7095/98 (Presse 86)

2078th Council meeting

-GENERAL AFFAIRS-

Brussels, 30/31 March 1998

Presidents: Mr Robin COOK Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of the United Kingdom

Mrs President of the Board of Trade of the United Kingdom (for the WTO item)

Internet : http://ue.eu.int/Newsroom E-mail : [email protected]

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SUMMARY

PARTICIPANTS ...... ·, ...... · ...... 3

ITEMS DISCUSSED

ENLARGEMENT - LAUNCHING OF THE ACCESSION PROCESS ...... • • ...... 5 - OPENING OF ACCESSION NEGOTIATIONS ...... • ...... 6 .· WTO : PREPARATION OF SECOND MINISTERIAL MEETING - CONCLUSIONS ...... 8

AGENDA 2000 ...... • ...... 9

MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS - CONCLUSIONS ...... 10

IRAN - CONCLUSIONS ...•..•...... -...... 11

INFLUX OF MIGRANTS FROM AND THE NEIGHBOURING REGION - CONCLUSIONS . 11

RELATIONS WITH THE ACP STATES - CONCLUSIONS ...... • . . . . . 12

SOUTH AFRICA : NEGOTIATIONS ON A TRADE AND CO-OPERATION AGREEMENT - CONCLUSIONS • ...... • ...... 13

NEW TRANSATLANTIC MARKETPLACE ...... • • • ...... 13

ASEM 11 ...... 13

RELATIONS WITH THE WESTERN BALKANS - ...... •...... 14 - CROATIA ...... 15

POLICY PLANNING AND EARLY WARNING UNIT- CONCLUSIONS ...... 16

GREAT LAKES REGION - CONCLUSIONS ...... 17

ITEMS ADOPTED WITHOUT DISCUSSION

EXTERNAL RELATIONS - Rwanda - common position ...... -· Enlargement ...... ·...... 11 - Development cooperation - gender issues ...... 11 - FYROM - trade in wine ...... Ill - UN - coordination on candidatures for Heads of Agencies ...... Ill - lnterinstitutional agreement on CFSP ...... Ill

For further information call285.87.04 or 285.81.11

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The Governments of the Member States and the European Commission were represented as follows:

Belgium: Mr Erik DERYCKE Minister for Foreign Affairs

Denmark: Mr Niels HELVEG PETERSEN Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Friis Arne PETERSEN State Secretary for Foreign.Affairs Mr Gunnar ORTMANN State Secretary for Foreign Affairs

Germany: Mr Klaus KINKEL Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Werner HOVER Minister of State, Foreign Affairs Mr Lorenz SCHOMERUS State Secretary, Federal Minister of Economic Affairs

Greece: Mr Theodoros PANGALOS Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Giorgios PAPANDREOU Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Giannos KRANIDIOTIS State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Mr Alekos BALT AS State Secretary for Economic Affairs

Spain: Mr Abel MATUTES Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Ram6n de MIGUEL State Secretary for European Affairs

France: Mr Hubert VEDRINE Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Minister with responsibility for European Affairs

Ireland: Mr Frank FAHEY Minister of State Mr Tom KITT Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment ttalv: Mr lamberto DINI Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Augusto FANTOZZI Minister for Foreign Trade Mr Piero FASSINO State Secretary for Foreign Affairs

Luxembourg: Mrs lydie ERR State Secretary for Foreign Affairs

Netherlands: Mr Hans V AN MIERLO Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Michiel PATIJN State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Mrs Anneke VAN DOK VAN WEELE State Secretary for Economic Affairs

Austria: Mr Wolfgang SCHOSSEL Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Johann FARNLEITNER Federal Minister for Economic Affairs

Portugal: Mr Jaime GAMA Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Francisco SEIXAS da COST A State Secretary for European Affairs Mr Victor RAMALHO State Secretary attached to the Minister for Economic Affairs

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Finland: Mrs Tarja HALONEN Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Ole NORRBACK Minister for European Affairs

Sweden: Mrs Lena HJELM-WALL~N Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Leif PAGROTSKY Minister at the Ministry for Industry and Trade Mr Gunnar LUND State Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs

