Summary: July 18, 2005: Council of the European Union, General Affairs and External Relations Council meeting (Brussels)
Conclusions on EU Support for International Peace and Security in the Framework of CFSP and ESDP
The Council adopted the following conclusions:
"The Council recalled the European Security Strategy and reviewed the EU's support for international peace and security in the framework of CFSP and ESDP.
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
The Council agreed in principle that continued ESDP engagement in support of policing in Bosnia and Herzegovina would be needed as a follow-on from the completion of the current mandate of the EU Police Mission in December. This continuing engagement of the EU in the police sector will take place in full complementarity with other components of the EU's engagement in BiH, notably the military effort through Operation Althea, and Community programmes. The Council tasked its competent bodies to
prepare for the follow-on mission to EUPM.
GEORGIA
The Council welcomed the successful conclusion of the EU Rule of Law Mission in Georgia (EUJUST THEMIS). It looked forward to the full implementation of the strategy for comprehensive reform of the criminal justice system of Georgia. The Council welcomed further strengthening of the EU Special Representative's team both to provide continued support to the criminal justice system and to provide continued assessment of the Georgian border situation and to work on a reform strategy with the
Georgian border authorities.
DRC
The Council noted with satisfaction the positive start of the SSR mission in the DRC (EUSEC - RD Congo) and reiterated its readiness to examine proposals for more operational support, beginning with assistance to the administrative and financial chain of the Congolese Ministry of Defence, in consultation with the DRC authorities. This continuing engagement in SSR in the DRC complements the EU's effort in the field of policing through EUPOL Kinshasa.
IRAQ
The Council welcomed the start of the operational phase of the EU Rule of Law mission for Iraq (EUJUST LEX). It noted with satisfaction that the first two integrated training courses for senior level officials from the Iraqi justice, police and penitentiary have already started in France within the framework of this mission.
SUDAN/DARFUR
The Council adopted the Joint Action detailing the comprehensive Supporting Action to the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS II) in the civilian and military fields, such as police, planning, logistics, strategic and tactical airlift, training and equipment. The Council appointed Mr Pekka Haavisto (Finland) as EU Special Representative for Sudan. The Council noted with satisfaction the progress on the implementation of this supporting action, in close co-operation with other international
actors, in particular the UN and NATO, and recalled its commitment to supporting the AMIS II enhancement in full respect of the principle of African ownership.
The Council welcomed the inauguration on 9 July 2005 of the Presidency of the new Government of National Unity in Sudan, as foreseen in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). This event marks a new phase in the implementation of the Agreement, which improves the prospects of a comprehensive peace process aiming at the promotion of peace and development in all regions of Sudan. The Council called on the new Sudanese Presidency to establish the Government of National Unity in the timescales
foreseen. The Council welcomed the lifting of the state of emergency in most parts of Sudan and urged the Government to release all political prisoners. The Council also welcomed the signature on 5 July 2005 of a Declaration of Principles by the parties to the Darfur conflict. It urged these parties to continue to act in good faith, and without preconditions, towards a political solution to the conflict. The Council continues to be deeply concerned at the serious infringements of human rights
and of international humanitarian law committed against the civil population in Darfur, and at the hindrance of the efforts of humanitarian organisations, and reminds the Sudanese Government of its responsibility to guarantee the safety of its citizens and of those working on their behalf.
MEPP
The Council welcomed the Palestinian Civil Police Development Programme and agreed in principle that the EU should provide continued support to the Palestinian Civil Police. This support should take the form of an ESDP mission building on the work of the EU Co-ordination Office for Palestinian Policing Support in cooperation with all the parties concerned.
INDONESIA/ACEH
The Council noted the report of the EU assessment mission to Indonesia/Aceh. It welcomed the successful conclusion of the Helsinki negotiations and agreed that the EU was prepared, in principle, to provide observers to monitor implementation of the MOU. It asked the competent bodies to continue planning for a possible monitoring mission at the request of the parties; and to establish contact with ASEAN and ASEAN countries with a view to their possible cooperation.
EU SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVES
The Council appointed Jan Kubis as EU Special Representative for Central Asia.
The Council announced its intention to extend the mandates of its Special Representatives in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the African Great Lakes, Moldova, the South Caucasus and its Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process."
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