Press release - 3191st Council meeting, Foreign Affairs, Development, Luxembourg, 15 October 2012

EN

COUNCIL OF

THE EUROPEAN UNION

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PRESSE 419

PR CO 53

PRESS RELEASE

3191st Council meeting

Foreign Affairs

Development

Luxembourg, 15 October 2012

President

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, reiterating that the EU stands by the Syrian people in its courageous struggle for

freedom, dignity and democracy, underlined its deep concern at the spill-over effects of the Syrian

crisis in neighbouring countries in terms of security and stability. Given the increasing violence, the

Council reinforced once more the sanctions against the Syrian regime.

The Council repeated its serious and deepening concerns over Iran's nuclear programme and the

urgent need for Iran to comply with all its international obligations. At the same time, it reaffirmed

the EU's longstanding commitment to work for a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue in

accordance with the dual track approach. Given Iran's flagrant violation of its international

obligations and continuous refusal to fully co-operate with the IAEA to address the concerns on its

nuclear programme, the Council adopted additional restrictive measures.

The Council expressed its continuing concern at the serious political and security crisis affecting

Mali and the EU's determination to support Mali in restoring the rule of law and re-establishing a

fully sovereign democratic government with authority throughout Malian territory. The Council

invited the High Representative to develop a crisis management concept relating to the

reorganisation and training of the Malian defence forces, taking account of the conditions

necessary for success.

The Council noted the importance which it attaches to Belarus and to its citizens, and remained

gravely concerned about the lack of respect for human rights, democracy and rule of law in that

country. As not all political prisoners have been released and no released prisoner has been

rehabilitated, and against the background of the lack of improvement as regards the respect for

human rights, the rule of law and democratic principles, the Council prolonged the existing

restrictive measures until 31 October 2013.

The development ministers had a debate to prepare the post MDGs/2015 framework and follow-up

to the Rio+20 summit. They also exchanged views on EU support for sustainable change in

transition societies and subsequently discussed the EU approach to resilience.

The Council adopted conclusions without debate on Europe's engagement with civil society in

external relations, setting a renewed EU policy in support of civil society, with a focus on long-term

partnerships with civil society organisations from partner countries. It also adopted conclusions on

social protection in European Union development cooperation and on financing for development.

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CONTENTS1

PARTICIPANTS................................................................................................................................ 5

ITEMS DEBATED

Mali ...................................................................................................................................................... 7

Southern neighbourhood .................................................................................................................... 10

Middle East Peace Process................................................................................................................. 13

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

Follow-up to the EU-China summit................................................................................................... 15

Eastern neighbourhood ...................................................................................................................... 15

Preparing the post Millennium Development Goals/2015 framework - Rio +20 follow-up ............. 19

EU support for sustainable change in transition societies.................................................................. 19

The EU approach to resilience ........................................................................................................... 20

OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

–

Participation agreement with Kosovo.................................................................................................................... 21

–

Bosnia and Herzegovina........................................................................................................................................ 21

–

Appointments in United Nations bodies................................................................................................................ 21

–

Eritrea - restrictive measures ................................................................................................................................. 22

–

Somalia - restrictive measures............................................................................................................................... 22

–

Relations with Lebanon......................................................................................................................................... 22

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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DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION

–

Europe's engagement with civil society in external relations ................................................................................ 22

–

Social protection in European Union development cooperation ........................................................................... 23

–

Financing for development.................................................................................................................................... 23

–

Annual report 2012 on the EU's development and external assistance policies in 2011 ....................................... 23

–

African Peace Facility: endorsement of African Union requests........................................................................... 23

JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS

–

Visa facilitation agreement with Cape Verde........................................................................................................ 24

WRITTEN PROCEDURE

–

Public access to Council documents...................................................................................................................... 24

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PARTICIPANTS

High Representative

Ms Catherine ASHTON

Belgium:

Mr Didier REYNDERS

High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and

Security Policy

Mr Dirk WOUTERS

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs,

External Trade and European Affairs

Permanent Representative

Bulgaria:

