PRESS RELEASE. 2817th Council meeting. General Affairs and External Relations. External Relations. Brussels, July 2007

Transcription

1 COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION 11914/07 (Presse 171) PRESS RELEASE 2817th Council meeting General Affairs and External Relations External Relations Brussels, July 2007 President Mr Luís AMADO Minister of State, of Portugal * Some external relations items were adopted without debate at the meeting on General Affairs (11911/07). P R E S S R u e d e l a L o i B B R U S S E L S T e l. : ( 0 ) / F a x : ( 0 ) press.office@consilium.europa.eu /07 (Presse 171) 1

2 Main results of the Council The Council welcomed the renewed momentum of the efforts to resolve the Darfur conflict through a negotiated political settlement and the deployment of the African Union (AU)-UN Hybrid Operation. It underlined how essential it is that the joint AU/UN initiative to revitalise the political track and the strengthening of peacekeeping in Darfur be backed up by strong and coherent international support. The Council also emphasised the urgent need to address the destabilising impact of the Darfur crisis on the humanitarian and security situation in neighbouring countries. In this context, it asked its competent bodies to continue planning with a view to a possible decision on a bridging operation, in the framework of the European Security and Defence Policy, in support of a multidimensional UN presence in Eastern Chad and North-Eastern Central African Republic with a view to improving security in those areas. The Council stressed the urgency of taking forward a credible Middle East peace process. It strongly encouraged the parties to continue their bilateral dialogue. It expressed the EU's determination to work with the US, other Quartet partners as well as partners in the region, in an effort to bring about an early end to the Israeli-Arab conflict. In this regard it expects the Quartet to participate in the international meeting proposed by President Bush and stands ready to play an active role. The Council also adopted a decision approving the signing of an agreement with the United States on the processing and the transfer by air carriers to the US department of homeland security of passenger name record data (see General Affairs Council press release, 11911/07) /07 (Presse 171) 2

3 CONTTS 1 PARTICIPANTS... 5 ITEMS DEBATED WORLD TRADE NEGOTIATIONS DOHA DEVELOPMT AGDA... 7 SUDAN/DARFUR - Council conclusions... 8 DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO RELATIONS WITH UKRAINE LIBYA MIDDLE EAST Middle East peace process - Council conclusions Lebanon - Council conclusions WESTERN BALKANS Albania - Council conclusions Kosovo IRAN OTHER BUSINESS Council of Europe parliamentary assembly resolution Relations with Russia Situation in Zimbabwe University of European Humanities Ecumenical Patriarchate in Turkey EVTS IN THE MARGINS OF THE COUNCIL Where declarations, conclusions or resolutions have been formally adopted by the Council, this is indicated in the heading for the item concerned and the text is placed between quotation marks. Documents for which references are given in the text are available on the Council's Internet site ( Acts adopted with statements for the Council minutes which may be released to the public are indicated by an asterisk; these statements are available on the Council's Internet site or may be obtained from the Press Office /07 (Presse 171) 3

4 OTHER ITEMS APPROVED See press release 11911/ /07 (Presse 171) 4

5 PARTICIPANTS The Governments of the Member States and the European Commission were represented as follows: Belgium: Mr Karel DE GUCHT Mr Didier DONFUT Bulgaria: Mr Ivailo KALFIN Czech Republic: Mr Alexandr VONDRA Mr Karel SCHWARZBERG Mr Martin ŘÍMAN Denmark: Mr Michael ZILMER-JOHNS Germany: Mr Frank-Walter STEINMEIER Estonia: Mr Urmas PAET Ireland: Mr Dermot AHERN Mr Dick ROCHE Greece: Ms Dora BAKOYANNI Spain: Mr Miguel Ángel MORATINOS France: Mr Bernard KOUCHNER Mr Jean-Pierre JOUYET Mr Hervé NOVELLI Italy: Mr Massimo D'ALEMA Ms Emma BONINO Cyprus: Ms Erato KOZAKOU-MARCOULLIS Latvia: Mr Normans PKE Lithuania: Mr Petras VAITIEKŪNAS Luxembourg: Mr Jean ASSELBORN Hungary: Ms Kinga GÖNCZ Malta: Mr Michael FRDO State Secretary for European Affairs, attached to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister with responsibility for European Affairs Minister for Industry and Trade State Secretary, Ministry for Foreign Affairs Federal Minister of State with special responsibility for European Affairs at the Department of the Taoiseach and at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Minister of State for European Affairs Minister of State with responsibility for Enterprise and Foreign Trade Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for European Policy and International Trade Secretary of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Deputy Prime Minister, Minister with responsibility for Foreign Affairs and Immigration 11914/07 (Presse 171) 5

