South Sudan National Legislative Assembly during a past session [File photo]
JUBA, 19th January 2012 – South Sudan National Legislative Assembly (SSNLA), yesterday in its sitting 46/2012 held at main hall received the report of its delegation to the session of the African, Caribbean and Pacific group of nations (ACP) which was presented by Hon. Atem Garang D. Dekuek.
The SSNLA delegation attended the 26th Session of the African Caribbean and Pacific group of nations. The session was joint Parliamentary Assembly (JPA) between the African, Caribbean and Pacific group of nations and European Union (ACP- EU) which took place from 17th to 23rd November, 2011 supported by the Association of Europeans Parliamentarians for Africa (AWEPA) South Sudan.
The aim of the visit was to familiarize and find out the processes and procedures on how to acquire the membership and signing the Cotonou Agreement. The European Development Fund (EDF) is the key player which provided assistance to ACP.
The Cotonou agreement comprises:
1. Development of Cooperation;
2. Economic and Trade cooperation; and
3. The Political dimension.
The objectives of the Cotonou agreement are to promote and expedite the economic, cultural and social development of the ACP members; equality of the partnership and ownership of the development; pivotal role of dialogue and the fulfillment, differentiation and regionalization; cooperation arrangements and priorities.
Hon. Atem explained that the role of JPA is to promote democratic process through dialogue and consultation, facilitate greater understanding between the people of the European Union EU and ACP member States and raise awareness of development issues; discuss issues pertaining to development and EU and ACP partnership and adopt resolutions, and making recommendations.
After long deliberations and discussions, the report was passed and adopted. The sitting was chaired by the Acting Speaker Hon. Kom Kom Geng and was attended by 162 members.
The delegation is comprised of:
1. Hon. Atem Garang D Dekuek - head of delegation
2. Hon. Stephen Ajango Akol - member
3. Hon. Anne Lino Abyei - member
4. Hon. Caesar Bayeh Loyalala - member
5. Mr. Emidio Marcello Dere - supporting staff
6. Mr. Andrew Vuga Jackson - supporting staff
Source: goss.org
Edited: Gurtong