8567/04 (Presse 116)
PROVISIONAL VERSION covering 26 April discussions. The Council continues on 27 April.
2577th Council meeting
- EXTERNAL RELATIONS -
Luxembourg, 26-27 April 2004
President : Mr Brian COWEN, TD Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ireland
* The 2576th meeting on General Affairs is the subject of a separate press release (8566/04 Presse 115)
Internet: http://ue.eu.int/ E-mail: [email protected]
For further information call 32 2 285 & – 32 2 285 & 8567/04 (Presse 116) 1 EN PROVISIONAL VERSION 26-27 IV 2004
CONTENTS 1
PARTICIPANTS...... 3
ITEMS DEBATED
EXTERNAL TRADE ...... 5 EUROPEAN SECURITY AND DEFENCE POLICY...... 6 WESTERN BALKANS - Council conclusions ...... 7 CHINA...... 9 MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS - Council conclusions ...... 10 AFRICA...... 13 – EU-Africa relations - Council conclusions...... 13 – Sudan - Council conclusions ...... 17 RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA...... 18 OTHER BUSINESS ...... 19 – Seal hunting in Canada...... 19
1 ▪ 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. ▪ The documents whose references are given in the text are available on the Council's Internet site http://ue.eu.int . ▪ 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 above mentioned Council Internet site or may be obtained from the Press Office. ▪ Some external relations items were adopted without debate in the framework of the “General Affairs” meeting of the Council. See communiqué of that meeting, doc 8566/04.
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PARTICIPANTS The Governments of the Member States and the European Commission were represented as follows:
Belgium : Mr Louis MICHEL Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs
Denmark : Mr Carsten SØDERGAARD Secretary of State
Germany : Mr Joschka FISCHER Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs and Deputy Federal Chancellor
Greece : Mr Petros MOLYVIATIS Minister for Foreign Affairs
Spain : Mr Miguel Angel MORATINOS CUYAUBÉ Minister for Foreign Affairs
France : Mr Michel BARNIER Minister for Foreign Affairs
Ireland : Mr Dick ROCHE Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach and at the Department of Foreign Affairs with responsibility for European Affairs
Italy : Mr Roberto ANTONIONE State Secretary for Foreign Affairs
Luxembourg : Ms Lydie POLFER Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Minister for the Civil Service and Administrative Reform
Netherlands : Mr Bernard BOT Minister for Foreign Affairs
Austria : Ms Benita FERRERO-WALDNER Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs
Portugal : Mr Carlos COSTA NEVES State Secretary for European Affairs
Finland : Mr Erkki TUOMIOJA Minister for Foreign Affairs
Sweden : Ms Laila FREIVALDS Minister for Foreign Affairs
United Kingdom : Mr Jack STRAW Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
* * *
Commission : Mr António VITORINO Member Mr Günter VERHEUGEN Member Mr Pascal LAMY Member Mr Chris PATTEN Member * * *
General Secretariat of the Council : Mr Javier SOLANA Secretary -General/High Representative for the CFSP
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The Governments of the Acceding States were represented as follows:
Czech Republic : Mr Jan KOHOUT Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs
Estonia : Ms Kristiina OJULAND Minister for Foreign Affairs
Cyprus : Mr George IACOVOU Minister for Foreign Affairs
Latvia : Mr Rihards PIKS Minister for Foreign Affairs
Lithuania : Mr Antanas VALIONIS Minister for Foreign Affairs
Hungary : Mr András BÁRSONY Secretary of State
Malta : Mr John DALLI Minister of Foreign Affairs and Investment Promotion of Malta
Poland : Mr Włodzimierz CIMOSZEWICZ Minister for Foreign Affairs
Slovenia : Mr Dimitrij RUPEL Minister for Foreign Affairs
Slovakia : Mr Eduart KUKAN Minister for Foreign Affairs
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ITEMS DEBATED
NOTE : The acceding countries (Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia) align themselves on the conclusions on Western Balkans, the Middle East Process, EU-Africa relations and partnership and Sudan.