United Kingdom: Mr Robin COOK Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Mrs Margaret BECKETT President of the Board of Trade Mrs Secretary of State for International Development Mr Doug HENDERSON Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office Lord CLINTON-DAVIS Minister of State, Department of Trade and Industry

* * *

Commission: Mr Jacques SANTER President Sir Leon BRITT AN Vice-President Mr Manuel MARIN Vice-President Mr Joao de Deus PINHEIRO Member Mr Hans VAN DEN BROEK Member

* * *

Participants of the Applicants countries of Central and Eastern Europe and Cyprus :

Bulgaria Mrs Nadejda MIHAILOVA Minister for Foreign Affairs Estonia Mr Toomas Hendrik ILVES Minister for Foreign Affairs Hungary Mr L8szl6 KOVAcs Minister for Foreign Affairs Letvia Mr Valdis BIRKAVS Minister for Foreign Affairs Uthuania Mr Algirdas SAUDARGAS Minister for Foreign Affairs Poland Mr Bronislaw GEREMEK Minister for Foreign Affairs Romania Mr Andrei Gabriel PLESU Minister for Foreign Affairs Slovak Republic Mr Jozef KALMAN Deputy Prime Minister Czech Republic Mr Jaroslav SEDivY Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs Slovenia Mr Boris FRLEC Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr lgor BAVCAR Minister for European Affairs Cyprus Mr loannis KASOULIDES Minister for Foreign Affairs

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ENLARGEMENT

- LAUNCHING OF THE ACCESSION PROCESS

The joint Ministerial meeting launching the Accession Process with the 11 Applicant States was held during the morning of 30 March.

In his opening statement the President of the Council recalled that this meeting formed part of the implementation of Article 0 of the Treaty of the EU and put into effect the decision of the Luxembourg European Council which defined this process as inclusive, global and evolutive. ,

The President underlined that the historic decisions in Luxembourg had made possible the inauguration of the overall enlargement process on 12 March 1998 in London. He also stressed that today's joint Ministerial meeting marked a new milestone in the process of European construction, the end of the post-war division and the extension of the European integration into Central and Eastern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean. lt will culminate in an enlarged Union of nearly 500 million citizens, bringing a step closer the vision of the founding fathers of the Community of an "ever closer union among the peoples of Europe". To this end, the enhanced pre-accession strategy defined in Luxembourg will offer substantial, targeted and practical help to prepare the applicant States for accession.

The meeting, which was televised to the press and the public, gave to all participants­ Ministers of the candidate countries and the present Member States- the opportunity to set out their expectations regarding the accession process. lt enabled in particular the representatives of the candidate countries to express their aspirations for a rapid and successful outcome of this process. On their side, the present Member States, drawing on their experience of membership, commented on various aspects of the accession process. Commissioner Van den Broek elaborated on the role of the Accession Partnerships, which mobilise all forms of assistance to the applicant States of Central and Eastern Europe within a single framework. He also indicated the next steps to be taken in the process, in particular the launching of the screening of the "acquis" of the Union.

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On behalf of the Union President Robin COOK expressed the conviction that the comprehensive accession process launched today can be conCluded successfully with all participants, given the common political will which exists on all sides: success in this endeavour is an imperative for all.

The President concluded that it was now up to the Applicant States, as part of an evolutive and dynamic process, to take full advantage of the pre-accession period, in order to make rapid progress along the path mapped out towards accession; the European Union reiterated its commitment to give its full support.

OPENING OF ACCESSION NEGOTIATIONS

In the morning of 31 March were held six Ministerial Intergovernmental Conferences opening the accession negotiations with Cyprus, Hungary, Poland, Estonia, Czech Republic and Slovenia.

In each of the meetings the President of the Council presented the general position of the European Union and Commissioner Van den Broek made a complementary statement concerning in particular the implementation of the screening with the candidates of the •acquis" of the Union.

Each of the candidate countries set out its strategic objectives, as well as the political, cultural and socio-economic aspirations it was pursuing with its application for membership of the European Union.

All the applicant States stressed that the opening of the accession negotiations with the Union was an historic event for their respective countries. They also underlined their determination to spare no effort to bring the negotiations to a successful conclusion.

