Lebanon and the European Union are scheduled to begin a new round of talks on Wednesday aimed at signing the long-delayed Euro-Med partnership agreement, reported the Daily Star newspaper on Tuesday.
Negotiations to replace an old agreement began in 1995 and have been underway for six years.
Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri previously met with the head of the EU commission, Romano Prodi, during his visit to Beirut in February, and said he wanted to conclude a final agreement before August.
Economy and Trade Minister Basil Fuleihan will head the Lebanese delegation.
Meanwhile, European sources said talks at this week’s session, the tenth round so far, would include “the issue of restructuring the Lebanese tax system” as well as proposed classifications for various agricultural products, the easing of restrictions regarding the country of origin of various products, and the issue of illegal emigration – Albawaba.coma
