EU External Relations Council Conclusions

PRESS RELEASE: 2789th Council meeting, General Affairs and External Relations, External Relations, Brussels

Main results of the CouncilThe Council urged all parties in Sudan/Darfur to respect their ceasefire commitments and expressed its support for urgent consideration by the UN Security Council of further measures against those impeding the peace process. The Council acknowledged the need to urgently address the funding needs of the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) - for which the EU has already committed around EUR 400 million through Community and bilateral Member State contributions - and pledged continued funding for AMIS in the period leading up to the deployment of the AU-UN hybrid force. It expressed its readiness to replenish the African Peace Facility from resources of the 9th European Development Fund. A number of Member States announced additional voluntary contributions.The Council acknowledged Uzbekistan's readiness to hold a further round of talks on the Andijan events and looked forward to concrete results. It stressed the need for an early, meaningful and regular human rights dialogue between the EU and Uzbekistan in the framework of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. It decided to review the EU's restrictive measures against Uzbekistan (arms embargo, visa restrictions) in May on the basis of an assessment of progress made.The Council deplored the fact that Iran had not complied with the terms of UN Security Council Resolution 1737. It reasserted its support for the UNSC process and underlined that the Security Council had expressed its intention to adopt further appropriate measures under Article 41 of the UN Charter should Iran fail to comply. It urged the international community to act with the necessary firmness in support of this process. At the same time, the Council reaffirmed its continuing support for efforts to find a negotiated long-term solution to the Iranian nuclear issue.

CONTENTS: ITEMS DEBATED

SUDAN/DARFUR - Council conclusions

UZBEKISTAN - Council conclusions

WESTERN BALKANS - Council conclusions

MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS

IRAN - Council conclusions

EVENTS IN THE MARGINS OF THE COUNCIL

OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

See General Affairs press release 6755/07

SUDAN/DARFUR - Council conclusions

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

"1. The Council remains deeply concerned about the continuing deterioration of the security situation and the humanitarian crisis in Darfur, as a consequence of the increasing violence by all parties to the conflict. The Council is particularly alarmed by Sudanese Armed Forces bombing near the Chadian border on 11 February, and militia attacks in North Darfur on 13 February resulting in 20 civilian deaths. It firmly condemns the continuing attacks on humanitarian aid workers, harassment targeting relief activities and ceasefire violations. It reminds all parties of their obligation to respect humanitarian law and of their responsibility to end any obstruction of humanitarian work. The Council recalls the obligation of the Sudanese authorities to facilitate the operations of UN agencies and non-governmental organisations, removing all obstacles to their work.

In this context, the Council urges all parties to respect their ceasefire commitments and is ready to implement measures taken by the UN Security Council in accordance with Security Council Resolution 1591 (2005). Recalling that Resolution 1591 determines that those impeding the peace process shall be held responsible and appropriate measures shall be taken accordingly, the Council underlines its support for urgent consideration by the Security Council of further measures.

2. The Council expresses its continued concern at the human rights situation in Darfur. In this context, it deeply deplores the Sudanese government's attitude of non-cooperation with the UN Human Rights Council High-Level Assessment Mission to Darfur, preventing the Mission from doing its work in Sudan. It recalls that the Mission was established by consensus by the Human Rights Council in full consultation with Sudan. The Council expects that the conclusions of the Mission will be closely analysed by the Fourth Session of the Human Rights Council.

3. The Council takes note of the presentation by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) of evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur, as a result of the investigation mandated by UN Security Council Resolution 1593 (2005), and welcomes it as a decisive step to put an end to impunity in Darfur. Reaffirming its support for the ICC, the Council expects the Sudanese Government to cooperate fully with the Court.

4. Emphasising the urgent need for an inclusive political agreement to solve the conflict in Darfur, the Council welcomes the recent talks held in Sudan by the AU and UN Special Envoys. The Council underlines the urgent need for a renewed ceasefire to be fully respected and a revitalised political track to be pursued, to allow for an early start of negotiations under the auspices of the AU and the UN. The Council has followed with interest the recent talks in Tripoli organised by the Libyan and Eritrean governments, and emphasises that all actors engaged in mediating between the Sudanese government and the non-signatories to the Darfur Peace Agreement should cooperate closely with the Special Envoys of the AU and the UN.