At the end of each meeting the President of the Council proposed to the applicant states a date for the first meeting at Deputy level (23/24 April). These meetings should aim in particular at fixing the modalities of the negotiations and the first work programmes.

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Following are recalled the bases and principles enshrined in the EU position for the negotiations, as expressed by the President of the Council : ··

Accession implies full acceptance of the actual and potential rights and obligations attaching to the Union system and its institutional framework, known as the "acquis" of the Union. lt will include the Treaty of Amsterdam, once it enters into force, which represents the latest stage of European construction.

The "acquis" has to be applied as it stands at the time of accession. Furthermore, accession requires effective implementation of the "acquis ", which implies in particular the establishment of an efficient, reliable public administration.

The Union attaches a primordial importance to Justice and Home Affairs and the need for all applicant States to make rapid progress in this area even before accession.

There is a need for a progressive alignment of the applicant States' policies and positions towards third countries and within international organisations to those of the Union. The "acquis" includes all the commitments entered into and the policies pursued by the Union externally.

The negotiations with each of the applicant States, while separate, will be conducted on the basis of the same principles and criteria as the negotiations with the other applicants. The pace of progress will depend upon the individual situation of each applicant.

The acceptance of the rights and obligations resulting from membership may give rise exceptionally to non-permanent transitional measures, to be defined during the accession negotiations. Transitional measures shall be limited in time and scope, and accompanied by a plan with clearly defined stages for application of the "acquis".

Individual progress in preparing for accession will contribute to the advancement of the negotiations, taking into account in particular the Copenhagen and Madrid criteria and the fulfilment of the applicant States' obligations under the Europe Agreement, as well as the implementation of the Accession Partnerships.

Enlargement should strengthen the process of continuous creation and integration in which the Union and its Member States are engaged. Every effort should be made to ensure that the institutional structures of the Union are not weakened or diluted, or its powers of action reduced.

The Union side, for its part, will decide at the appropriate moment whether the conditions for the conclusion of negotiations have been met.

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WTO - PREPARATION OF SECOND MINISTERIAL MEETING - CONCLUSIONS

The Council had a full exchange of views on the preparation of the 2nd WTO Ministerial Conference in Geneva ( 18-1 9 May) and reaffirmed its continuing strong commitment to confirm the primacy granted to the multilateral trade system, maintaining the momentum of multilateral liberalisation and support for the WTO' s dispute settlement system. The best .. prospect for global growth and successful future WTO negotiations is through a comprehensive, wide ranging approach starting from 2000.

Recognising that decisions on the scope of further multilateral liberalisation will need to be taken at a further Ministerial Conference in 1999, the Council agreed that the EU should seek a positive outcome from the second WTO Ministerial Conference in May in terms of:

agreement to set in train thorough and wide ranging groundwork, involving the General Council, and covering all potential areas for future negotiation so as to be ready for those negotiations to begin from 2000;

a trade pledge committing all contracting parties, and a strong message to public opinion explaining the advantages and benefits of further liberalising trade;

recognition of the benefits of future comprehensive multilateral liberalisation and reaffirmation of the importance of full implementation of existing commitments; the interests of the developing countries; the work on new topics (including trade and environment, competition, public procurement and investment); transparency and the language in the Singapore Declaration on core labour standards.

The Council invites the Commission to continue the work of preparation in consultation with the Article 113 Committee with a view to the Council adopting formal conclusions in advance of the May Ministerial meeting. The Council also agreed to meet, as necessary, in special session during the course of the meeting.

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AGENDA 2000

2000 The Council heard an outline of the·. Commission's detailed proposals on Agenda in place to presented by President Santer and noted that the necessary arrangements were 2000 ensure that detailed work can move ahead swiftly on all aspects of the Agenda package at expert level, under the overall guidance of COREPER.

dossier. A The General Affairs Council (GAC) will have overall responsibility for the will take progress report will be made by the Presidency at the next GAC on 27 April which elements stock of the preliminary work undertaken. On 25 May, the GAC will examine the at the for the interim report to the European Council in Cardiff, which will be finalised Agriculture Council meeting on 8 June, taking account of the input from the ECOFIN and Councils on the aspects of the package which most concern them.

will identify In the light of the initial examination of the Commission's proposals, the GAC the Cardiff priorities which should form the focus of preparation for the interim report for be agreed European Council, bearing in mind that the political aspects of the dossier will at a later date in an overall context.

