SS+Gag+Rule+neg+-+UK+CP

=UK CP Solvency—Democracy= Cotonou Agreement proves Gordon **Crawford**, School of Politics and International Studies, **4** (http://www.uwc.ac.za/ECSA-SA/docs/crawford%20uwc%20paper%20final.doc) First, for Sub-Saharan Africa, the most significant agreement has been __the Lomé Convention, succeeded by the__ __Cotonou__ __Agreement__ in June 2000. This agreement __between the EU and the ACP__ (African, Caribbean and Pacific) states __includes all 48 countries of sub-Saharan__ __Africa__ as signatories. 3 Originally an aid and trade agreement__, the political dimension of the Lomé Convention, and now__ __Cotonou__ __Agreement, has become increasingly prominent over the past 15 years__. Interestingly, a political element was first introduced in Lomé IV in 1989, preceding the general policy statements__, making ‘respect for human rights’ a fundamental clause of the agreement__ (Article 5). Subsequently, in accordance with the TEU, this political dimension was extended and strengthened in the mid-term review of Lomé IV in 1995. __Respect for democratic principles, the rule of law and good governance were added to human rights, with all but good governance becoming ‘essential elements’ of the Convention, backed up by a non-execution or suspension clause__ (Article 366a) in the event of a serious violation (Crawford 1996: 506-7). __Similarly, the Cotonou Agreement affirms ‘respect for human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law’ as essential elements of the Agreement__ (Article 9), __while ‘good governance’ becomes a ‘fundamental and positive element__’ (Salama and Dearden 2001: 7). 4