6 Netherlands: Mr Tom de BRUIJN Austria: Ms Ursula PLASSNIK Poland: Ms Anna ElŜbieta FOTYGA Portugal: Mr Luís AMADO Mr Manuel LOBO ANTUNES Romania: Mr Adrian CIOROIANU Slovenia: Mr Dimitrij RUPEL Slovakia: Mr Ján KUBIŠ Finland: Mr Ilkka KANERVA Ms Astrid THORS Sweden: Mr Carl BILDT Ms Cecilia MALMSTRÖM Mr Sten TOLGFORS United Kingdom: Mr David MILIBAND Permanent Representative Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Ministro de Estado, State Secretary for European Affairs, attached to the Minister for Migration and European Affairs Minister for European Affairs Minister for Trade Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Commission: Mr Olli REHN Mr Peter MANDELSON Member Member General Secretariat of the Council: Mr Javier SOLANA Secretary-General/High Representative for the CFSP 11914/07 (Presse 171) 6

7 ITEMS DEBATED WORLD TRADE NEGOTIATIONS DOHA DEVELOPMT AGDA The Council was briefed by commissioner Peter Mandelson on developments and on prospects for negotiations under the World Trade Organisation's Doha Development Agenda, following the submission of draft modalities papers on agriculture and non-agricultural market access. It asked the Commission to continue its efforts to improve on the proposals, in order to achieve the Community's objectives in the next stages of the negotiations. The Council will revert to this issue at one of its forthcoming meetings. Prior to the meeting, ministers responsible for trade held an informal dinner on 22 July to take stock of developments in the Doha negotiations. They also discussed external trade and the EU's competitiveness and growth agenda, in the context of Commission's communication "Global Europe: competing in the world" /07 (Presse 171) 7

8 SUDAN/DARFUR - Council conclusions The Council adopted the following conclusions: "1. The Council welcomes the renewed momentum of the efforts to resolve the Darfur conflict through a negotiated political settlement and the deployment of the AU-UN Hybrid Operation. It is essential that the joint AU/UN initiative to revitalise the political track and the strengthening of peacekeeping in Darfur be backed up by strong and coherent international support. In this regard, the Council welcomes the outcome of the meeting in Tripoli on July, which brought together the international community's efforts in support of the AU-UN led political process, in partnership with the regional actors, towards peace in Darfur. It urges the non-signatory movements to participate constructively in the negotiations to take place in Arusha on 3-5 August and calls on all parties to prepare for early negotiations in the context of an inclusive process. Similarly, the Council also welcomes the French initiative of convening a meeting of the enlarged Contact Group on 25 June as an important contribution to galvanise the international community's support for a solution of the conflict, and looks forward to the forthcoming meeting of the Group in the margins of the UN General Assembly in September. 2. The EU renews its strong support for the AU/UN mediation under the leadership of the UN and AU Special Envoys, and states its readiness to examine ways and means to strengthen its engagement in support of the AU/UN and the political process. The Council underlines the critical importance of accomplishing without further delay the steps included in the Joint AU-UN Road Map for the Darfur Political Process within the timelines set out therein. It urges all parties to the conflict to seize the current momentum and engage constructively in the efforts to find a comprehensive and sustainable settlement of the conflict. The Council also encourages the UN to promptly appoint a new Special Representative for Sudan. 3. The EU calls on all sides to demonstrate serious commitment to finding a solution to put an end to the suffering of the people of Darfur. In line with Security Council Resolution 1591, the Council will consider any party failing to constructively engage in the peace process as an obstacle to peace and will promote appropriate further measures against them, notably in the UN framework. The EU also urges the regional actors to work for the convergence of all mediation initiatives and their integration within the broader AU/UN framework /07 (Presse 171) 8