Parliament The Council instructed COREPER to examine the involvement of the European Council can in the Agenda 2000 legislative proposals as a matter of priority so that the consider this matter more fully at its next meeting.

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MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS - CONCLUSIONS

The Council, with the EU Special Envoy Moratinos present, discussed the situation in the Middle East Peace Process following the recent visit of the President of the Council to the Middle East and in the light of ongoing close contacts with the key parties, especially the us .

.· The Council congratulated the Presidency on the priority it has given to the Middle East Peace Process and endorsed the approach which the President of the Council adopted during his visit to the region, and in particular his visit to Har Homa/Jabal Abu Ghneim. The Council looked to the visit of Prime Minister Blair to the region in April. The Council recalled the Conclusions of the 12-13 December Luxembourg European Council which referred to the Settlements Watch drawn up by EU missions in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, and agreed to the publication of the Executive Summary of the Settlements Watch for the period September to December 1997.

The Council reiterated its considerable concern at the continuing deadlock of the Peace Process and reaffirmed the EU' s determination to play a full part in support of any constructive new initiative, in accordance with agreements already entered into by the parties, to break this deadlock.

The Council expressed the strong hope that the US would soon come forward with proposals which could serve as a basis for renewed Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. Any initiative should lead to a viable solution and take full account of legitimate Palestinian and Israeli concerns, notably the Palestinian need for credible redeployments and the Israeli need for effective security. Both sides should work to create a favourable environment for the Final Status talks, including abstention from prejudicial unilateral acts. Early solutions to outstanding Interim Agreement issues will be instrumental in recreating confidence.

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IRAN - CONCLUSIONS

The Council had a further discussion c:in the enhancement of political contacts with Iran and agreed that the EU should renew dialogue with Iran on the basis of the 23 February General Affairs Council Conclusions. The Council invited the Presidency to convey to the Iranian Government the Council's views on modalities for this dialogue and to liaise with the Iranian Government over the arrangements for a first meeting.

INFLUX OF MIGRANTS FROM IRAQ AND THE NEIGHBOURING REGION - CONCLUSIONS

The Council reviewed the implementation of the Action Plan adopted on 26 January 1998 on the influx of migrants from Iraq and the neighbouring region, following the review of relevant points by the Justice and Home Affairs Council on 19 March 1998.

The Council agreed that overall implementation of the Action Plan is proceeding satisfactorily. The Council welcomed the co-operation which is being developed by the EU with Turkey and with the UNHCR on its implementation and encouraged further cooperation between Turkey and the UNHCR. The Council asked Coreper to continue to ensure that the Action Plan is implemented by the appropriate Council bodies in a coherent and coordinated manner and agreed that it should keep implementation under regular review.

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RELATIONS WITH THE ACP STATES - CONCLUSIONS ,.

1 . The Council noted the Presidency's report on the progress made in preparing the draft mandate for negotiations on future arrangements with the ACP States. The Working Party on Post-Lome will start the second reading of the draft mandate after the General Affairs Council on 30 March and report regularly to COREPER with a view to adoption of the mandate by the 8 June GAC. The Development Council on 18 May will take stock of progress.

2. The Council considered in particular the handling of trade issues. lt agreed that :

The new trade arrangements would be one element of a comprehensive and integrated approach for a strengthened ACP/EC partnership based on political dialogue, development assistance and trade. The trade chapter in the new Convention should be coherent with the other provisions of the Convention. The ultimate objective is the progressive integration of ACP States into the world economy and their full participation in a liberalized trading system.

These arrangements should at least maintain the current market access for ACP and must be WTO compatible.

Further work should be done on agreements on region or country-based Free Trade Areas, which should be compatible with wider EU trade policy objectives to promote multilateral trade liberalisation.

