Press release - 3159th Council meeting, Foreign Affairs, Luxembourg, 23 April 2012

EN

COUNCIL OF

THE EUROPEAN UNION

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PRESSE 152

PR CO 22

PRESS RELEASE

3159th Council meeting

Foreign Affairs

Luxembourg, 23 April 2012

President

Ms Catherine Ashton

High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and

Security Policy

PRESS

Rue de la Loi 175 B – 1048 BRUSSELS Tel.: +32 (0)2 281 9442 / 6319 Fax: +32 (0)2 281 8026

[email protected] http://www.consilium.europa.eu/Newsroom

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Main results of the Council

The Council expressed its respect and appreciation for the historic changes in Myanmar/Burma

over the past year. As a means to welcome and encourage the reform process, the Council agreed

to suspend EU restrictive measures against the government, with the exception of the arms

embargo. The Council will shortly adopt legal acts to that effect.

The Council discussed Syria and welcomed the UN Security Council resolution establishing a UN

supervision mission to monitor the cessation of armed violence. It strongly urged the Syrian

government to allow the effective operation of the mission and reaffirmed its full support to Special

Envoy Kofi Annan and his six-point plan. In view of the gravity of the situation, the Council

approved further sanctions against the Syrian regime.

The Council also discussed recent events in several African countries.

It expressed support for ECOWAS' efforts to restore constitutional order in Mali and the EU's

intention to closely monitor the progress of the transition process. It confirmed the importance of

accelerated implementation of the EU strategy for security and development in the Sahel and the

deployment of the proposed civilian CSDP mission to Niger.

The Council also expressed deep concern at the escalating conflict between Sudan and South

Sudan and called on both governments to stop attacks on each other's territory and to cease

hostilities.

Finally, the Council strongly condemned the coup d'état in Guinea-Bissau. It demanded the

immediate reestablishment of the legitimate government and expressed readiness to impose

restrictive measures against individuals who engage in acts that threaten the peace, security and

stability of Guinea-Bissau.

During lunch, ministers discussed the Middle East Peace Process and the situation in the occupied

Palestinian territory, as well as the talks with Iran on its nuclear programme, led by the EU High

Representative.

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CONTENTS1

PARTICIPANTS ................................................................................................................................4

ITEMS DEBATED

Burma/Myanmar ..................................................................................................................................6

Afghanistan ..........................................................................................................................................8

Africa....................................................................................................................................................9

Syria....................................................................................................................................................12

Middle East Peace Process .................................................................................................................14

Iran......................................................................................................................................................14

OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

–

Relations with Israel ..............................................................................................................................................15

–

Iran - restrictive measures......................................................................................................................................15

–

Belarus - restrictive measures ................................................................................................................................15

TRADE

–

Brazil and Thailand - Processed poultry meat .......................................................................................................15

DECISIONS TAKEN BY WRITTEN PROCEDURE

–

Anti-dumping measures - Tartaric acid - Oxalic acid ............................................................................................16

1

Where declarations, conclusions or resolutions have been formally adopted by the Council, this is indicated

in the heading for the item concerned and the text is placed between quotation marks.

Documents for which references are given in the text are available on the Council's Internet site

(http://www.consilium.europa.eu).

Acts adopted with statements for the Council minutes which may be released to the public are indicated by

an asterisk; these statements are available on the Council's Internet site or may be obtained from the Press

Office.

