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EU: GAERC

My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Margaret Beckett), my right honourable friend the Minister for Europe (Geoff Hoon) and Sir John Grant (UK Permanent Representative to the EU) represented the UK at the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) in Brussels on 15 May 2006. My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Defence (Des Browne) represented the UK at the Defence Ministers' discussions. The agenda items were covered as follows: General Affairs Preparation of the European Council (15-16 June, Brussels): Draft annotated agenda The council discussed preparation of the European Council on the basis of a draft annotated agenda presented by the presidency. Likely agenda items include the future of Europe, Hampton Court follow-up and EU enlargement. The presidency agreed to issue draft European Council conclusion's to COREPER (Committee of Permanent Representatives) ahead of discussion at the Foreign Ministers informal meeting at Klosterneuberg, Austria on 27-28 May. Inter-institutional agreement (IIA) The council endorsed a new inter-institutional agreement on the EU's 2007-13 financial perspective in line with the provisional agreement reached between the Council and the European Parliament in April. The new inter-institutional agreement will enter into force on 1 January 2007, replacing the existing agreement. External Relations Uzkbekistan The council adopted conclusions reiterating the EU's call for an independent inquiry into the Andijan massacre, expressing concern about the deteriorating human rights situation and reaffirming that the measures imposed in October 2005 remain in force. Western Balkans The council adopted conclusions on Serbia and Montenegro regretting her non-compliance with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and supporting Enlargement Commissioner Rehn's decision to disrupt the stabilisation and association agreement negotiations, while indicating support for discussions resuming once full co-operation with ICTY is achieved. The council also agreed conclusions on Montenegro reiterating the importance of a free and fair referendum and on Bosnia-Herzegovina, expressing disappointment at the failure of constitutional reform and a readiness to engage with Bosnia-Herzegovina on transition arrangements for the Office of the High Representative. Preparation of EU/Russia Summit The council had a short discussion on the forthcoming EU/Russia summit on 25 May. We expect the agenda to cover issues such as energy, visa facilitation, economic reforms and commitment to common values. Iraq The council was briefed on latest developments. The council adopted conclusions welcoming the progress made in Iraq to form a government of national unity; stating that the EU stands ready to engage with the new government to achieve a secure, stable and democratic Iraq. Iran The council was briefed on the Foreign Ministers' E3+3 meeting in New York on 8 May and discussed next steps. The council adopted conclusions which expressed deep regret at the failure of the Iranian authorities to take the steps deemed essential by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) board and the UN Security Council as well their threats to maintain this failure into the future. The council called on the Iranian authorities to cooperate fully with the IAEA, suspend all enrichment-related and reprocessing activities, including research and development, and to suspend the construction of a reactor moderated by heavy water. It expressed the EU's full support for the Security Council making this mandatory. The council also underlined its deep concern about the human rights situation in Iran. Middle East Peace Process The council endorsed the quartet's decision of 9 May that the EU would establish a temporary international mechanism to help provide basic services to the Palestinian people. The council adopted conclusions welcoming the statement of the quartet principals on 9 May in New York; expressing concern about the deterioration of the humanitarian, economic and financial situation in the West Bank and Gaza; welcoming the endorsement by the quartet of the temporary international mechanism. Conclusions also called for early engagement between the Israeli Prime Minister and the President of the Palestinian Authority in line with President Abbas' commitment to a platform of peace. Belarus The council was expecting to adopt a common position freezing the assets of President Lukashenko and several key supporters responsible for fraudulent elections. Due to technical problems, this is expected to be formally adopted by the Education Council on 18 May. EU-Africa troika The council discussed the outcome of the EU-Africa troika meeting held in Vienna on 8 May. Sudan High Representative Solana congratulated those involved in reaching agreement at Abuja. There was a need to put pressure on those who had not yet signed up to do so. The Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) provided an additional basis to enable the UN to take over from the Africa Mission in Sudan (AMIS). The EU needed to support the peace process economically and, until transition, through support to AMIS. Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner said the Commission would provide €100 million in humanitarian and reconstruction aid. The council adopted conclusions welcoming the DPA and calling for its rapid implementation, reiterating the EU's readiness to contribute to the reconstruction and development of Darfur, including through AMIS; and restating the EU's support for transition from AMIS to a UN mission. Uganda The council agreed conclusions welcoming recent elections, calling for further democratisation and urging the Government of Uganda and the international community to work towards peaceful resolution of the conflict in northern Uganda and in the Great Lakes region. The conclusions also reiterated the council's call for the Government of Uganda and neighbouring countries to work together to effect the arrest warrants of the Lord's Resistance Army commanders indicated by the International Criminal Court. Zimbabwe The council discussed concerns about human rights abuses and the deteriorating economic situation in Zimbabwe. The EU had a clearly determined common position, including benchmarks: it was for the Government of Zimbabwe to comply with these international standards. Cote d'Ivoire The council adopted conclusions expressing concerns about the delay in the implementation of the transition roadmap and recalling the EU's readiness to support the peace process. AOB: Nepal The council briefly discussed recent developments in Nepal. Partners agreed to keep EU policy towards Nepal under active review with a view to preparing recommendations on possible EU assistance. AOB: Rendition High Representative Solana briefed the council on his recent appearance at the European Parliament. The Council of Europe is also expected to issue a report on rendition. Defence Ministers Sudan High Representative Solana and NATO Secretary-General De Hoop Scheffer stressed the importance of maintaining close EU/NATO co-operation over the assistance each organisation is providing to AMIS. European Defence Agency The council noted the report submitted by the head of the agency on its activities. Capabilities The council adopted conclusions noting the progress achieved in the development of capability planning required by the headline goal; recognising the roadmap to the progress catalogue and welcoming the steps taken towards resolving the shortfalls in the area of strategic airlift. The council also adopted conclusions in the area of rapid response, noting the successful outcome of the battlegroups co-ordination conference on 3 May. Operation EUFOR Congo The council adopted conclusions urging the government to create a climate in which free and fair elections can be held while noting the EU's continued support to DRC, including through EUFOR Congo. Joint session with Defence Ministers Emergency and crisis response The council adopted conclusions welcoming High Representative Solana's proposals to improve the EU's ability to respond to disasters and the coordination of transport for the relief efforts, in the context of the Hampton Court follow-up. Civil military co-ordination The council adopted conclusions highlighting the work undertaken by the Austrian presidency to ensure effective co-ordination of EU crisis management instruments; welcoming the presidency's framework paper of possible solutions for civil-military co-ordination and recommendations for further work by July 2006. Security Sector Reform in the Western Balkans The council agreed conclusions setting out the principles of EU support for security sector reform in the western Balkans.