Mr Nickolay MLADENOV

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Czech Republic:

Mr Karel SCHWARZENBERG

Denmark:

Mr Villy SØVNDAL

Mr Christian Friis BACH

Germany:

Mr Guido WESTERWELLE

Mr Michael G. LINK

Ms Gudrun KOPP

Estonia:

Mr Urmas PAET

Ireland:

Mr Eamon GILMORE

Mr Joe COSTELLO

Greece:

Mr Dimitrios AVRAMOPOULOS

Mr Antonios ZAIRIS

Spain:

Mr José Manuel GARCIA-MARGALLO

Mr Gonzalo ROBLES OROZCO

France:

Mr Laurent FABIUS

Mr Pascal CANFIN

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign

Affairs

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Minister for Development Cooperation

Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs

State Minister, Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for

Economic Cooperation and Development

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) and Minister for

Foreign Affairs and Trade

Minister of State for Trade and Development

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Directorate-General for International Development

Cooperation-Hellenic Aid

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation

Secretary-General for International Development

Cooperation

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Minister with responsibility for Development, attached to

the Minister for Foreign Affairs

Italy:

Mr Giuliomaria TERZI DI SANT'AGATA

Ms Marta DASSU'

Minister for Foreign Affairs

State Secretary for Foreign Affairs

Cyprus:

Ms Erato KOZAKOU-MARCOULLIS

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Latvia:

Mr Edgars RINKĒVIČS

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Lithuania:

Mr Evaldas IGNATAVIČIUS

Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs

Luxembourg:

Mr Jean ASSELBORN

Ms Marie-José JACOBS

Hungary:

Mr János MARTONYI

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Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs

Minister for the Family and Integration, Minister for

Cooperation and Humanitarian Action

Minister for Foreign Affairs

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Malta:

Mr Tonio BORG

Ms Marlene BONNICI

Netherlands:

Mr Uri ROSENTHAL

Mr Ben KNAPEN

Austria:

Mr Reinhold LOPATKA

Poland:

Mr Radosław SIKORSKI

Ms Katarzyna PEŁCZYŃSKA-NAŁĘCZ

Portugal:

Mr Miguel MORAIS LEITĂO

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs

Permanent Representative

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Minister for European Affairs and International

Cooperation

State Secretary, Federal Ministry for European and

International Affairs

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Deputy State Secretary for Development Cooperation,

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Mr Luís BRITES PEREIRA

State Secretary attached to the Minister for Foreign

Affairs, with responsibility for European Affairs

State Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation

Romania:

Mr Titus CORLATEAN

Ms Luminiţa ODOBESCU

Minister for Foreign Affairs

State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Slovenia:

Mr Karl Viktor ERJAVEC

Mr Božo CERAR

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs

State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Slovakia:

Mr Miroslav LAJČÁK

Mr Peter BURIAN

Minister for Foreign Affairs

State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Finland:

Mr Erkki TUOMIOJA

Ms Heidi HAUTALA

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Minister for International Development

Sweden:

Mr Carl BILDT

Ms Sofia STRAND

United Kingdom:

Mr William HAGUE

Minister for Foreign Affairs

State Secretary, Ministry for International Development

Cooperation

Ms Justine GREENING

First Secretary of State, Secretary of State for Foreign and

Commonwealth Affairs

Secretary of State for International Development

Commission:

Mr Štefan FÜLE

Mr Andris PIEBALGS

Ms Kristalina GEORGIEVA

Member

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

Mali

The Council discussed the situation in Mali and adopted the following conclusions:

"1.

The European Union (EU) remains concerned about the serious political and security crisis

affecting Mali, in particular the situation in the north of the country, marked by the

emergence and consolidation of a haven for terrorists, the oppression of local populations,

human rights violations, particularly against women, the destruction of cultural heritage

and the development of organised crime. This situation poses an immediate threat to the

Sahel region and those living there, who are already suffering from an acute food crisis, as

well as to West and North Africa and to Europe.

2.

