Close on the heels of the United Nations deciding to set up a panel of experts on the issue of accountability of human rights violations during last phase of war in Sri Lanka, the European Union has said that it would consider extending the GSP plus status for a limited period only if Colombo is ready give written guarantees on implementation of human rights laws.In a statement, the Delegation of the European Union said that these actions are to be taken within a six months time frame beginning in July of this year. The statement further says that it should provide reassurances as to the sustainability of progress registered under the GSP plus dialogue.It clearly says the GSP plus status will not be extended unconditionally. The withdrawal of GSP plus concession by the EU would expose the local exporters to a disadvantage vis a vis other players to enter the highly competitive apparel market.