§ Ann ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the future progress of the EU-Algeria Partnership Agreement; and what assessment he has made of Algeria's commitments under the human rights clause of that Agreement. [24443]
§ Mr. Doug HendersonThe EU/Algeria Association Agreement is part of the Euro-Med process begun in Barcelona in 1995 and will provide for liberalised trade an enhanced political dialogue. The European Commission is currently negotiating the terms of the Agreement, including commitments by both parties to respect human rights and democratic principles. The EU/Algeria 625W Association Council set up under the agreement will allow discussion of compliance with all parts of the agreement once it enters into force.