EXTERNAL TRADE
- Doha Development Agenda - Accession of Russia to the WTO - EU/Mercosur Association Agreement
The Council was informed by Commissioner Pascal Lamy on recent developments regarding the Doha Development Agenda, the negotiation agenda launched by the World Trade Organisation in November 2001 at Doha, and of his assessment of the prospects for progress during the coming weeks and months. It also noted the views and concerns expressed by a number of delegations on the issues at stake. The Council expressed full support to the Commission in its efforts to pursue the negotiations with a view to obtaining progress by the end of July.
The Council was also briefed by Commissioner Lamy on negotiations with Russia with a view to its accession to the WTO and on negotiations with Mercosur aimed at concluding an Association Agreement. It took note of concerns expressed by delegations regarding the need for reciprocity in the negotiations with Mercosur.
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EUROPEAN SECURITY AND DEFENCE POLICY
Discussions on this item are reflected in the final section (possible ESDP mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including a military component) of the Council conclusions on the Western Balkans - see next item.
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WESTERN BALKANS - Council conclusions
Following its discussion, the Council adopted the following conclusions:
SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO / KOSOVO
"The Council emphasised its full support for the policy of Standards before Status and urged the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government to demonstrate their responsibility for and commitment to achieving concrete progress on the implementation of the Standards. It stressed the importance of dialogue between the communities in Kosovo and between Pristina and Belgrade in order to address critical issues of common interest. The EU stands ready to support this dialogue.
The Council reaffirmed its strong commitment to a secure, democratic, multi-ethnic and prosperous Kosovo. It emphasised that the recent violence had been a setback for Kosovo and endangered the progress made in recent years. It confirmed that in the aftermath of the violence, the immediate priorities must be to ensure security, to facilitate the return of displaced persons, to reconstruct destroyed property and to bring those responsible to justice. The Council urged all political leaders in Kosovo, in particular the Kosovo Albanian leadership, to work closely with UNMIK and KFOR to ensure the physical security and the full protection of the rights of members of all communities in Kosovo.
FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA
The Council welcomed the generally smooth conduct of the first round of the Presidential elections in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia following the tragic death of President Boris Trajkovski. It noted that a strong turnout in the second round of elections on 28 April would further strengthen the democratic process.
The Council expressed confidence that the future Head of State would provide leadership as the people of the country continue to make progress towards Europe through the implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement and the Stabilisation and Association Agreement.
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TOKYO MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE ON PEACE CONSOLIDATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE WESTERN BALKANS
The Council welcomed the initiative of the Government of Japan in organising the successful Ministerial Conference on Peace Consolidation and Economic Development of the Western Balkans in Tokyo on 5 April 2004. The Council endorsed the Joint Conclusions adopted at the Conference. It warmly welcomed the sustained engagement of Japan with the Western Balkans and the close co-operative relationship between the EU and Japan in support of the region and of its European perspective.
REGIONAL COOPERATION - SEECP
The Council welcomed the positive results of the recent South Eastern European Cooperation Process (SEECP) Summit Meeting held in Sarajevo (21 April) under the Chairmanship of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Council encourages the SEECP, which is gradually becoming the genuine voice of the region, to work on concrete and tangible projects, further enhancing regional cooperation, which constitutes one of the main elements of the SAP.
POSSIBLE ESDP MISSION IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA, INCLUDING A MILITARY COMPONENT
The Council welcomed the planning and preparation that has taken place so far for a seamless transition from SFOR to an ESDP mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including a military component based on the agreed Berlin Plus arrangements. The Council requested the Presidency and the SG/HR to take forward and complete the remaining strategic planning steps prior to the Istanbul Summit, which would allow operational planning to take place immediately thereafter, on the basis of EU decisions.