9 4. Sustainable peace in Darfur is only possible within the framework of a peaceful and united Sudan and requires the full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). Reaffirming its commitment to reinforce its support for this process, the EU urges the parties to the agreement to step up efforts to accelerate implementation of the CPA and set specific timelines for the achievement of critical milestones, notably the delineation of the North-South border and the status of Abeyei. In this regard, the EU recalls the particular importance of the preparations for the national elections scheduled for There can be no impunity for the violations of human rights and of international humanitarian law committed in Darfur. The EU notes the report on the situation of human rights in Darfur prepared by the group of experts mandated by the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in March, which confirms the deep concerns about the seriousness of the violations taking place in Darfur and the lack of accountability of their perpetrators. The Council fully supports the implementation without delay of the recommendations of the report and welcomes the decision by consensus of the UNHRC on 20 June to request the Experts Group to continue its work for six months, and to submit an update of its report in September While acknowledging the commitment of the Sudanese authorities to collaborate in this regard, the Council reiterates its call to the Government of Sudan, and other relevant parties, to continue to cooperate fully with the Group. 6. The EU welcomes progress in the implementation of the Joint Communiqué on Facilitation of Humanitarian Activities in Darfur, signed by the Sudanese government and the UN on 28 March As a member of the High Level Committee, the EU will closely monitor the implementation of the Communiqué, and will support all efforts to ensure unhindered and safe access for the delivery of humanitarian aid and the protection of refugee camps, IDPs and other civilian populations, as well as of humanitarian aid workers. It calls upon the Sudanese government to remove all remaining administrative restrictions on humanitarian activities, recalling its responsibility to fulfil its obligations under humanitarian law to protect and assist its own citizens. It stands ready to consider further measures, notably in the UN framework, to ensure humanitarian deliveries and protection of civilians /07 (Presse 171) 9

10 7. The EU equally stands ready to play its full role in providing assistance for the reconstruction and development of Darfur once a peace agreement is effective, promoting a progressive transition from humanitarian aid to development cooperation. Aid for reconstruction and development should be targeted at supporting sustainable peace and reconciliation of the people of Darfur, reaching out to all segments of Darfurian society. In this regard, the EU will also actively support the Darfur-Darfur Dialogue and Consultation as an inclusive process with representatives of all stakeholders, aimed at overcoming divisions between communities and building the foundations of a common and peaceful future. 8. The Council takes note of recent advances in the implementation of UN support for AMIS and in the preparation for the deployment of the AU/UN Hybrid Operation. It welcomes the decision of the AU Peace and Security Council on 22 June authorising the deployment of the Hybrid Operation, and looks forward to the early adoption of a UN Security Council Resolution in this regard. It calls on all parties to work for an acceleration of the implementation of the UN support package to AMIS and a swift transition to the Hybrid Operation, and in particular on the Sudanese government to continue cooperation with the AU and the UN to this effect. The Council remains ready to consider further measures, notably in the UN framework, against any party which obstructs the implementation of the UN support package, including deployment of the Hybrid Operation. The EU commends all countries having pledged to contribute with troops or otherwise to the Hybrid Operation. 9. The EU reconfirms its resolve to continue supporting AMIS in the period leading up to the deployment of the AU/UN Hybrid Operation. Recalling the significant and urgent need for additional financial and material support to enable AMIS to fulfil its mandate and prepare for the transition to the Hybrid Operation, the Council again urges international partners to join the EU in providing the mission with fresh funds. Similarly, the EU confirms the extension of the EU civilian-military supporting action to AMIS for a period of up to six months, from 1 July /07 (Presse 171) 10