The Council should consider alternatives: these could possibly include enhancement of the General System of Preferences.

The trade regime for LDCs should be improved in accordance with the Council conclusions of 2 June 1 997.

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SOUTH AFRICA NEGOTIATIONS ON A TRADE AND CO-OPERATION AGREEMENT - CONCLUSIONS

The Council heard a report from Commissioner Pinheiro on the negotiations with South Africa for a Free Trade Agreement. The Council noted the progress made in the most recent round, affirmed its wish to complete the negotiations soon and agreed that both the Community and South Africa would have to make improvements to their respective offers. .. The Council noted the Commission's suggestions for developing the Community's negotiating position. lt asked COREPER to examine detailed options which the Commission could explore with South Africa at the 18th negotiating round in Brussels on 23-24 April. lt invited the Commission to report back to the Council after that round.

NEW TRANSATLANTIC MARKETPLACE

The Council took note of a presentation by Vice-President Brittan of the Commission's Communication on the New Transatlantic Marketplace.

The Council agreed to instruct COREPER to carry out a further examination of the Communication and to report to a future meeting of the General Affairs Council (probably on 27-28 April).

ASEM 11

The Council took stock of the state of preparation of the Asia-Europe meeting which will take place in London on 3-4 April, in particular the possibility of a separate Chairman's statement on the Asia financial crisis.

The Council also took note of the information given by the Presidency on the programme of this meeting.

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RELATIONS WITH THE WESTERN BALKANS - CONCLUSIONS

-KOSOVO

The Council discussed the continuing tension in Kosovo, underlining its concern at the further incidents of violence in the province within the last few days. lt reaffirmed its insistence that the Serbian special police force be immediately withdrawn and that FRY and Serbian security forces should act with restraint and in accordance with internationally _ accepted standards. lt also condemned all terrorist acts, notably those by the Kosovo Liberation Army, and called on those outside the FRY who are supplying financial support, arms or training for terrorist activity in Kosovo to cease doing so immediately.

The Council welcomed the statement of 25 March by the Foreign Ministers of the Contact Group. lt expressed the view that the steps taken by the FRY and Serbian authorities since 9 March were insufficient to meet the full range of requirements set out on that date and reiterated on 25 March. lt underlined that the measures set out in its Common Position of 19 March would not be lifted, and others would need to be considered unless these requirements had been met in full.

The Council reaffirmed its conviction that meaningful dialogue without preconditions must begin urgently between the parties. lt supports neither independence nor the maintenance of the status quo as the end-result of negotiations between the Belgrade authorities and the Kosovo Albanian leadership on the status of Kosovo. lt welcomed the steps already taken by Or Rugova to prepare for negotiations and encouraged him to announce his negotiating team without delay.

The Council welcomed the agreement reached in the 3 + 3 Commission on the implementation of the Education Agreement and thanked Monsignor Paglia of Sant' Egidio for all his efforts in this field. Noting that the Contact Group urged all sides to cooperate with Sant'Egidio to reduce tensions in other social sectors as well, the Council called for rapid implementation by both sides of this new agreement and affirmed the European Union's readiness to give substantial assistance to this process. lt asked for a rapid follow­ up to the recommendations of the Presidency/Commission factfinding team currently in Kosovo.

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The Council expressed its full support for the mission of Mr Felipe Gonzalez as Personal Representative for the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia of the OSCE Chairman in Office and Special Representative of the European Union. lt called upon President Milosevic to cooperate with this mission, which would constitute an important element in the future course of relations between the European Union and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

The Council underlined its intention to continue to follow developments closely and asked the competent instances to develop further the European Union's line on this issue within the framework of the European Union's regional approach. lt underlined that concrete progress to resolve the serious political and human rights issue in Kosovo will improve the international position of the FRY and prospects for normalisation of its international relationships and full rehabilitation in international institutions.