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PARTICIPANTS

High Representative

Ms Catherine ASHTON

Belgium:

Mr Didier REYNDERS

Bulgaria:

Mr Ivan NAYDENOV

Czech Republic:

Mr Karel SCHWARZENBERG

High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and

Security Policy

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign, External

Trade and European Affairs

Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign

Affairs

Denmark:

Mr Villy SØVNDAL

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Germany:

Mr Michael LINK

State Minister of the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Estonia:

Mr Urmas PAET

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Ireland:

Mr Eamon GILMORE

Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) and Minister for

Foreign Affairs and Trade

Greece:

Mr Dimitris DOLLIS

State Secretary for Foreign Affairs

Spain:

Mr José Manuel GARCÍA-MARGALLO MARFIL

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation

France:

Mr Henri de RAINCOURT

Minister with responsibility for Cooperation, attached to

the Ministre d'État, Minister for Foreign and

European Affairs

Italy:

Ms Marta DASSU'

State Secretary for Foreign Affairs

Cyprus:

Ms Erato KOZAKOU-MARCOULLIS

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Latvia:

Mr Edgars RINKĒVIČS

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Lithuania:

Mr Audronius AŽUBALIS

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Luxembourg:

Mr Jean ASSELBORN

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs

Hungary:

Mr Zsolt NÉMETH

State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Malta:

Mr Tonio BORG

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs

Netherlands:

Mr Pieter de GOOIJER

Permanent Representative

Austria:

Mr Michael SPINDELEGGER

Poland:

Mr Radosław SIKORSKI

Portugal:

Mr Miguel MORAIS LEITÃO

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Vice Chancellor, Federal Minister for European and

International Affairs

Minister for Foreign Affairs

State Secretary attached to the Minister for Foreign

Affairs, with responsibility for European Affairs

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Romania:

Ms Luminita ODOBESCU

State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Slovenia:

Mr Karl Viktor ERJAVEC

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs

Slovakia:

Mr Miroslav LAJČÁK

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Finland:

Mr Erkki TUOMIOJA

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Sweden:

Mr Carl BILDT

Minister for Foreign Affairs

United Kingdom:

Mr William HAGUE

Commission:

Mr Štefan FÜLE

Mr Andris PIEBALGS

First Secretary of State, Secretary of State for Foreign and

Commonwealth Affairs

Member

Member

The Government of the Acceding State was represented as follows:

Croatia:

Ms Vesna PUSIĆ

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Minister for Foreign and European Affairs

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ITEMS DEBATED

Burma/Myanmar

The Council held an in-depth discussion of the situation in Burma/Myanmar. It adopted the

following conclusions:

1.

"The European Union has followed with respect and appreciation the historic changes in

Myanmar/Burma over the past year and encourages the wide-ranging reforms to continue

under President U Thein Sein, the Government and the Parliament, in a developing

partnership with political and civil society actors, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. These

reforms will need time to implement and to bear fruit. The foundation for development is

legitimate government, the rule of law and national reconciliation. The EU praises the

peaceful nature of the process and the readiness of the parties to work towards the same

goals, with a shared vision for political, social and economic reforms.

2.

It also welcomes the concrete steps taken towards these ends:

– the overall transparent and credible conduct of the by-elections on 1 April, resulting in the

election of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and members of the National League for Democracy

party, which will support steps towards national reconciliation;

– the progress on changes in law and practice to enable freedom of assembly and of

association and to eliminate the use of forced labour;

– the release of a substantial number of political prisoners and the Government's willingness

to work on open cases;

– the Government's efforts to conclude cease-fire arrangements with armed groups in the

ethnic regions, in particular with Karen National Union, and its readiness to look towards

wider and more durable political settlements.

3.

These and other unprecedented developments allow the EU to open a new chapter in its

relations with Myanmar/Burma. The Council therefore welcomes the upcoming official visit

of the High Representative to the country, marking a new beginning in bilateral relations, as

highlighted by the opening of an EU Office in Yangon.

As a means to welcome and encourage the reform process, the Council will suspend

restrictive measures imposed on the Government, with the exception of the arms embargo,

which it will retain. The Council will monitor closely the situation on the ground, keep its

measures under constant review and respond positively to progress on ongoing reforms.

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4.

In this regard, the EU still expects the unconditional release of remaining political prisoners

and the removal of all restrictions placed on those already released. It looks forward to the

end of conflict and to substantially improved access for humanitarian assistance, in particular

for those affected by conflict in Kachin State and along the Eastern border, as well as to

addressing the status and improving the welfare of the Rohingyas.

