EU Council Conclusions - International Peace and Security

Council conclusions on international peace and security, 2686th GENERAL AFFAIRS Council meeting, Brussels

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.

MEPP

The Council recalled its commitment to support the Palestinian Authority in taking responsibility for law and order and, in particular, in improving its civil police and law enforcement capacity. In this context the Council decided to launch a Civilian ESDP Police Mission to the Palestinian Territories to build on the work of the EU Co-ordinating Office for Palestinian Police Support (EU COPPS). This mission will support the Palestinian Authority in establishing sustainable and effective policing arrangements. The new mission, which will have a three-year mandate, will assist in the implementation of the Palestinian Civil Police Development Plan, advise and mentor senior members of the Palestinian Civil Police and criminal justice system, and co-ordinate EU and, where requested, international assistance to the Palestinian Civil Police. It will act in close co-operation with the European Community's institution building programmes as well as other international efforts in the security sector including criminal justice reform.

Sudan/Darfur

The Council strongly condemned the killing of five AMIS (African Union Mission in Sudan) staff and two civilian contractors in Darfur on 8 October and offered its condolences to the African Union (AU). The Council expressed its grave concern about other recent serious clashes in Darfur apparently involving members of the rebel 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 and to respect the cease-fire. The Council encouraged the AU to conclude rapidly its investigations into the violence; to publish these; and to pass what information it has about the perpetrators to the UN's Committee of Experts to consider whether sanctions are appropriate, and to the International Criminal Court.

The Council welcomed the spirit of engagement demonstrated by the parties during the sixth round of the African Union-led Inter-Sudanese Peace Talks on Darfur in Abuja, which concluded on 20 October. The Council called on all parties to ensure that, by the time the talks resume on 20 November, they have made the necessary preparations to be able, with all possible speed, to negotiate a just and lasting peace settlement for Darfur. The Council therefore called on the leaders of the Sudan Liberation Movement to meet and to resolve their differences before the resumption of the talks.

The Council noted further progress in implementing the EU's supporting action to AMIS II. The Council welcomed the continuing close co-operation with other international actors, notably the UN and NATO. The Council agreed to extend the supporting action to AMIS II for a further six-month period and note agreement that it is politically appropriate to release a further 70MEUROS from the African Peace Facility. The Council welcomed the positive nature of the latest round of the EU's dialogue with the Government of Sudan, and call on the latter to establish promptly the Assessment and Evaluation Commission, as provided for by the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. The Council underlined the importance of continued EU engagement, including through the involvement of the EUSR for Sudan in the talks process and the Assessment and Evaluation Commission.

DRC

The Council recalled that the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in particular in the east, still constituted a risk to regional peace and security. The Council recalled the important role being played by EUSEC RD Congo, EUPOL Kinshasa and the European Community in supporting the transition process in the DRC, including in the area of Security Sector Reform (SSR). The Council welcomed the six-month review of EUSEC RD Congo, and noted in particular the central co-ordination role being played by the mission in the area of SSR. The EU will continue to operate in the DRC in close co-ordination with MONUC and other relevant partners in the areas of SSR and DDR. The Council looked forward to agreeing the launch in the immediate future of a Chain of Payments Project to assist with the modernisation of the financial administration system of the DRC Ministry of Defence. The Council also agreed to extend the current mandate of the EU Police Mission in Kinshasa (EUPOL KINSHASA) for one year. 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. The Council called on the Congolese authorities to remain steadfast in their commitment to strengthening good governance.

Africa Standby Force

The Council recalled the readiness of the EU and its Member States to support the development of the Africa Standby Force under the auspices of the African Union, noting in particular support for African Union workshops establishing policy and practice for key areas of the Force structure.

Implementation of UNSCR 1325 in the Context of ESDP

The Council noted and welcomed the document on Implementation of UNSCR 1325 on women, peace and security in the Context of ESDP. The Council invited Member States, the Council General Secretariat and all other relevant EU bodies to implement the proposed measures; and noted that the Council General Secretariat would review their implementation based on a case study to be undertaken by the Institute of Security Studies, and in the light of lessons learned."

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