5. The Council recalls the final report of the AU-UN consultations on the UN Heavy Support Package for AMIS and expects the Government to rapidly give its unequivocal consent to the deployment of the Heavy Support Package in its entirety, in line with previously made commitments, and to collaborate actively with the AU and the UN to ensure its speedy implementation. Similarly, the Council encourages the AU and the UN to conclude the preparations for the deployment of the agreed AU-UN hybrid operation as soon as possible. The Council reiterates its readiness to consider further measures, notably in the UN framework, against any party which obstructs its implementation.

6. The Council acknowledges the need to urgently address the funding needs of AMIS. It urges other international partners to contribute to the success of the mission and appeals to them to fulfil already made pledges and to provide additional contributions. It recalls that the EU has already committed around EUR 400 million for AMIS through the African Peace Facility (APF) and bilateral contributions by Member States. The EU reconfirms its commitment to further contribute to AMIS in the period leading up to the deployment of the AU-UN hybrid force. With a view to make possible further financial support for AMIS and in consideration of the request from the AU Commission, pending a decision by the ACP group of states, the Council expresses its readiness to replenish the APF from resources of the 9th European Development Fund. The Council also welcomes the willingness expressed by EU Member States to make additional voluntary contributions in the context of a joint effort by the EU and its Member States.

7. The Council expresses its deep concern about continued reports of deterioration in the security situation in Southern Sudan. The Council renews its call on the parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) to intensify efforts to implement the agreement in full and to refrain from violence.

8. The Council remains concerned about the instability on the Sudanese-Chadian border, its impact on the humanitarian situation of the population in Chad and Darfur, and the destabilising impact of the conflict in the whole of the region. The Council therefore welcomes the declaration signed by the Presidents of Sudan, Chad and the Central African Republic on 15 February 2007 at the 24th Summit Conference of Heads of State of Africa and of France, at the initiative of the President of the French Republic and under the chairmanship of the President of the AU, reconfirming the commitments under the 2006 Tripoli agreement, and urges the signatories to honour their commitments, in particular to refrain from supporting armed movements in neighbouring countries. The Council takes note of the consultations held by the Security Council on 27 February to address the instability along the border between Sudan, Chad and the Central African Republic and welcomes the engagement of the UN for the stability of the region as demonstrated by the readiness of the UN Secretary-General to set up an advance mission in Chad and in the Central African Republic. "


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A number of delegations announced further bilateral contributions towards AMIS.

UZBEKISTAN - Council conclusions

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

"1. Recalling the Council Conclusions of 3 October 2005, 15 May and 13 November 2006, the Council has discussed developments in Uzbekistan and prospects for future relations between the EU and Uzbekistan.

2. While remaining seriously concerned about the human rights situation in Uzbekistan, the EU reiterates its readiness to engage in a comprehensive dialogue with Uzbekistan, in particular on human rights.

3. The Council recalls that a first round of experts' talks on the Andijan events took place in Tashkent from 12 - 14 December 2006. It acknowledges the Uzbek readiness to hold a further round of these talks and looks forward to concrete results.

4. The Council stresses the need for an early, meaningful and regular human rights dialogue between the EU and Uzbekistan in the framework of a sub-committee on Justice, Home Affairs, Human Rights and related issues under the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.

5. The Council recalls its common position of 13 November 2006, lifting restrictions on technical meetings, extending the arms embargo for another 12 months and the visa restrictions for another 6 months. The Council decided to review these measures in May on the basis of the criteria set out in previous Council Conclusions, taking into account the actions of the Uzbek government in the area of human rights, including those following the outcome of the meetings mentioned above. The Council urges Uzbekistan to implement fully its international obligations relating to human rights and fundamental freedoms."

WESTERN BALKANS - Council conclusions

The Council discussed the situation in the Western Balkans. It was noted that Ministers would have the opportunity to discuss Serbia and Kosovo at their dinner on 8 March (European Council) and at their informal meeting in Bremen on 30-31 March. The Council adopted the following conclusions:

"BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

1. The Council welcomed the formation of the new Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It encouraged the new authorities to ensure a swift and effective implementation of all the four conditions necessary for the conclusion of negotiations for a Stabilisation and Association Agreement as set out in the Council conclusions of 12 December 2005. The Council reiterated its full support to Bosnia and Herzegovina's European perspective.