The EU welcomes the adoption by the United Nations Security Council of Resolution 2071

and the increasing international attention being focused on the Sahel and Mali, as also

evidenced by the high-level meeting held in the margins of the United Nations General

Assembly on 26 September 2012 and the development of a UN integrated strategy for the

Sahel. It also welcomes the appointment of the UN Secretary General's Special Envoy and

declares its intention to work closely with Romano Prodi. The EU calls for the mechanism

for coordination with Mali's key partners to be extended in order to increase the

effectiveness of support for the transition process on the political, security and economic

fronts. To this end, the EU welcomes and stresses the importance of the meeting of the

Support and Follow-up Group on Mali scheduled to be held in Bamako on

19 October 2012, at the initiative of the African Union (AU) and in consultation with the

United Nations (UN) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

3.

The EU is determined to support Mali in restoring the rule of law and re-establishing a

fully sovereign democratic government with authority throughout Malian territory, for the

benefit of the whole population. The EU welcomes the formation by the President of the

Republic of Mali of a new Government of National Unity, as well as the efforts to mobilise

the international community, notably the AU and ECOWAS, made by these new

authorities in their contacts with all partners, in particular the EU.

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4.

In accordance with the principles approved by ECOWAS and the Support and Follow-up

Group co-chaired by the UN and AU, and by United Nations Security Council Resolutions

2056 and 2071, the EU calls on the Government of National Unity to draw up a consensual

road map as soon as possible, in consultation with all the political and civil society groups,

to fully restore constitutional order and national unity. In particular this road map should

allow the organisation of a democratic and credible electoral process, the prompt start of an

inclusive national dialogue, including representatives of the northern populations, to

prepare the re-establishment of the authority of the State in the north as peacefully as

possible, and the reorganisation of the army under civilian control.

5.

The EU reaffirms its commitment to contribute to the efforts being made by Mali to

resolve this crisis, in cooperation with its regional and international partners, and

accordingly to fully mobilise all its instruments within the framework of the EU strategy

for security and development in the Sahel. Further to this:

–

As soon as a credible road map has been adopted, the EU will gradually resume its

development cooperation in the light of tangible progress. In the interim period, the

EU will continue its operations to assist local populations and the democratic

transition.

–

The EU is prepared to support an inclusive national dialogue within Mali, aimed at

the restoration of the rule of law in northern Mali, and to contribute to the

stabilisation and reconstruction measures that such a dialogue would help give

direction to.

–

The EU and its Member States pledge to pursue their humanitarian efforts and will

continue to monitor closely developments in the humanitarian situation in Mali and

in neighbouring countries. The European Commission is prepared to significantly

increase the amount of its aid in order to better meet the people's needs. The EU

recalls the obligation to ensure that all humanitarian actors have free and unhindered

access to vulnerable groups in the northern areas of the country.

–

The Council invites the High Representative (HR) and the European Commission to

examine other measures or additional actions which could help reduce the effects of

the Mali crisis and its impact on neighbouring countries, and increase the resilience

of vulnerable groups.

–

The EU recalls the possibility of adopting, in close conjunction with ECOWAS, the

AU and the UN, targeted sanctions against those involved in the armed groups in

northern Mali and those hindering the return to constitutional order.

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–

In response to the request received from Mali and ECOWAS, the EU is convinced of

the need for a rapid response to the security challenges and terrorist threat, within a

framework to be defined by the United Nations Security Council. In this regard, the

Council welcomes the HR's preliminary work on ways in which to provide possible

support for rebuilding the Malian army's capacities, in line with the political

objectives and action plan established by the international community and in

accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2071.

–

The Council invites the HR and the European Commission to examine support for

the involvement of regional partners, in particular the AU and ECOWAS, for

example by providing rapid support in the field of planning. Subject to ECOWAS

submitting a finalised concept, the Council invites the HR and the European

Commission to examine the possibility of additional support, including financial

support, such as mobilising the Peace Facility for Africa.