- CROATIA

The Council recalled the meeting in London on 23 March between the Ministerial Troika and the Croatian Foreign Minister, Dr. Mate Granic, at which the Troika set out clearly the EU's expectations. The Council welcomed Croatia's reaffirmed commitment to up-hold the Dayton Agreement and implement its other international obligations, and its undertaking to give effect to a comprehensive framework for refugee returns. lt emphasised the need for Croatia to follow words with deeds and take rapid action to implement its commitments at all levels of central and local government. The Council agreed to return to the subject at its next meeting, when it would consider the Croatia's compliance with the regional approach conditionality criteria on the basis of the Commission's report.

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POLICY PLANNING AND EARLY WARNING UNIT- CONCLUSIONS

The Council took note of the Presidency's interim report on the CFSP Policy Planning and Early Warning Unit reflecting the outcome of discussions in the Political Committee and in the Committee of Permanent Representatives and agreed that budgetary provision shall be made for 1999 for the recruitment of 20 additional 'A'-officials for the Policy Planning and Early Warning Unit as specified in the interim report. The Council agreed that no recruitment will be made before the appointment of the High Representative/ .. Secretary General. The Council invited the Political Committee and the Committee of Permanent Representatives to pursue their deliberations on points still outstanding.

In addition the Council invited the Secretary General to produce a report on the organisation of the services of the General Secretariat dealing with external relations by the end of the UK Presidency and a report on improving the preparation of the General Affairs Council in this field.

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GREAT LAKES REGION - CONCLUSIONS

The European Union is concerned by continued instability in the Great Lakes region. lt is determined, through partnership with governments and others in the region, and including through the good offices of its Special Envoy to the Great Lakes Region, to promote political stability, democratisation and economic and social development. lt will work closely with relevant international organisations, in particular the UN and OAU, in pursuit of these objectives. In due course the idea of an international conference under the auspices of the UN and the OAU, on peace, security and development should be considered. lt is the European Union's intention that a Troika at political level should visit Kigali, Bujumbura, Kinshasa and Kampala shortly to underline its commitment to and support for progress in the region.

The European Union today adopted a new common position on Rwanda. This forward looking document sets out the political principles on which the European Union will base its future relations with Rwanda. The European Union's objectives in its relations with Rwanda, building on the efforts already made by the Government of Rwanda and the measures and programmes already undertaken by the Union and the European Community, are: securing an end to conflict and recovery from genocide; the promotion, through national reconciliation, of a democratic process; the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms; and the promotion of economic prosperity.

The European Union will remain engaged in efforts to promote peace and political dialogue in Burundi. lt welcomes the holding of the Kampala Summit with the participation of President Buyoya and fully supports the efforts of former President Nyerere and regional leaders to promote all-party dialogue. lt welcomes the progress that has been made in internal dialogue. The European Union calls on all parties to enter talks as the only way of solving Burundi's problems.

The European Union stands ready to help rebuild the Democratic Republic of Congo after decades of misrule. lt remains concerned in particular about the fragile situation in the Kivu region. Recalling the European Council conclusions of 17 June 1997, the European Union looks forward to building a constructive relationship with the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo based on a shared agenda involving a genuine commitment to democracy, the rule of law and human rights. The European Union will support the democratisation process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in particular through its Joint Action and the efforts of the Head-Designate of the EU Electoral Unit, Prof Bacelar de Vasconcelos. This support will reflect the commitment of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to democratisation. The key challenges in the near future will be the setting up of a representative Constituent Assembly, the carrying out of an electoral census and constitutional referendum, and the holding of free and fair elections.

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OTHER DECISIONS votes against or abstentions are Adopted without discussion. In the case Of legislative acts, has decided may be released indicated. Decisions containing statements which the Council may be obtained from to the public are indicated by asterisks; the statements in question the Press Office.