5.

The EU wants now to enter into an active collaboration with Myanmar/Burma as a whole,

with a view to assisting the reform process and contributing to economic, political and social

development.

6.

On the basis of the discussion the EU Development Ministers will have in May, the EU will

continue to engage in a dialogue and cooperation with the authorities and other stakeholders,

including in the following areas:

– the EU looks forward to collaborating with the central and local authorities and others

concerned to support the process of bringing peace and stability to ethnic regions and to

open a long-term perspective for their development, as part of national reconciliation;

– the EU and its Member States have announced significant new funding for economic and

social development, democratic transformation and the strengthening of civil society and

the public administration’s capacity at central and regional level, in order to help improve

governance and to establish an effective administration in a democratic and inclusive state;

– the EU stands ready to assist all actors in their endeavour to strengthen the rule of law and

the respect for human rights. In this regard, the EU looks forward to working with the

legislature and the national Human Rights Commission. The EU will also work with the

authorities, including the Election Commission, in reviewing the electoral system with a

view to the general elections in 2015.

In all these areas, donor coordination will be important and the EU looks to the

Myanmar/Burma authorities to show leadership in this, fostering a wide-ranging consultation

with all stakeholders, including political parties, regional authorities and civil society,

applying principles such as participation, inclusion, transparency and accountability. This will

be discussed at the next Foreign Affairs Council/Development.

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7.

The EU recognises the vital contribution the private sector has to make to the development of

Myanmar/Burma and would welcome European companies exploring trade and investment

opportunities. This should be done by promoting the practice of the highest standards of

integrity and corporate social responsibility. These are laid out in the OECD Guidelines for

Multinational Enterprises, UN guiding principles on business and human rights and the EU's

own CSR strategy 2011-2014. The EU will work with the authorities, the private sector and

the people of Myanmar/Burma to create the best possible regulatory environment.

8.

The Council supports reinstating the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) for

Myanmar/Burma as soon as possible once the required conditions are fulfilled, following the

assessment of the International Labour Organisation.

9.

The EU also welcomes the willingness of the Government to address environmental risks, in

particular those related to deforestation and the loss of biodiversity. It therefore encourages

the Government to begin a dialogue with the EU on ways to ensure the sustainable

management of Myanmar/Burma's forests and harvesting of timber in compliance with

national legislation, consistent with fighting poverty and securing livelihoods. It will work

with the authorities to promote transparency and accountability in extractive industries as

well as in environmental protection, in particular through Forest Law Enforcement,

Governance and Trade (FLEGT).

10.

The EU now looks forward to a future in which it will be able to collaborate constructively

with the Government and the people of Myanmar/Burma to foster unity and build prosperity."

Afghanistan

Ahead of the NATO Summit on 20-21 May 2012 in Chicago, the Council exchanged views on the

EU approach to Afghanistan. This debate will feed into another exchange and the adoption of

conclusions scheduled for the next Council meeting on 14 May.

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Africa

The Council discussed recent events in Africa, focusing on Mali, Sudan and South Sudan and

Guinea-Bissau.

–

Mali

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

1.

"The Council recalls its conclusions of 22-23 March 2012 on Sahel firmly condemning the

seizure of power by force in Mali and calling for an immediate end to violence, the protection

of civilians and the restoration of civil, constitutional government.

2.

The Council stands firmly behind the efforts of ECOWAS and the countries of the region to

restore constitutional order in Mali and supports the continued engagement of President

Ouattara in his capacity as President of ECOWAS and President Compaoré as mediator. In

this context, it welcomes the signature of a Framework Agreement on 6 April 2012 for the

restoration of constitutional order and urges all Malian stakeholders to ensure its timely

implementation.

3.