11 10. The EU emphasises the urgent need to address the destabilising impact of the Darfur crisis on the humanitarian and security situation in neighbouring countries, and reiterates its support for the deployment of a multidimensional UN presence in Eastern Chad and North- Eastern Central African Republic. 11. The Council welcomes the work undertaken by the Council Secretariat and the Commission on further possible actions of the EU in Darfur and neighbouring regions and asks them to continue to elaborate on its political, humanitarian and security aspects, as set out above. The Council asks its competent bodies to continue planning in view of a possible decision on a bridging operation, in the framework of the European Security and Defence Policy, in support of the multidimensional UN presence in Eastern Chad and North-Eastern Central African Republic with a view to improving security in those areas. Any bridging operation should be based on a Resolution by the UN Security Council, with a clearly defined exit strategy, and should be conducted in full cooperation with the UN and the AU, and in consultation with the authorities of the countries concerned, as well as, as appropriate, with neighbouring countries and humanitarian organisations." 11914/07 (Presse 171) 11

12 DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO The Council had an exchange of views regarding recent developments in the Democratic Republic of Congo, on the basis of a briefing by the Belgian minister following his visit there, in particular with regard to the security situation in the east of the country. The Council will continue to follow developments closely /07 (Presse 171) 12

13 RELATIONS WITH UKRAINE The Council took note of progress in preparations for the EU-Ukraine summit scheduled to take place in Kiev on 14 September. The summit, the tenth to be held under the EU-Ukraine partnership and cooperation agreement, is expected to cover: developments in the EU and in Ukraine; relations with Ukraine as regards, in particular: the preparation of a new enhanced agreement, cooperation in foreign and security issues, trade, border-related issues and energy, nuclear safety and the environment; international issues, including Russia, Moldova and Belarus /07 (Presse 171) 13

14 LIBYA The Council discussed the latest developments after a Libyan court commuted the death sentences passed against five Bulgarian nurses and a doctor following the infection by HIV/AIDS of more than 400 children in a Libyan hospital. It will continue to follow the issue very closely in the hope of a satisfactory solution being reached as soon as possible /07 (Presse 171) 14

15 MIDDLE EAST Middle East peace process - Council conclusions The Council adopted the following conclusions: "1. Reiterating its conclusions of 18 June, the Council stresses the urgency of taking forward a credible peace process which will give the Palestinian people the perspective of an independent, democratic and viable state living side-by-side with Israel and its other neighbours in peace and security, and bring peace and stability to the Middle East. The Council calls on the parties to desist from any action that threatens the viability of this solution. 2. In this context, settlement activities in and around East Jerusalem as well as in the rest of the West Bank and the ongoing construction of the barrier on Palestinian land which are against international law are of particular concern. The EU will not recognise any changes to the pre-1967 borders other than those agreed by the parties. Stopping all violence among the parties is of the utmost importance for the peace process to succeed. The EU strongly condemns the firing of Qassam rockets into Israeli territory. While recognising Israel's legitimate right to self defence, the EU calls on Israel to exercise utmost restraint and underlines that action should not be disproportionate or in contradiction to international humanitarian law. While welcoming the release of the BBC journalist Alan Johnston, the EU reiterates its call for the immediate release of the abducted Israeli soldier, and commends efforts, including by partners in the region to that effect. It equally calls for the immediate release of Palestinian legislators detained by Israel. 3. The Council strongly encourages the parties to continue their bilateral dialogue, which should both achieve concrete results and lead to meaningful political negotiations to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement. The Council welcomes the meeting between Prime Minister Olmert and President Abbas on 16 July and reiterates its hope that these meetings will soon lead, in the framework of a renewed political process, to meaningful negotiations on the final status. The Council emphasises again the importance of the Arab Peace Initiative as a major element in moving the Middle East Peace Process forward. It expresses its hope that the ongoing dialogue between the Arab League and Israel will support a renewed political process aimed at advancing regional peace. In accordance with the Roadmap, the Quartet, in consultation with the parties, should in due course convene an international conference to achieve these goals. In this context, the EU welcomes the speech of President Bush of 16 July and is determined to work with the US, other Quartet partners as well as partners in the region, in an effort to bring about an early end to the Israeli-Arab conflict. It expects the Quartet to participate in the international meeting proposed by President Bush and stands ready to play an active role /07 (Presse 171) 15

