EU puts conditions for GSP

22 June 2010 03:39 am - 29 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The European Union (EU) says it has informed the Government of Sri Lanka of its readiness to propose to the Council of the European Union to maintain GSP plus preferences for Sri Lanka for a limited additional period if some conditions are met and a written commitment is given.

The delegation of EU Sri Lanka and the Maldives said Sri Lanka needs to give a written commitment to undertake a well defined number of human rights related actions, within a six month time frame beginning in July of this year, and to provide reassurances as to the sustainability of progress registered under the GSP plus dialogue.

“The date of 15 August on which Sri Lanka would cease to benefit from GSP+ will not be extended unconditionally. Only if a written commitment to this effect has been made by the Government of Sri Lanka, by 1 July 2010, would the European Commission put such a proposal to the Council of the European Union, without prejudice to the final decision,” the EU office in Colombo said. (Daily Mirror online)

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Comments - 29

Tuesday, 22 June 2010 05:34 AM

Who is begging whom. Sri lanka begs for the GSP+ and the EU begs for a written confimation on conditions. No one wants to bow down.

Tuesday, 22 June 2010 12:40 PM

May be we can sue European Union or whatever it is. GL can't do it because he once said it but later withdrew.MR should get some advice from WW.

Tuesday, 22 June 2010 12:27 PM

If we can live peacefully with milk price up, sugar price up, flour price up etc., Why can not we live without GSP+.
There is no progress without pain !

Tuesday, 22 June 2010 08:53 AM

didnt you see the defense budget, what improvement and productivity ??? wake up from your dream my dear

Tuesday, 22 June 2010 08:21 AM

Please do not comment woth out knowing what GSP + is all about. do people who comment agaist the GSP knows whats GSP and how its operates .

Tuesday, 22 June 2010 07:49 AM

EU can fly a kite. Sri lanka has withstood so many obstacles and now this wont affect us we will survive.

Tuesday, 22 June 2010 07:47 AM

Most sensible comment i've seen in this entire thread...

Tuesday, 22 June 2010 07:07 AM

what we need is good diplomatic relations

Tuesday, 22 June 2010 07:05 AM

Lender does not beg, you are mistaken, but lays down conditions, borrower should accept the condition in order to obtain the loan. No need to bend! take the benefit or leave it and face an economy downfall!

Tuesday, 22 June 2010 07:04 AM

Correction... EU is not begging, they are demanding

Tuesday, 22 June 2010 06:31 AM

there are not dictating but asking to implement what we promised and agreed and signed

Tuesday, 22 June 2010 06:29 AM

Cost of Production is ever increasing in Sl and other countries maintaining.so we need it until we reduce waste and corruption.

Also move out from Garments like Japan, Korea as the history assures

Tuesday, 22 June 2010 06:12 AM

Sri Lanka should not sacrifice her sovereignity to foreign powers for a GSP+. If they are making undue demands, there are many other ways we can develop.

Tuesday, 22 June 2010 06:03 AM

We got GSP+ because of Tsunami, but what benefit passed to poor tsunami victims, corrupt politicians, NGOs, Contractors robbed the money.
This time ask to maintain at least human rights which will not be a difficult things to do.

Tuesday, 22 June 2010 05:39 AM

If we get it good. If we don't better.
Then our people will learn to provide quality product through high tech and R&D to compete at International market.
Stop begging try and stand on our own feet. We should stop thinking of getting monetary support. Instead we should focus on developing innovation to match with international level.

Tuesday, 22 June 2010 03:51 AM

Seems the last chance for Sri Lanka to maintain the GSP plus. Will Sri Lanka comply?

Tuesday, 22 June 2010 05:29 AM

If we get it, good. If we don't, can borrow from India, China… OK

Tuesday, 22 June 2010 05:04 AM

Weak areas like human rights, political corruption etc etc (a SL cabinet minister recently said after police & education cricket is the 3rd highest corrupted!!) ??. If so why not get rid of these for the benefit of the general public and then secure GSP+ as well at the same time - Then the SL taxpayers are benefited twice aren't they ??

Tuesday, 22 June 2010 05:02 AM

ONCE OUR PRODUCTIVITY INCREASES IN PEACE TIME PLUS ALL THE INCOME GENERATED FROM OUR INTERNATIONAL HUB IN HUMBANTHOTA ETC, WE CAN SAY GOOD BYE TO THESE PEOPLE WHO DICTATE TERMS TO US.

IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME. WE WILL SEE THESE COME INTO FRUITION IN PERHAPS ANOTHER THREE YEARS.

THEN THE WEST CAN COME TO US WITH THEIR BEGGING BOWL WITH THEIR FINANCIAL CRISIS ALREADY APPARENT.

Tuesday, 22 June 2010 04:55 AM

Yeah Right!!!The people who lose jobs and business can be fed by you

Tuesday, 22 June 2010 04:54 AM

We got GSP+ only after tsunami. Until them how did we survive ???? If we get it, good. If we don't, OK !!!!

Tuesday, 22 June 2010 04:51 AM

Are our conditions for a limited period too.?.Then go ahead.

Tuesday, 22 June 2010 04:44 AM

This issue is becoming a serious joke. GOSL must bat straight and spell out what conditions that could be agreed w/o trading on dignity of Lankans and not agree to conditions that are detrimental and harm the dignity of Lankans. This issue must come to an end and GOSL must also not be tentative which is the reason EU is turning out to be a Bully.
GOSL must look at other options and take action to live without GSP if worst comes.

Tuesday, 22 June 2010 04:34 AM

We are already bent. Why can't we say "go to hell to the EU"? That is because lots of companies depend on it. SL gov have to stop lying to our people and do something about it

Tuesday, 22 June 2010 04:23 AM

EU, we won't bend down before you.

Tuesday, 22 June 2010 04:20 AM

So the EU too has lost confidence in government verbal commitments! Soon sri lankans also would need written commitment on pre-election promises!

Tuesday, 22 June 2010 04:13 AM

The way this government talks, if their genuine with regard to human right issues, I do not see any barrier or difficulty to meet the conditions being set out. Also it does not cost a single cent. Only need to rectify the errors and reform nothing other than that.But it seems lack of self confidence and aggressive conduct towards human rights being practiced so far under the coverage of democracy, would not permit them to safe guard human rights.

Tuesday, 22 June 2010 04:12 AM

GSP+ not essential if you can remove many other weak areas of the economy.

Tuesday, 22 June 2010 03:59 AM

THE PHRASE, "HUMAN RIGHTS" IS ANATHEMA OVER HERE. SO WHY BOTHER ?

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EU puts conditions for GSP

Comments - 29

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