Summary of remarks by EUHR Solana to Foreign and Defence Ministers

Summary of Remarks by Javier SOLANA, EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy, to the Foreign Ministers and Defence Ministers in Brussels on Monday, 15 May 2006.

CIVILIAN DISASTER RESPONSE - CO-ORDINATION OF TRANSPORTATION ASSETS

Today we agreed on an important initiative that will make a real, tangible difference in rapidly and efficiently getting assistance to where it is needed in response to a disaster - whether a natural disaster or a man-made disaster.

We focused on the key issue of transportation because we know that relief efforts have been hampered in the past by logjams in transporting relief supplies.

We have seen in past relief efforts that transportation has been a key shortfall. We have the assets but - until now - we have not been able to make use of them properly. As of today, we can respond if there is a disaster, and coordinate the transportation of relief.

What we are doing is putting together Member States' military and military-owned assets - whether military or civilian - in order to respond to a disaster - any disaster, whether natural - an earthquake, a tsunami, a tropical storm, a flood - or man-made - a fire, a major accident, an explosion, a terrorist attack.

We are not creating anything new: We are using existing tools and mechanisms developed under our European Security and Defence Policy and already available to us. We are making the necessary links so that our tools and structures can be used efficiently and rapidly.

Using the European Union Military Staff and its movement coordination cell, our Situation Centre and the air transport and maritime transport coordination centres already available to us in Eindhoven and Athens, we will be supporting Member States that voluntarily provide air and sea-lift capabilities. This includes, for example, the Strategic Airlift Interim Solution (SALIS) for which one Member State has already said it will make flight hours available.

We have developed a framework for further detailed arrangements relating to transportation which will be finalised by the end of this year.

Background:

Civilian disaster response

Transportation is one aspect of a number of concrete proposals made by HR Solana in Innsbruck, in response to the Hampton Court mandate, to enhance the EU's ability to respond to disasters. The framework for the detailed arrangements will be finalised by the end of the year.

EUFOR - DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

A great deal has been achieved in the past two months:

The UN Security Council resolution authorising the deployment of EURFOR RD Congo has been adopted, the Congolese authorities have agreed to the mission and our African partners are on board.

We are now working along three tracks:

• We have started discussions with the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbouring countries on the stationing and transit of European forces.

• The military planning is under way. We expect to agree the operational plan in the very near future. It is vital that we are able to deploy the necessary level of force when and where it is needed.

• Force generation continues: we have already significant contributions by many Member States. However, we have to ensure that we meet all the requirements laid down by the Operational Plan in order to be able to conduct a successful mission.

EURFOR RD Congo is part of the EU's ongoing engagement in support of the process in the DRC,

SUDAN / DARFUR

Abuja peace agreement:

• The Abuja peace agreement is a good agreement and we welcome it. The main parties have signed it.

• However, the peace agreement is not complete as some segments of the rebel movements have not signed up to it.

• We cannot take for granted that the security situation will improve following the peace agreement.

• We must now be tough with those who do not respect the agreement.

Additional support for AMIS (the African Union Mission in Darfur):

The Abuja peace agreement opens the way for the transition from the African Union mission to a United Nations Mission - this is essential for long-term security and stability in the region. In the meantime, AMIS faces tough challenges and will need additional support:

The EU is ready to continue assisting AMIS in this new phase, for example, by providing airlift, training and additional planning assistance.

We have promised additional support for AMIS during the rest of its mandate and we will provide it but for this more resources are needed.

I am confident that we will be able to find more resources, on top of the EUR 50 million we decided to grant in March.

But for decisions on further funding we need to maintain the clear prospect of transition from AMIS to a UN operation.

Following Vice-President Tara's undertaking to us on 8 March, we expect the Sudanese Government to take the necessary measures to accept and facilitate transition to the UN Mission.

Now that the Abuja peace agreement is signed Khartoum must cooperate fully.

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• EU Council Conclusions on Iraq (15/5/2006)
• EU Council Conclusions on Iran  (15/5/2006)
• EU Council Conclusions on the Middle East Peace Process (15/5/2006)
• EU Council Conclusions on EU Emergency and Crisis Response (15/5/2006)
• EU Council Conclusions on Uganda (15/5/2006)
• EU Council Conclusions on Ivory Coast  (15/5/2006)