16 4. The EU welcomes the meeting of Quartet Principals in Lisbon. In this context the EU emphasises its determination to play an active role with a view to urgently put in place a political and diplomatic process offering a political perspective in the quest for a comprehensive settlement of the Israeli-Arab conflict, in conformity with the relevant UNSC resolutions and on the basis of the Roadmap, notably its goals and principles. It looks forward to a meeting in the region with the Israelis and the Palestinians and representatives of the Arab League. The EU will continue to play an active role in the Quartet whose commitment is underlined by the appointment of Tony Blair as Quartet Representative. The Council warmly welcomes the appointment and looks forward to working with him. 5. The Council welcomes, as a first step, the partial transfer by Israel of withheld Palestinian tax and custom revenues but it reiterates its call for the immediate, complete and regular release of the remaining and future funds. The Council welcomes the initial release of 255 prisoners and detainees as part of the commitment by Israel following the recent meetings between President Abbas and Prime Minister Olmert in Sharm el- Sheik and Jerusalem. The Council urges further steps to meet the commitments made at these meetings, including a removal of checkpoints and barriers in the West Bank. Such moves will support progress on the political track. 6. The Council reiterates its full support for President Abbas and the government under Prime Minister Fayyad. The Council reaffirms its position on events in Gaza. Reconciliation and national unity behind the programme of peace articulated by President Abbas are the only way to achieve Palestinian national goals by peaceful, lawful and democratic means. The EU opposes any division of the Palestinian territories and confirms its readiness to engage with all Palestinian parties whose policy and actions reflect the Quartet principles. 7. The EU has resumed relations with institutions of the Palestinian Authority. The EU has started to provide direct financial and technical assistance to the Palestinian government. The Council confirms its commitment to help build the institutions and economy of the future Palestinian state and stresses the need to fully develop the economy in the occupied Palestinian territories, including the promotion of cooperation with the Palestinian private sector. The Council has confirmed its support to the Palestinian Civil Police through reengagement of the EUPOL COPPS. The Council calls on Israel to provide the necessary conditions to this end /07 (Presse 171) 16

17 8. Gravely concerned by the critical humanitarian situation, the EU will continue doing its utmost to ensure the provision of emergency and humanitarian assistance to the population of Gaza, whom it will not abandon. The Council calls on all parties to work towards an opening of the crossings in and out of Gaza for both humanitarian and commercial flows. Karni and other crossings must be open on a regular and predictable basis, in view of reaching the transit volumes foreseen in the Agreement on Movement and Access. This is necessary to ensure the viability of the Palestinian economy and to improve the living conditions of the Palestinian people, both in Gaza and in the West Bank. It also underlines the need to re-open the Rafah crossing point and stands ready to resume the full activities of the EU Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) Rafah as soon as conditions allow." 11914/07 (Presse 171) 17

18 Lebanon - Council conclusions The Council adopted the following conclusions: "1. The Council condemns in the strongest terms the attacks on the UNIFIL, in particular the one that claimed the lives of six peacekeepers of the Spanish contingent on 24 June It expresses its deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the people and Government of Spain. This further attempt to destabilise Lebanon will not succeed. 2. The Council is determined to reinforce Lebanon's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence, free from foreign interference, and reaffirms its support for the legitimate and democratic government of Prime Minister Siniora. 3. The Council remains deeply concerned regarding the continuing violence in Lebanon, and in particular the fighting in the Palestinian refugee camp at Nahr al Bared. It reiterates its condemnation of the attacks on Lebanese security forces by terrorist groups operating from Palestinian camps. It expresses its support to the Lebanese Armed Forces engaged in Nahr al Bared. 4. The Council urges all political forces in Lebanon to search for a solution to the current political deadlock and to develop the widest possible consensus for the forthcoming election of the President of the Republic and the formation of a broad-based and representative government. Dialogue and full respect for the democratic institutions of the country should be the guiding principles of the political process, in the interest of all Lebanese people. 5. In this regard, the Council welcomes the inter-lebanese meeting facilitated by France at la Celle Saint-Cloud on July. It welcomes the atmosphere of confidence created between the representatives of the main political forces and urges the political factions in Lebanon to honour their commitment to pursue the dialogue reinitiated in that occasion. The Council welcomes all constructive initiatives aimed at securing peace and stability, including those by the Arab League and Saudi Arabia, and calls on all parties in the region to refrain from destabilising the country /07 (Presse 171) 18

