(from our correspondent) The economic partnership agreements between the European Union and the African Union, the environmental and social impact of the mining industries, the migration issue: these are the topics contained in the document drawn up by the Peace and Justice Commission of Secam (Symposium of the Bishops Conferences of Africa and Madagascar), to be discussed tomorrow afternoon by the over 30 African and European bishops in Cape Coast, the Ghana, at the workshop on "Slavery and new slavery", organised in cooperation with Ccee (Council of European Bishops Conferences), lasting until November 18th. The document (currently composed of 10 pages) will be probably distributed to all the bishops of Europe and Africa, who can then submit it to their own governments, and the participants in the workshop will produce a brief message that will be submitted to the Lisbon Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the European Union and the African Union, due to take place on December 8th and 9th. "The text addresses some of the hottest issues that depend on the common policies of Europe and Africa", says to SIR, as a preview, Firmin Adjahossou, in charge of the "Good governance" scheme and Justice and Peace at Secam. The requests made to the governments include "changing the way Europe negotiates with Africa", with special reference to the trade agreements with the ACP countries (former colonies of Africa, Caribbean and the Pacific). (continued)
