EU says discussions ongoing but declines to speculate outcome

Thursday, 9 May 2013 00:18 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The European Union yesterday noted that engagement on Sri Lanka’s “yellow card” is “substantive” and “continuing,” but declined to comment on its eventual outcome. Head of Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka Bernard Savage told the Daily FT in an interview that the issue had garnered significant attention and continued to be a point of engagement between the two stakeholders.

“There was a list of countries and not specifically Sri Lanka and even before that authorities in Brussels were in discussion with authorities here and that continues. And indeed we hope that the remaining issues will be resolved and that any concerns that we have regards unregulated and illegal fishing be resolved. I know that Ministry officials are putting in considerable effort and my EU colleagues are doing that they can to maintain discussions with Sri Lanka,” he said.

When asked whether the Minister’s optimism would be justified with the issuance of a “green card,” Savage declined to give specifics of what the outcome would be, preferring to say that a decision would be taken within the next few months.

“I do not want to contradict the Minister, but what I can say is that the discussions are substantive and continuing and we certainly hope that we can resolve any outstanding issues. The EU is expected to announce its decision within the next few months.”

Savage, who is winding down his time in Sri Lanka, denied allegations made by the Minister that certain developed countries in the EU had vested interests in controlling the fishing industry of Sri Lanka.

“That is certainly not the case. The EU proves is sovereignty on the question of fisheries. This is an issue which is of concern to the EU because we source a lot of our product from overseas, both in terms of our own domestic industry but also in terms of the health of world fishing it is important that we know and our consumers know that fishing products sold within EU including those sourced overseas are sourced in a sustainable, legal and traceable manner. It is not something that is specific to Sri Lanka,” he emphasised.