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Commonwealth Secretariat press release

European Union's 'Let Them Eat Cake' Stance Appals Commonwealth Leader

26 October 2002

The European Union is guilty of sending the most cynical message possible to
the developing nations of the world, Commonwealth Secretary-General Don
McKinnon said today, responding to the outcome of talks on the future of the
Common Agricultural Policy.

"What they are saying is, 'We can't get by on less than $100 a day, but you
must subsist on $2 a day'. Every cow in Europe receives more than that, an
average of $2.20 a day. To continue with the existing level of farm
subsidies for a further five years shows a flagrantly arrogant, immoral and
self-centred disregard for the poor of the world.

"The EU cut a good deal for itself by cutting off the developing world from
its markets. Fifty developing Commonwealth countries and the developed
members will be directly affected and dismayed."

Mr McKinnon said that cynical politics encourages EU farmers to produce food
at prices no one wants, while imposing massive burdens on the European
taxpayer. In so doing world markets are distorted and developing countries
further impoverished.

"If, as I believe, freedom from poverty is a basic human right, then the EU
is denying this right to millions in the developing world. No amount of aid,
or weasel words will absolve EU leaders from the shame and guilt of this
decision. Developing countries which are encouraged to produce and diversify
and to trade will never again accept a promise of good intentions from the
EU.

"European countries that have become economically powerful as a result of
open international trade are saying, 'It is good enough for us, but not for
you'.

"The EU should heed the words of Horst Köhler, Managing Director of the IMF,
who said recently that 'getting rid of subsidies is the biggest single move
rich countries could take to halve world poverty by 2015'.

"Europe must heed his words and say no to this backroom deal. The
heavyweight leaders of the region must reverse their stand, which flies in
the face of their stated commitments to the Doha development agenda. Not to
do so will tarnish all Europeans with this incredibly selfish decision."

02/80 26 October 2002
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