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CHINA
The Council had an exchange of views on the arms embargo against China. The Council noted that the embargo had been imposed as a response to specific events in 1989 and that a solution for the matter had to be found which was in line with the current situation in China, the increasingly close bilateral relations and the EU's intention to develop a strategic partnership with China. The Council was however of the opinion that the issue required further discussion, in particular taking into account the human rights situation in China and questions relating to the application of the EU Code of Conduct on Arms Exports. The Council requested the Permanent Representatives Committee (Coreper) and the Political and Security Committee to take the discussion forward.
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MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS - Council conclusions
The Council discussed the Gaza disengagement proposals ahead of the upcoming Ministerial Quartet meeting. After its discussion, the Council adopted the statement made by the Presidency which was approved by the Foreign Ministers at their recent informal meeting:
"The European Union reaffirms its commitment to a negotiated two-State solution agreed between the parties which would result in a viable, contiguous, sovereign and independent Palestinian State existing side by side in peace with an Israel living within recognised and secure borders. The Union reaffirms its belief that the Roadmap represents the only route to achieving such an outcome. The Union is determined to pursue vigorously the course set out in the Roadmap and calls on both sides to fulfil their obligations under the Roadmap.
The European Union recalls its established position, restated by the European Council of 25-26 March, that the Union will not recognise any change to the pre-1967 borders other than those arrived at by agreement between the parties. The Union emphasises that no declared views on the possible shape of a final settlement can pre-empt the negotiation of that settlement.
The European Union also notes that the refugee question and the manner in which the right of return may be realised is also a Final Status issue and that the Roadmap states that a final and comprehensive permanent status agreement that ends the Israeli-Palestinian conflict must include an agreed, just, fair and realistic solution to this question.
In this context, the Union notes President Bush's reaffirmation of the United States' commitment to the Roadmap and to a negotiated settlement.
The European Union emphasises the principle, shared by President Bush, that Final Status issues are a matter for negotiation and agreement between the parties themselves and must not be prejudged.
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The European Union notes President Bush's agreement that secure and recognised borders should emerge from negotiations between the parties in accordance with UN Security Resolutions 242 and 338. These and other relevant Security Council Resolutions must form the basis for a just and lasting settlement of the conflict.
The European Union welcomes the prospect of Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. The European Council has stated that such a withdrawal could represent a significant step towards the implementation of the Roadmap provided that it is carried out in accordance with certain conditions. This is an opportunity which the international community led by the Quartet should seize.
The proposed withdrawal should be properly orchestrated with the international community so as to ensure that an orderly situation in Gaza results which will permit the maintenance of security as well as rehabilitation and reconstruction. The Union urges all parties to undertake urgently preparations towards this end.
On that basis, the European Union reiterates its readiness to support the Palestinian Authority in taking responsibility for law and order as well as to continue the Union's existing aid to the Palestinian Authority and to examine possible future needs which may arise in the context of a new situation in Gaza.
The Union stresses the need to avoid a political vacuum, and the dangers which that would involve, in the interim period between now and the beginning of any withdrawal. It recalls that there are a number of measures which need to be adopted in the period immediately ahead in the political, security and humanitarian spheres in order to prevent further deterioration and to resume progress.
The European Union urges an end to violence and terrorism as well as the resumption of a ceasefire embracing all parties and groups. It calls on both sides to resume negotiations on the peace process without further delay.
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The European Union recalls that a just, lasting and comprehensive peace must meet the legitimate aspirations of both the Israeli and Palestinian people and must include Lebanon and Syria.
The European Union also calls on all States in the region to exert every effort to promote peace and to combat terrorism.
The European Union looks forward to an early meeting of the Quartet at Principals' level. The Quartet should play an active role in pursuing the goal of a comprehensive regional peace and encourage the parties to move ahead vigorously on the basis of the principles outlined above."
The Council asked the Secretary General/High Representative, the Commission and the EU Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process to work on concrete measures to make a success of disengagement from Gaza as a step towards the full implementation of the Roadmap, working with the Palestinians, the Israeli Government and the other members of the Quartet.
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AFRICA
– EU-Africa relations - Council conclusions
The Council adopted the following conclusions:
"1. The Council discussed EU-Africa relations, following the meeting of the EU-Africa troika in Dublin on 1 April 2004.