As the first steps towards the restoration of legitimate civilian administration, the Council is

encouraged by the inauguration of Dioncounda Traoré as interim President, the appointment

of Cheick Modibo Diarra as interim Prime Minister and the release of detained Ministers. The

Council expects the rule of law to be respected and that extra-judicial arrests will cease.

4.

The EU will monitor closely progress in the transition process in Mali. It stands ready to

provide support to the civilian-led transition, including an electoral process involving all the

people of Mali, in close cooperation with ECOWAS, the African Union and other

international partners. EU development cooperation currently on hold will be resumed in line

with progress towards the full restoration of constitutional order. In the meantime, ongoing

direct support to the population will continue as well as humanitarian aid.

5.

The Council supports the commitment of the interim President, ECOWAS, the African

Union, the United Nations and the international community to preserve the security,

sovereignty and territorial integrity of Mali. It repeats its call for an immediate end to

violence and to abuses of human rights in the north of the country. It urges all rebel groups to

seek a peaceful solution through a political process that respects the territorial integrity of

Mali.

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6.

The Council is deeply concerned by the growth of Al Qa’ida and close affiliates’ presence in

the north of Mali and the increased terrorist threat that it implies. It condemns all terrorist

activities.

7.

The Council is alarmed by the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Mali and the wider

Sahel region due to serious food shortages. Exacerbated by insecurity and the lack of access

for humanitarian aid, the situation of the civilian population in the north of the country gives

rise to particular concern of the risk of a major humanitarian disaster. The Council is gravely

concerned by reports that significant numbers of people are being forced to flee the north in

circumstances involving frequent violations of human rights. It calls on all parties to fully

respect international humanitarian law and human rights and to allow immediate, safe and

unhindered access for humanitarian aid and international humanitarian workers. The Council

commends neighbouring states for their ongoing assistance in compliance with their

obligations under international humanitarian law.

8.

Recent developments in Mali and the broader security, development and humanitarian

challenges in the region confirm the importance of security sector reform and accelerated

implementation of the EU Strategy for Security and Development in the Sahel including the

deployment of the proposed civilian CSDP mission to Niger by July 2012."

–

Sudan and South Sudan

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

1.

"The EU is deeply concerned about the escalating conflict between Sudan and South Sudan.

2.

The EU calls on the Governments of Sudan and South Sudan to stop immediately attacks on

each other’s territory, whether directly or through proxies, cease hostilities, withdraw all

security personnel from Abyei and avoid further provocative actions, including inflammatory

rhetoric. It urges both sides to establish the joint border verification and monitoring

mechanism without further delay.

3.

In this context and following international condemnation of the seizure and occupation of

Heglig by the South Sudanese armed forces, the EU welcomes the recent statement by the

Government of South Sudan that it is withdrawing its forces from Heglig. It calls on South

Sudan not to mount any further such attacks and urges the Government of Sudan not to

attack SPLA forces as they withdraw.

4.

The EU condemns continued aerial bombardments and reported ground incursions into South

Sudan by the Sudan Armed Forces.

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5.

The use of force will not resolve any of the outstanding issues between the two countries. The

EU urges both to return to the existing negotiating process under the auspices of the AU High

Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) and renew their efforts in good faith to reach

agreement through peaceful dialogue.

6.

The Government of Sudan and the SPLM North must engage in an inclusive political process

to resolve the conflict in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile.

7.

The EU calls on the Governments of Sudan and South Sudan, as an immediate first step, to

honour their Memorandum of Understanding on Non-Aggression and Cooperation signed in

Addis Ababa on 10 February 2012. This is essential to allow the peaceful resolution of all

outstanding issues.

8.

The EU strongly supports efforts by the African Union and the AUHIP, in cooperation with

the United Nations and other international partners, to ensure that both Governments urgently

take the steps outlined above."

–

Guinea-Bissau

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

1.

"The European Union strongly condemns the coup d'état in Guinea-Bissau. It demands the

immediate reestablishment of the legitimate government, the completion of the interrupted

democratic electoral process and the immediate restoration of constitutional order.

