Summary: EU Council Conclusions on EU Support for International Peace and Security (3 October 2005: Luxembourg)
Council of the European Union 2678th GENERAL AFFAIRS Council meeting on EU Support for international peace and security, Luxembourg
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 the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) and noted the important contribution that community programmes make to these objectives.
ACEH
The Council welcomed the launch of the Aceh Monitoring mission on 15 September, in cooperation with ASEAN nations. It welcomed the first steps towards the decommissioning of weapons in Aceh and the withdrawal of members of the military and police forces which mark significant steps forward in the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Government of Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement in Helsinki on 15 August. The Council noted that this is the first ESDP mission
to be deployed in Asia and underlines the EU's commitment both to peace in Aceh and to making a meaningful contribution to international peace and security.
The Council also welcomed the Commission's support for President Ahtisaari's successful mediation and the additional "Support Package for the Implementation of the Peace Process in Aceh". The Council noted that this package is complementing the work of the AMM through support to the reintegration of former GAM combatants and detainees, and a programme to strengthen local governance; and that, in the medium term, further support will be provided to a sustainable peace and stability in
Aceh.
SUDAN/DARFUR
The Council noted progress in implementing the EU's comprehensive Supporting Action to AMIS II, particularly the establishment on 8 September of support to the policing elements. The Council welcomed the continuing close co-operation with other international actors, notably the UN and NATO, and recalled its commitment to supporting AMIS II in full respect of the principle of African ownership. The Council expressed its grave concern about recent reports of serious clashes in Darfur, apparently
involving members of the armed movements, the Government of Sudan and Arab militias. The Council reiterated its deep concern at violations of human rights and international humanitarian law committed against the civilian population in Darfur. The Council called on all sides to rein in their fighters.
The Council welcomed the opening of the preparatory workshops for the next round of the African Union-led Inter-Sudanese Peace Talks on Darfur in Abuja, and called on all parties to participate in the forthcoming negotiations without pre-conditions and to negotiate flexibly and in good faith with a view to quickly reaching a just and lasting peace settlement for Darfur. The Council also welcomed the swearing in on 22 September of the Government of National Unity. This is a significant and
historic step towards lasting peace in Sudan. The Council congratulated the National Congress Party and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement for the courage they had shown in taking forward the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).
DRC
The Council noted the important role being played by EUSEC DR Congo and EUPOL Kinshasa in supporting the transition process in the DRC, including in the area of Security Sector Reform (SSR). The Council welcomed the audit on the chain of payments for the Armed Forces in the DRC conducted by EUSEC DR Congo during the month of August, and noted that work was ongoing to evaluate the audit proposals. The Council reiterated its commitment to supporting the election process in the DRC, and noted that
the elections would mark an important step in securing peace and providing the foundations for a democratic and accountable government.
GEORGIA
The Council welcomed progress in implementation of its decision to strengthen the EU Special Representative's team both to provide continued support to the criminal justice system and to provide support and advice on the reform of the Georgian Border Guard, mentoring of the Guard Force in the field and continued assessment of the Georgian border situation. The Council noted that the team started its operations on 1 September, and hopes that its activities will lay the ground for further EU
action in support of the reform of the Georgian Border Guard; and is looking forward to Georgia's co-operation with the EUSR's team and the setting up of a high level working group to work with the EUSR's team on reform of the Georgian Border Guard. The Council further noted that the EC is the biggest donor in both Abkhazia and South Ossetia conflict zones and also provides substantial support to the rule of law in Georgia.
MOLDOVA/UKRAINE
The Council noted agreement to respond positively to a request from Presidents Voronin and Yuschenko for the EU to establish a Border Mission on the Moldova/Ukraine border, including the Transnistrian segment. The Council looked forward to close cooperation of the EU with the Moldovan and Ukrainian authorities in order to contribute to the fight against weapons trafficking, smuggling, organised crime and corruption. The Council welcomed the work underway to establish such a Mission by 1
December 2005. The Council expressed its expectation that establishment of this mission would contribute to security and stability in the region. The Council also recalled its support for resolution of the Transnistrian issue, and reiterated its willingness to cooperate with all interested parties in efforts towards a settlement.
OTHER ONGOING EU OPERATIONS AND ASSISTANCE EFFORTS
The Council also noted progress in ongoing EU operations and assistance efforts: the EU military and police missions in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR and EUPM); the EU Police Mission in FYROM (EUPOL PROXIMA); the EU integrated rule of law mission for Iraq (EUJUST LEX) and EU support to the Palestinian Police (EU COPPS)."
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