–

The Council also requests that work on planning a possible CSDP military operation

be pursued and extended as a matter of urgency, in particular by developing a

crisis management concept relating to the reorganisation and training of the Malian

defence forces, taking account of the conditions necessary for the success of any

such mission, which include the full support of the Malian authorities and the

definition of an exit strategy. This planning should take place in close collaboration

with the organisations, in particular the UN, AU and ECOWAS, States and actors

concerned, in order to ensure that their respective actions complement each other.

The Council invites the HR to develop the crisis management concept ahead of its

meeting on 19 November, and to present her recommendations at that meeting.

–

As part of a global approach, the Council calls for use to be made of potential

synergies with other EU actions in the region, in particular the EUCAP SAHEL

Niger mission and its regional focus."

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Southern neighbourhood

- Syria

The Council discussed the latest developments in Syria and adopted the following conclusions:

"1.

The European Union stands by the Syrian people in its courageous struggle for freedom,

dignity and democracy. The use of force by the Syrian regime against civilians, including

by heavy weapons and aerial bombardments, has reached unprecedented levels and can

only exacerbate further the violence and endanger the stability of the whole region. The

EU recalls that the priorities should be to end oppression, stop all violence, deliver

humanitarian aid for all those in need, prevent further regional instability and be prepared

for the post-conflict period.

The EU underlines that those whose presence would undermine the political transition

should be excluded and that President Assad, in this regard, has no place in the future of

Syria.

The EU remains committed to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of

Syria.

2.

The European Union remains deeply concerned by the spill-over effects of the Syrian crisis

in neighbouring countries in terms of security and stability The EU strongly condemns the

shelling by Syrian forces of the Turkish territory, particularly on the border town of

Akçakale on 3 October. The EU calls on all to prevent escalation. The EU calls again on

the Syrian authorities to fully respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all

neighbouring countries.

3.

Recalling that the main responsibility for the current crisis lies with the Syrian authorities,

the EU warns against further militarisation and radicalisation of the conflict and sectarian

violence which can only bring further suffering to Syria and risks having a tragic impact in

the region. In this regard, the EU expresses concern about the protection of civilians, in

particular vulnerable groups and religious communities. The intensification of violence and

the recent series of terrorist attacks demonstrate the urgent need for a political transition

that would meet the democratic aspirations of the Syrian people and bring stability in

Syria. In this regard, the EU is deeply concerned about the increasing influx of weapons

into Syria and calls on all States to refrain from delivering arms to the country.

The continuation and escalation of the crisis in Syria poses a threat to the wider regional

stability.

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4.

The EU reiterates its full support for the endeavours of Lakhdar Brahimi as Joint Special

Representative of the United Nations and the League of Arab States for Syria and stands

ready to strengthen its cooperation with him. The EU emphasises the need to focus

international and regional efforts to solve the Syrian crisis through a political solution and

calls on key actors in the region and all members of the UN Security Council to uphold

their responsibilities and support Brahimi’s efforts.

The EU looks forward to the next meeting of the Friends of Syrian People Group to be

held in Morocco to maintain international pressure on the Syrian regime.

5.

In view of the deterioration of the humanitarian situation and of the approaching winter,

the EU recalls the moral imperative to step up assistance to all affected populations

throughout Syria and neighbouring countries. The European Union expresses solidarity

with the affected populations and neighbouring countries that have welcomed the refugees.

The EU will continue to provide assistance and calls on all donors to increase their

contributions to the latest UN appeals for funding humanitarian assistance and refugee

assistance. The European Union urges donors to report their assistance and coordinate

with the United Nations (OCHA) in order to maximise the effectiveness of the aid effort.

All parties should allow full and safe access for the delivery of humanitarian aid in all parts

of the country, and respect international humanitarian law. The European Union urges all

parties to the conflict to respect in full their legal and moral obligations to protect civilians.

Particularly alarmed by the dramatic and growing difficulties in the access in Syria to

medical services, the EU urges all parties to commit themselves to respect in full the

inviolability of all medical facilities, medical personnel and vehicles in respect of

applicable international humanitarian law.

6.