2. The Council urged the new authorities to use the current momentum to bring forward police reform.

3. The Council took note of the PIC Steering Board assessment of the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in the region. The Council also took note of the PIC Steering Board Communiqué which aims for closure of the Office of the High Representative by 30 June 2008 with reviews of the situation in October 2007 and February 2008. The policy of ownership remains the guiding principle.

4. The Council took note that the Political and Security Committee has approved the revised OPLAN for Operation ALTHEA, enabling a progressive but reversible reconfiguration of EUFOR to go ahead, taking into account the security situation in the country as well as the impact on that, of the regional security situation. As part of its overall engagement in BiH, the EU will retain a military presence in the country in order to continue contributing to the maintenance of a safe and secure environment. EUFOR will retain some 2 500 troops on the ground, backed up by over-the-horizon reserve forces, ready to respond to possible security challenges throughout the country and to provide reassurance. Cooperation with NATO in respect of Operation ALTHEA will continue."

MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS

Ministers, over lunch, discussed the Middle East peace process in the light of recent events, including trilateral contacts between Secretary Rice, President Abbas and Prime Minister Olmert, the Quartet principals meeting in Berlin on 21 February and the visit of President Abbas in a number of European capitals. They also discussed the state of play regarding the formation of a Palestinian government of national unity following the meeting in Mecca on 8 February. Ministers were briefed by HR Solana on recent contacts and by Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner on her visit to the region.

Ministers looked forward to further activity by the Quartet, including in cooperation with Arab partners, to keep the recent momentum.

The meeting of the EU Troika with Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni in the margins of the Council was a further opportunity to discuss prospects regarding the peace process.

Ministers briefly discussed the situation in Lebanon, to which they will return on the occasion of their working dinner on 8 March in the margins of the European Council.

IRAN - Council conclusions

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

"The Council took note of the report by the Director General of the IAEA to the United Nations Security Council of 22 February 2007 and deplored the fact that Iran has not complied with the terms of UNSC Resolution 1737, as confirmed in that report. The Council noted in particular that Iran has failed to suspend all enrichment and enrichment-related activities and appears determined to pursue these activities on an even larger scale.

In the view of the Council the report clearly demonstrates Iran's disregard of the requirements of the international community expressed in the unanimous and legally binding UNSC Resolution 1737.

The Council reasserts its support for the UNSC process and underlines that the UNSC has expressed its intention in Resolution 1737 to adopt further appropriate measures under Article 41 Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter should Iran fail to comply. The Council urges the international community to act with the necessary firmness in support of this process.

The Council reaffirmed at the same time its continuing support for efforts to find a negotiated long-term solution to the Iranian nuclear issue. The Council seizes this opportunity to call once more upon Iran to open the way for negotiations by complying with the requirements as set out in Resolution 1737."

EVENTS IN THE MARGINS OF THE COUNCIL

The following meetings were held in the margins of the Council:

on 5 March:

- EU-Israel association council;

on 6 March:

- EU-Egypt association council;

- EU foreign ministers' troika meeting with Serbia;

- EU-Croatia stabilisation and association council.

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• Central African Republic: EU Commission launches major programme to support governance and opening up of the country (7/3/2007)
• EU General Affairs Council Conclusions (5/3/2007)
• EU Presidency Declaration on International Criminal Court´s investigation into Darfur  (1/3/2007)
• EUHR Solana welcomes International Criminal Court's initiative to present evidence on alleged crimes in Sudan/Darfur (27/2/2007)
• EU Council Conclusions on Sudan (12/2/2007)
• Iran: EU Presidency Declaration on the imminent execution of three Ahwazi men (1/2/2007)
• EU Council Conclusions on Iran (22/1/2007)
• EU Council Conclusions on Sudan (22/1/2007)
• North Korean and Iranian delegates meet EU Parliamentarians (19/10/2006)