2. The Council reaffirms the importance of the EU-Africa dialogue and of the strategic partnership with Africa to which the European Union committed itself at the initial EU-Africa Summit in Cairo in 2000. The Council welcomes the enhanced dialogue which has taken place between the European Union and Africa and believes that the streamlined working procedures agreed at the Rome Ministerial troika last November provide a productive basis for continuing the dialogue, pending the holding of the second EU-Africa Summit in Lisbon as soon as circumstances permit. In addition to regular ministerial troika meetings, continuity of the dialogue will be ensured through enhanced dialogue between the AU and European Commission and at the level of Heads of Missions in Addis Ababa.
3. The Council recalls the strong historic and cultural ties and shared commitment to democracy, promotion of human rights, good governance and respect for the rule of law in international relations which form the basis of the EU-Africa relationship. This relationship is also based on mutual respect and accountability and on those principles set out in the European Union’s founding treaties and the Constitutive Charter of the African Union and conducted in a spirit of equal partnership.
4. The Council reaffirms the commitment of the European Union to work with its African partners in supporting the building of a peaceful, prosperous and democratic Africa, capable of realizing its full potential and playing a full and proper role in the world. This objective must assume a greater importance within the framework of the Union’s common foreign and security policies, if this potential is to be realized and the many challenges facing the African continent confronted.
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5. The European Union recalls the substantial support, amounting to 2.5 billion Euro annually at present, which it already accords to Africa within the framework of the Cotonou Agreement and its partnership agreements with South Africa and the countries of North Africa. The European Union will continue to work for Africa’s sustainable development by implementing the commitments taken in Monterrey and Johannesburg Summits. It will put the necessary focus on contributing to the achievement of the Millenium development goals in Africa, notably in the poorest countries, and reinforce the parnerships in water's supply, education, sustainable energy, environment, fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and fight against hunger. The EU is also determined to help the commodities dependent developing countries, and especially cotton producing countries, to address the major challenges they face and to set up adequate measures and tools to this end.
6. The European Union will work for Africa's integration into the world economy, in particular through seeking a successful outcome to the current Doha Development Round which must adequately take account of the needs of developing nations. A serious focus should be placed on finding solutions to the problems experienced by the most vulnerable countries and to such issues as commodities’ prices and the preferential access to the markets of developed countries. The EU encourages all developed countries and major developing countries to give duty and quota free access to all products from LDCs, as it has done under the Everything But Arms (EBA). The European Union is also commited to ensuring sustainable trade with Africa by the implementation of economic partnership agreements.
7. The European Union applauds the new spirit of initiative and self-help evident within the continent of Africa. It particularly welcomes NEPAD as an unprecedented African-led initiative to identify appropriate strategies for confronting the inter-related problems of peace and development. The African Peer Review Mechanism represents a particularly valuable innovation with regard to the promotion of better governance throughout the continent and the European Union would encourage those countries which have not yet joined the review process to do so.
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8. The European Union is greatly encouraged by institutional developments within Africa and, in particular, the development of a peace and security architecture and an institutional capacity within Africa for preventing and tackling conflict and promoting better governance. The European Union warmly welcomes the establishment of the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) and steps taken by sub-regional organisations in establishing structures supporting the African Peace and Security architecture. Similarly, the European Union also warmly welcomes the establishment of the Pan-African Parliament and its inaugural session in Addis Ababa in March 2004 as a demonstration of African resolve to promote improved governance.
9. The European Union is determined to work with Africa in supporting these important institutional developments and helping to build up African capabilities for addressing and resolving conflicts, including through deployment of African peace-keeping missions. The Council recalls that the African Peace Facility (amounting to €250 million) has been established for precisely this purpose and welcomes the recent approval of financing arrangements for the Facility. The Council calls on the Commission to finalise the outstanding administrative procedures with the African Union and, as may be appropriate, with sub- regional organisations as defined in the financing proposal with a view to early operationalisation of the Facility.