2.

Self-appointed transitional institutions will not be recognised, nor any kind of arrangement

which would allow the armed forces to continue to threaten or control the civilian powers.

The EU rejects the establishment of a so-called "Transitional National Council".

3.

The freedom and security of all citizens must be ensured and perpetrators of human rights

violations be held accountable. The EU calls for the immediate and unconditional release of

those held in illegal detention and an end to violence and intimidation against political leaders

and civil society representatives.

4.

The EU acknowledges the decision of the African Union to suspend Guinea-Bissau, and

firmly supports the efforts of the UN, ECOWAS and CPLP to restore stability, democracy

and respect for human rights there.

5.

The EU is ready to impose restrictive measures against individuals who continue to engage in

or provide support for acts that threaten the peace, security and stability of Guinea-Bissau."

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Syria

The Council took stock of developments in Syria. It adopted the following conclusions:

1.

"The EU welcomes the unanimous adoption of the UNSC resolution 2042 on 14 April

authorising the immediate deployment of an advance team of up to 30 unarmed military

observers and of the UNSC resolution 2043 on 21 April establishing the full UN supervision

mission in Syria (UNSMIS) with an initial deployment of up to 300 unarmed military

observers as well as an appropriate civilian component, to monitor a cessation of armed

violence and to monitor and support all aspects of the joint UN-League of Arab States Special

Envoy Kofi Annan's six point proposal. The EU calls for an immediate and full

implementation of the UNSC resolutions. It also calls on all the Members of the UN Security

Council to continue to support Kofi Annan in his efforts and ensure that the fully-fledged UN

observation mission in Syria is deployed expeditiously and operationalised without delay. It

is crucial that UNSC Members use all their influence to ensure that the UNSC resolutions are

fully implemented.

The EU strongly urges the Syrian government to allow the effective operation and

deployment of the mission and its advance team and allow full freedom of movement, access

and communication including agreement on the use of air assets. The EU and its Member

States are ready to provide support that might be requested to guarantee the success of the

observer mission.

2.

The EU reaffirms its full support to the Joint UN-League of Arab States Special Envoy Kofi

Annan’s mission and his six point Plan. A complete cessation of violence is an essential step

in the full implementation of this Plan. The EU recalls its full support for the Special Envoy’s

efforts to facilitate a peaceful Syrian-led and inclusive dialogue leading to a political solution

that meets the democratic aspirations of the Syrian people on the basis of the UN General

Assembly resolution of 16 February 2012 and League of Arab States resolutions, in particular

those of 22 January, 12 February and 10 March 2012.

3.

Recalling its previous Council conclusions on Syria, the European Union remains deeply

concerned about the fragility of the situation in Syria with reports of the use of heavy

weaponry in civilian areas. The EU urges the Syrian government to implement its

commitments in their entirety and to show a visible and verifiable sign of change by

withdrawing all troops and heavy weapons from population centres to their barracks to

facilitate a sustained cessation of violence. The EU strongly condemns the systematic and

widespread violations of human rights by the regime. It recalls that all those responsible for

human rights violations should be held accountable. It calls upon all parties in Syria to cease

immediately violence in all its forms.

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4.

The European Union reiterates its concerns about the humanitarian plight of the Syrian

civilian population. The Syrian authorities must grant immediate, unimpeded and full access

of humanitarian organisations to all areas of Syria in order to allow them to deliver

humanitarian assistance including medical care. The EU calls on all parties to cooperate fully

with the UN and relevant humanitarian organisations to facilitate the provision of

humanitarian assistance. The EU welcomes the efforts made by neighbouring countries to

host Syrian refugees who fled violence in Syria. The European Union and its Member States

will continue to assist in providing them with dignified living conditions. The EU also

welcomes the outcome of the Syria Humanitarian Forum, held in Geneva on 20 April, calling

for increased access and scaling up of humanitarian capacities to meet the identified

humanitarian needs.

