Mr. Hood: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the outcome of the General Affairs Council
held in Brussels on 24 to 25 January; and if he will make a statement. [107150]
Mr. Vaz: The General Affairs Council in Brussels on 24 January adopted the A points listed in document no. 5443/00 and noted the
resolutions, decisions and opinions adopted by the European Parliament in its sessions of 1-2 December in Brussels, listed in
document no. 12794/99, and 13-17 December in Strasbourg, listed in document no. 13877/99. Copies of the documents listing the A
points and the resolutions will be placed in the House Libraries as soon as they become available.
Open Debate: European Security and Defence Policy
The Portuguese Presidency put forward their programme of work. Discussion focused on how to take forward the remits from the
Helsinki European Council on European security and defence policy, in particular progress on improving military capabilities, and
relations between the EU and NATO, including the role of non-EU Allies and others in any new arrangements in the EU.
Follow up to Helsinki European Council
(A) IGC. The Presidency described its plans for organising the first stage of negotiations in the IGC.
(B) Enlargement. The Presidency and Commission set out the work programme for the next six months and confirmed their commitment to
continued progress in negotiations for all countries and to differentiation (each country proceeding on merit at its own speed),
including the possibility that countries starting negotiations this year might catch up with those already in negotiations.
Lisbon European Council Preparation
The Presidency presented a framework document on preparatory work towards the Lisbon Special Council on employment, economic reform
and social cohesion. It set out the key objective of making the EU over the next 10 years the world's most dynamic and competitive
knowledge-based economy, able to boost economic growth levels with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion.
Middle East Peace Process
The Council received a report of the Presidency and High Representative's visit to the region and discussed prospects for the Peace
Process.
President Arafat attended lunch and briefed Ministers on developments on the Palestinian track. The Council welcomed recent reforms
to the Palestinian Authority's procedures for financial management and called for further reforms in support of good governance and
respect for human rights.
Russia
The Council welcomed the democratic conduct of the Duma elections and the smooth transition of power after President Yeltsin's
resignation. It emphasised its wish to develop the long-term strategic partnership between the EU and Russia.
The Council reiterated the EU's deep concern about continuing violence in Chechnya and condemned the indiscriminate use of force by
the Russian authorities. While it did not question Russia's right to preserve its territorial integrity, the Council emphasised
Russia's great responsibility to respect its obligations under international humanitarian law. The EU would continue to press for
de-escalation of the violence, a rapid ceasefire and a political solution to the crisis.
The Council welcomed the action taken to follow up the Declaration of the Helsinki European Council, including the revision of the
Presidency's work plan for the EU Common Strategy on Russia. The Council invited the Commission to refocus the TACIS 2000 programme
on core areas directly promoting democratic values, and agreed that the EU should respond firmly to any infringements of Russia's
trade obligations under the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement.
EU/Turkey
The Presidency and Commission outlined plans for implementing the Helsinki European Council conclusions on Turkey.
Western Balkans
The Council welcomed the agreement of the Serbian democratic opposition of 10 January and their call for early elections in Serbia.
The Council made it clear the EU was willing to offer substantial political and economic support to a democratic Federal Republic of
Yugoslavia (FRY). It invited the Commission to prepare a proposal to extend the Energy for Democracy programme.
The Council stressed its continuing support for the democratically elected government of Montenegro, and invited the Commission to
submit further concrete proposals to address Montenegro's most urgent needs.
On Kosovo, the Council agreed that urgent action was needed to address the continued violence against minorities and the growing
threat of organised crime in Kosovo. It recognised the urgent need to reinforce the international police presence, particularly
through specialists in organised crime and drug trafficking. It took note of UNMIK's worrying financial situation and agreed to
address the problem without delay.
The Council welcomed the democratic outcome of the recent parliamentary elections in Croatia, and looked forward to the presidential
elections and the formation of the new government. The Council emphasised the need to meet the conditions necessary for a closer
relationship with the EU and looked forward to helping the new government achieve early progress. The Council agreed to establish
rapidly the Joint EU-Croatia Consultative Task Force and invite Croatian Prime Minister designate to the General Affairs Council on
14 February.
The Council called for early and comprehensive implementation by Bosnia and Hercegovina's Joint Presidency of the New York
Declaration. It urged the Bosnian parties to pass the Permanent Election Law and legislation on the Statute of the Council of
Ministers incompliance with the constitution.
The Council adopted the negotiating directives for a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with Macedonia, and invited the
Commission to make preparations to open negotiations in March 2000.
The Council examined the Commission's feasibility study for a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with Albania. It invited the
Albanian government to present a plan of action for addressing the weaknesses identified in the study. The Council reaffirmed the
EU's readiness to support the reform process in Albania.
Aid to Venezuela
The Council approved a Commission document on EU aid efforts in Venezuela following last month's flooding.
EU Africa Summit
The Presidency described its plans for a possible EU/Africa Summit in April.
EU/South Africa
The Presidency briefed the Council on contacts between the Commission and South Africa on the implementation of the EU/South Africa
Trade, Development and Co-operation Agreement.
Oil Tanker Safety
The Council agreed that the safety of oil tankers was a matter of great concern to the EU. The Commission will produce a
Communication in time for the next Transport Council on oil tanker safety, concentrating on oil tankers most at risk, re-examining
the system of classifying tankers, phasing out single-hull tankers, reviewing liability and compensation and promoting transparency
in the maritime world.
Association Council with Tunisia
The Association Council with Tunisia covered a range of political and economic issues. The Presidency raised Tunisia's human rights
record and stressed the importance of the political dialogue between the EU and Tunisia. EU support for economic reform in Tunisia
was discussed, with Tunisia looking forward to continued co-operation in support of progress towards the free trade area foreseen
under the Barcelona Process.
Co-operation Council with Moldova
The second EU-Moldova Co-operation Council took place on 25 January. Discussion focused on the positive progress made under the
EU-Moldova Partnership and Co-operation Agreement over the past year, and on Moldova's desire to further strengthen its relationship
with the EU. There were also discussions on the internal political situation in Moldova (including Transdniestria), Moldova/Russia
relations, and Moldovan participation in regional co-operation.