E/ECA/TRADE/91/12 (CM/1667 (LIV)),

Recalling that the current Uruguay Round negotiations under the auspices of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) was launched in September 1986,

Gravely concerned that so far the negotiations have not sufficiently addressed Africa’s problems and concerns,

Deeply concerned also about the immense lack of transparency that characterizes the formal and informal consultations within the Uruguay Round,

Regretting the fact that the OAU does not have Observer Status within the for a of the GATT negotiations, despite efforts made by the Secretariat towards that end,

Bearing in mind that the international economic and commercial environment continues to deteriorate and that commitments on stand-still and Roll-back made in Punta del Este Declaration and renewed at the Mid-term Review have not been honored by the developed countries,

Aware of the breakdown of the Brussels Ministerial Meeting of December 1990 and the recent decision of the Trade Negotiations Committee to resume the Uruguay Round Negotiations,

Noting the outcome of the recommendations that emerged from the recent High Level African Brainstorming Session on the Uruguay Round in Arusha – United Republic of Tanzania held from 12 to 13 April 1991:

1. ENDORSES the Resolution of the Eleventh Session of the African Ministers of Trade on the Multilateral Trade Negotiations;

2. REQUESTS the Secretary-General of the OAU to open contacts with the Director General of the GATT on the concerns of Africa, in the final phase

Of the negotiations, especially the question of transparency in the negotiations;

3. FURTHER REQUESTS THE Secretary-General to re-apply to the competent organs of GATT for Observer Status for the OAU, to enable it to coordinate Africa’s position in the regular meetings of GATT bodies;