5.

The European Union remains committed to the Syrian opposition’s struggle for freedom,

dignity and democracy for the Syrian people. It reconfirms its engagement with the Syrian

opposition seeking non violent, democratic and inclusive change. The EU welcomes efforts

by the Syrian National Council (SNC) and other opposition groups to articulate a common

vision for the foundations of a new Syria. The EU calls on the SNC and other opposition

groups to continue to support fully the Annan Peace Plan, and to put in place an

all-embracing opposition platform under the auspices of the Arab League to advance their

common vision for working towards an inclusive, orderly and peaceful transition in Syria.

6.

The EU approved today further sanctions, imposing restrictive measures on export of further

goods and technology which may be used for repression and banning the export to Syria of

luxury goods. The EU will continue its policy of imposing additional measures targeting the

regime, not the civilian population, as long as repression continues. The EU will also

continue to urge the international community to join its efforts, in taking steps to apply and

enforce restrictive measures and sanctions on the Syrian regime and its supporters. In this

context, the EU welcomes the first meeting of the international working group on sanctions

which was held in Paris on 17 April. It calls on all Syrians to dissociate themselves from the

repressive policy of the regime in order to facilitate a political transition.

7.

As soon as a genuine democratic transition begins, the EU is ready to develop a new and

ambitious partnership with Syria across all areas of mutual interest, including by mobilising

assistance, strengthening trade and economic relations and supporting transitional justice and

the political transition."

In view of the gravity of the situation in Syria, the Council reinforced once more EU restrictive

measures against the Syrian regime. For details, see press release 8957/12.

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Middle East Peace Process

During lunch, ministers exchanged views on recent developments in the Middle East peace process

and on the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory.

Iran

During lunch, the High Representative reported on the talks with Iran on its nuclear programme that

took place on 14 April in Istanbul.

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OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Relations with Israel

The Council decided to sign an agreement in the form of an exchange of letters between the

European Union and Israel amending the annexes to protocols 1 and 2 of the Euro-Mediterranean

association agreement between the European Communities and their member states and Israel. The

changes concern trade in agricultural products, processed agricultural products and fish and fishery

products, see 7470/12.

Iran - restrictive measures

The Council withdrew two entities and one person from the list of those subject to restrictive

measures in connection with Iran's proliferation-sensitive nuclear activities, considering that there

were no more grounds for keeping them on that list.

Belarus - restrictive measures

The Council amended the sanctions regime against Belarus. It adopted legal acts providing for a

standard derogation from the existing asset freeze for the official purposes of diplomatic missions or

international organisations.

TRADE

Brazil and Thailand - Processed poultry meat

The Council adopted a decision authorising the signing of agreements with Brazil and Thailand

modifying trade concessions for processed poultry meat (7884/12 + 7885/12).

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DECISIONS TAKEN BY WRITTEN PROCEDURE

Anti-dumping measures - Tartaric acid - Oxalic acid

On 16 April, the Council adopted a regulation imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports

of tartaric acid originating in China following an expiry review pursuant to regulation 1225/2009

(7907/12).

On 13 April, the Council adopted a regulation amending regulation 130/2006 imposing a definitive

anti-dumping duty and collecting definitively the provisional duty imposed on imports of tartaric

acid originating in China, and excluding company Hangzhou Bioking Biochemical Engineering

Co., Ltd from the definitive measures (7905/12).

On 12 April, the Council adopted a regulation imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty and

collecting definitively the provisional duty imposed on imports of oxalic acid originating in China

and India (7823/12).

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بيان صحفي عن اجتماع مجلس الشؤون الخارجية (23 نيسان/ أبريل 2012)، يرحب فيه المجلس ببعثة الأمم المتحدة لمراقبة وقف العنف في سورية ويدعم خطة كوفي عنان ذات النقاط الست.