The EU is appalled by the deterioration of the situation in Syria and in particular by the

widespread and systematic violations of human rights, international humanitarian law and

fundamental freedoms by the Syrian authorities. In line with the UN Human Rights

Council resolution on Syria adopted on 28 September, the EU calls upon all parties to put

an end to all forms of violence and to take special measures to protect vulnerable groups

such as children, as well as women and girls subject to gender based violence.

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The EU welcomes the extension of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry

on Syria and its strengthening through the nomination of two new members, Carla del

Ponte and Vitit Muntarbhorn. The EU reaffirms its support to the Commission’s

investigations into alleged violations of international human rights law with a view to hold

to account those responsible for such violations, including for those that may amount to

crimes against humanity and war crimes according to the definition of the Rome Statute of

the International Criminal Court. The EU underlines the importance of documentation of

the widespread, systematic and gross human rights violations and recalls that all those

responsible must be held accountable. The EU reiterates its call to the Syrian authorities to

cooperate fully with the Commission of Inquiry including by granting it full, immediate

and unfettered access to the whole Syrian territory.

7.

The EU recalls that an inclusive and coordinated opposition is essential to start a political

transition. The EU continues to urge all opposition groups, inside and outside Syria, to put

aside their differences and to agree on a set of shared principles and start working towards

an inclusive, orderly and peaceful transition in Syria and to build upon the agreement on

the “National Pact” and on a “Common Political Vision for transition in Syria”. The EU

will continue to work closely with the League of Arab States and facilitate further dialogue

initiatives to complement its efforts to encourage the opposition towards forming an

inclusive common platform. All Syrians must have a place in the new Syria and enjoy

equal rights, regardless of their origin, affiliations, religion, beliefs or gender.

8.

The EU commits to strengthening its support in building the capacity of civil society to

participate in a future Syria, in line with the legitimate demands of the Syrian people for a

more free, open and inclusive political system involving all Syrians. In this context, the EU

also acknowledges the importance of the work of the local civilian bodies throughout

Syria.

9.

The EU approved today additional restrictive measures against Syria. The EU stands ready

to engage with those seriously committed to a genuine democratic transition. 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 on the Syrian regime and its supporters. In this context, the EU welcomes the

fourth meeting of the International Group on Sanctions which was held in The Hague on

20 September. It calls on all Syrians to dissociate themselves from the repressive policy of

the regime in order to facilitate a political transition.

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10.

The EU commits to working closely and comprehensively with international partners on

planning to ensure the international community is ready to provide rapid support to Syria

once transition takes place. In this respect, the EU underlines the importance of the

establishment of a transitional body. The EU welcomes the second meeting of the Working

Group on Economic Recovery and Development of the Friends of the Syrian People which

was held in Berlin on 4 September 2012.

The EU expresses concern about the destruction of Syrian cultural heritage.

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

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

contributing to a post-conflict needs assessment, mobilizing assistance, institution building,

strengthening trade and economic relations and supporting transitional justice and the

political transition.

11.

Issues related to pressure created on the EU external borders will be addressed by the next

Justice and Home Affairs Council."

Given the intensifying violence in Syria, the Council reinforced EU sanctions against the Syrian

regime. For details, see press release 14793/12.

- Egypt

The Council took stock of preparations for the task force meeting with Egypt, scheduled for 13 and

14 November in Cairo.

Middle East Peace Process

The Council took stock of the Middle East Peace Process, as a follow-up to events at the UN

General Assembly in September.

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Iran

The Council discussed the situation in Iran and adopted the following conclusions:

"1.

The Council reiterates its serious and deepening concerns over Iran's nuclear programme

and the urgent need for Iran to comply with all its international obligations, including full

implementation by Iran of UNSC and IAEA Board of Governors' Resolutions.

2.

The Council condemns the continuing production of enriched uranium and expansion of

Iran's enrichment capacity, including at the Fordow site, and continued heavy-water

activities in breach of UNSC and IAEA Board of Governors' Resolutions, as reflected in

the most recent IAEA report. The Council notes with particular concern Iran's obstruction

of the IAEA work towards the clarification of all outstanding issues, including with respect

to the possible military dimension to Iran's nuclear programme. Therefore, the Council

welcomes the adoption with overwhelming majority by the IAEA Board of Governors of

its Resolution on 13 September 2012 deciding that Iran's cooperation was essential and

urgent in order to restore international confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of

Iran's nuclear programme.