19 6. The Council reaffirms its commitment to the full and speedy implementation of all relevant Security Council resolutions concerning Lebanon. It reiterates the need for disbanding and disarming all Lebanese and non-lebanese militias as called for by UNSC Resolution There should be no weapons in Lebanon without the consent of its Government and no authority other than that of its Government. The Council also reaffirms its commitment to the full and speedy implementation of Resolution 1701 and, in this regard, welcomes the latest report of the UN Secretary General. The Council reiterates its call to Israel to stop violations of Lebanese airspace by the Israeli Air Force. It stresses the importance of securing the Lebanese-Syrian border and welcomes the report of the Lebanon Independent Border Assessment Team. The Council calls on all states and all parties to fully cooperate with the Special Tribunal for Lebanon established by UNSC Resolution The Council reiterates its call for the immediate release of the two Israeli soldiers abducted a year ago this month." 11914/07 (Presse 171) 19

20 WESTERN BALKANS Albania - Council conclusions The Council adopted the following conclusions: "The Council welcomed the conclusion of the presidential electoral process in the Albanian Parliament in accordance with the Constitution, and the election of Mr Bamir Topi as new President. The Council reiterated its support for Albania s European perspective, subject to fulfilment of the EU criteria, and encouraged all political forces to work together in moving forward with the reforms needed. The Council also underlined the importance of Albania s continued constructive role in the region." Kosovo Over lunch, ministers discussed Kosovo following the failure of the UN Security Council to reach agreement on a resolution, which they regretted. It was noted that the negotiating process would now continue for a period of around 120 days. Ministers appealed to Belgrade and Pristina to engage actively and seriously. It was also noted that the EU should stand by existing agreed positions and that it was determined to remain united on this issue in defence of European interests, notably stability and prosperity and the European future of the Balkans. Further discussions on the modalities of the negotiations will continue, but ministers agreed that the EU should be part of the international team facilitating negotiations /07 (Presse 171) 20

21 IRAN Over lunch, High Representative Javier Solana briefed ministers on the latest developments regarding the Iran nuclear issue, notably in the light of his meeting with the Iranian negotiator, National Security Advisor Ali Larijani, on 23 June in Lisbon /07 (Presse 171) 21

22 OTHER BUSINESS Council of Europe parliamentary assembly resolution 1562 Ministers had an exchange of views on Council of Europe parliamentary assembly resolution 1562 on "Secret detentions and illegal transfers of detainees". In September 2006, the Council had considered that the existence of secret facilities where detained persons were kept in a legal vacuum was not in conformity with international humanitarian and human rights law. Relations with Russia Ministers took note of information provided by the United Kingdom delegation on developments in the Alexander Litvinenko murder case and the steps taken by the UK government in response to Russia's refusal to extradite the murder suspect in this case. Situation in Zimbabwe Ministers took note of a briefing by the United Kingdom Foreign Secretary regarding the rapidly deteriorating economic situation in Zimbabwe. University of European Humanities The Lithuanian delegation drew the attention of the Council to the situation regarding the University of European Humanities, a Belarusian university in Vilnius, and to the need for further support to be given to it. Ecumenical Patriarchate in Turkey Ministers took note with concern of a presentation by the Greek delegation on the recent ruling of the Turkish Court of Cassation on the Ecumenical Patriarchate and on its implications with regard to freedom of religion /07 (Presse 171) 22

23 EVTS IN THE MARGINS OF THE COUNCIL The following meetings were held in the margins of the Council: on 23 July: EU-Morocco association council; on 24 July: EU-Chile association council; EU-FYR Macedonia stabilisation and association council /07 (Presse 171) 23

24 OTHER ITEMS APPROVED See press release 11911/ /07 (Presse 171) 24