EXTERNAL RELA T/ONS

Rwanda- common position the political principles on which The Council adopted the new common position setting out the EU will base its future relations with Rwanda. of the EU are to The common position stipulates that the objectives and priorities Government of Rwanda, of: encourage, stimulate and support the process begun by the

- recovery from genocide; and transition to - promotion of national reconciliation, reconstruction and development democracy; freedoms. - protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental Government of Rwanda. In Progress in these areas is primarily the responsibility of the the offices of its Special order to support its efforts, the European Union, including through Envoy to the Great Lakes Region, shall: conflict, including through - seek ways to help bring an end to the continuing destabilizing (Rwanda), and to all supporting the work of the International Commission of Enquiry human rights violations resulting from this conflict; to - encourage and support efforts by the Government of Rwanda through a close = protect and promote the human rights of all Rwandans, including partnership with the UN Human Rights Field Operation in Rwanda; through dialogue with all = bring about reconciliation among all Rwandans, including and minority groups which reject the use of violence, notably on power-sharing processes; protection, leading to strengthened democratic institutions and those responsible for = improve the judicial system, in particular bringing to account crimes against humanity, including genocide; of prisoners accused = adopt non-custodial measures to deal with certain categories of lesser involvement in crimes against humanity; survivors, demobilized = facilitate the reintegration into Rwandan society of genocide cooperation with soldiers and all other displaced people, including through close relevant international organizations;

EN - I - 7095/98 (Presse 86 - G) 30/31.111.1998

= show utmost restraint with regard to the imposition and execution of the death penalty with a view to its total abolition and to comply fully with in its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and to observe other international safeguards concerning the death penalty;

= take the appropriate steps to comply with the General Assembly Resolution on Safety and Security of Humanitarian Personnel (52/167).

- continue its support for the work of the International Tribunal in Arusha, including renewing its efforts to ensure that all States surrender to the Tribunal all those indicted for genocide and other serious violations of international humanitarian law;

- encourage an improvement in the living conditions of all Rwandans, taking into account the detrimental effects of mass poverty and underdevelopment on political stability;

This common position, which replaces the one approved in 1994, will be monitored regularJy, and will be reviewed within 12 months.

Enlargement

The Council adopted the principles, priorities, intermediate objectives and conditions applicable to the individual Accession Partnerships with the 1 0 applicant states of Eastern and Central Europe, in line with the framework regulation on Accession Partnerships adopted on 16 March.

These texts are an integral part of the final full text handed over to the applicant states on 30 March at the launch of the Accession Process.

Each Accession Partnership covers the priorities on which preparations for accession must concentrate as well as the financial resources for assisting each applicant country to implement priorities identified during the pre-accession period.

Development cooperation - gender issues

The Council adopted the common position on the regulation on integrating gender issues in development cooperation, to be transmitted to the European Parliament {cooperation procedure).

The financial reference amount for the implementation of this programme for the period 1999 to 2003 shall be 25 MECU.

The proposed regulation stipulates that the Community shall provide financial assistance and technical expertise to support the implementation of the following central objectives :

- to support the mainstreaming of gender analysis and the adoption of a gender-sensitive approach in the Community's development policies;

- to support and facilitate the inclusion of actions addressing major gender disparities in the mainstream of Community development interventions;

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- to lead progressively to a situation in 2003 where a substantially increased percentage of Community interventions satisfy the OECD/DAC criteria for gender integration or positive action;

- to develop and promote endogenous public and private capacities in developing countries which can take the responsibility and initiative for mainstreaming the gender dimension in the development effort.

The Commission shall be responsible for the management of the operations covered by this Regulation, assisted by the Development Committee •

..· FYROM - trade in wine

The Council authorized the Commission to enter into negotiations with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia for two new agreements on tariff quotas for certain wines and on the reciprocal protection and control of wines and spirit designations. The Commission will conduct these negotiations in consultation with the Member States.

UN - coordination on candidatures for Heads of Agencies

The Council approved the revised guidelines for EU coordination on candidatures for Heads of UN Agencies, updating those agreed to in 1994, in particular to take account of the need to provide for the possibility of their application to non-EU candidates.

lnterinstitutional agreement on CFSP

The Council approved the "Document on the main aspects and basic choices of CFSP, including implications for the Communities budget", to be presented to the European Parliament in application of the lnterinstitutional agreement (IIA) on the financing of the CFSP signed on 16 July 1997.

This first report covers the CFSP actions agreed since the signature of the IIA and looks at the likely priorities for the next year. lt is complementary to the annual report on the progress of the EU presented to the Parliament pursuant to article D of the Treaty on European Union.

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