Govt urged to oppose aid-for-trade deals
The Irish Association of Development Workers, Comhlamh, has called on the Government to oppose the European Commission’s policy of using aid to force poor countries to open their markets to Western companies.
The association has accused the commission of abusing foreign aid to force free trade agreements upon 77 developing countries.
Spokesman Conall O'Caoimh said EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson was attempting to justify the policy by hiding behind World Trade Organisation rules that say Europe can only give favours to African countries if they reciprocate.
"We're asking for Europe to link together with the 77 countries who are affected by this," he said.
"Together, if we want, we can actually change the World Trade Organisation rules."