10. The European Union is also committed to identifying other means of strengthening conflict prevention efforts in Africa within the framework of the European Security and Defence Policy. The EU’s efforts will build on the successful example provided by Operation Artemis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the work underway to improve rapid reaction capabilities in crisis situations. The EU is ready to consider further EU peacekeeping operations in Africa if request by the UN. Efforts will also take account of the enhanced cooperation now existing between the EU and the United Nations in this area, following on from the joint declaration on EU UN cooperation in crisis management signed in September 2003. The EU particularly underlines the importance of cooperation with Africa in combating all forms of terrorism.
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11. The European Union also commits itself to maintain its current close engagement in the search for peace in Africa. It will continue to provide political and financial support, including through the efforts of its Special Representatives in Africa, to advance the search for peace in such conflicts or areas emerging from conflict as Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia-Eritrea, the Great Lakes region including DRC and Burundi, Northern Uganda, Central African Republic, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire.
12. The European Union is greatly encouraged by the political dialogues that have been taking place under article 8 of the Cotonou Agreement. The EU reaffirms its commitment to enhancing its relationship with African countries based on mutual respect, accountability and conducted in a spirit of partnership.
13. The European Union will continue to work to deepen its dialogue with Africa, with the African Union which now has a major role in the maintenance of peace and security on the continent, and with those sub-regional organizations, such as ECOWAS, SADC and IGAD, which have been prominent in African peace-keeping and conflict resolution efforts. The European Union looks forward to a full discussion of EU-Africa relations at the next EU- Africa Summit, which will take place in Lisbon as soon as circumstances permit. The EU renews its commitment to work closely with African partners on all issues of mutual concern, including Zimbabwe.
14. The Council also welcomed the first ministerial meeting under the Irish Presidency between the EU Troika and South Africa in Dublin on 2 April 2004. Ministers applauded the progress made in the past ten years of democratic rule in South Africa. The European Union looks forward to the celebration of the 10th anniversary of freedom and democracy on 27 April 2004 and will join with South Africa in their celebrations in an act of friendship and solidarity.
15. The Council also welcomed the agreement reached at the troika to establish an annual political dialogue between the EU and South Africa.
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16. The Council reviewed the outcome of the recent EU troika mission to Eritrea and Ethiopia. It welcomed the stated openness of President Isaias of Eritrea to meet with UN Special Envoy Lloyd Axworthy and expressed the hope that such a meeting would take place at the earliest opportunity. The Council also noted the indication by Prime Minister Meles that Ethiopia was open to dialogue on all issues affecting the Algiers Peace Agreement. The Council reconfirmed its determination that the final and binding decision of the Boundary Commission be implemented without further delay. It called on both parties to work constructively with the UN. The Council also reiterated its willingness to work with the UN and the other witnesses to the Algiers Agreement to support efforts by Eritrea and Ethiopia to bring about a resolution to the current impasse."
– Sudan - Council conclusions
The Council adopted the following conclusions:
"The Council expressed its grave concern at the situation in Darfur and called on the government of Sudan to allow full, unhindered access to the region for UN and other humanitarian agencies. The Council called on all parties to fully respect the terms of the humanitarian ceasefire agreement reached on 8 April in N'Djamena. The Council noted with concern the actions of the Janjaweed militias operating in Darfur and called on the Government of Sudan to take command of all armed groups under its control."
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RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA
The Council discussed preparations for the EU/Russia summit scheduled for 21 May in Moscow, and endorsed a draft Joint Statement on EU enlargement and EU/Russia relations to be issued in the margins of the EU/Russia Permanent Partnership on 27 April, the finalisation of which is subject to further contacts.
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OTHER BUSINESS
– Seal hunting in Canada
The Council took note of concerns expressed by the Dutch delegation, and echoed by the Belgian delegation, regarding an increase by Canada in its hunting quota for seals.
Concerns expressed include both the effect of hunting on the seal population and a failure to enforce humane killing methods.
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