3.

Iran is acting in flagrant violation of its international obligations and continues to refuse to

fully co-operate with the IAEA to address the concerns on its nuclear programme. In this

context, and in coherence with previous European Council and Council conclusions, the

Council has agreed additional restrictive measures in the financial, trade, energy and

transport sectors, as well as additional designations, notably of entities active in the oil and

gas industry. In particular, the Council has agreed to prohibit all transactions between

European and Iranian banks, unless authorised in advance under strict conditions with

exemptions for humanitarian needs. In addition, the Council has decided to strengthen the

restrictive measures against the Central Bank of Iran. Further export restrictions have been

imposed, notably for graphite, metals, software for industrial processes, as well as

measures relating to the ship building industry.

4.

The restrictive measures agreed today are aimed at affecting Iran's nuclear programme and

revenues of the Iranian regime used to fund the programme and are not aimed at the

Iranian people. The Iranian regime itself can act responsibly and bring these sanctions to

an end. As long as it does not do so, the Council remains determined to increase, in close

coordination with international partners, pressure on Iran in the context of the dual track

approach.

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5.

The Council reaffirms the longstanding commitment of the European Union to work for a

diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue in accordance with the dual track approach.

6.

The Council reaffirms that the objective of the EU remains to achieve a comprehensive,

negotiated, long-term settlement, which would build international confidence in the

exclusively peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear programme, while respecting Iran's

legitimate rights to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy in conformity with the NPT, and

fully taking into account UN Security Council and IAEA Board of Governors' Resolutions.

The Council welcomes the determination for a diplomatic solution expressed by E3+3

Foreign Ministers on 27 September in New York and fully endorses the efforts led by the

High Representative on behalf of the E3+3 in this regard. E3+3 have made a credible and

substantial confidence building proposal for negotiations guided by the agreed principles

of reciprocity and a step by step approach. The Council urges Iran to engage

constructively, by focussing on reaching an agreement on concrete confidence building

steps, negotiating seriously and addressing the concerns of the international community."

In addition, the Council significantly broadened the EU restrictive measures motivated by the EU's

serious and deepening concern about the Iranian nuclear programme. For details, see press release

14803/12.

Follow-up to the EU-China summit

The Council exchanged views on the outcome of the EU-China summit of 20 September, in view of

the European Council of 18 and 19 October and the discussion leaders will have on relations with

strategic partners.

Eastern neighbourhood

- Belarus

During lunch, ministers discussed the situation in Belarus in the wake of the parliamentary elections

of 23 September. The Council adopted the following conclusions:

"1.

Recalling the Council conclusions of 31 January 2011, 20 June 2011 and 23 March 2012,

the Council notes the importance which it attaches to this country which neighbours the

EU and to the citizens of that country, and remains gravely concerned about the lack of

respect for human rights, democracy and rule of law in Belarus.

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2.

Referring to the Statement by High Representative Catherine Ashton and Commissioner

Štefan Füle, the Council regrets that the Parliamentary elections of 23 September 2012,

which took place against an overall background of repression, represented another missed

opportunity for Belarus to hold elections in line with OSCE and international standards. It

calls on the Belarusian authorities to address the recommendations made by the

OSCE/ODIHR, to cooperate fully to that end with the OSCE/ODIHR, and to permit the

return of an OSCE Office to Belarus.

3.

The Council reiterates its calls for the immediate release and rehabilitation of all remaining

political prisoners. It notes the release of Syarhei Kavalenka as a positive signal, but

regrets that this was conditional on request for a Presidential pardon. The Council also

remains deeply concerned about decisions concerning additional prison sentences and

continued reports of mistreatment of political prisoners.

4.

The Council again calls upon the Belarusian authorities to stop the harassment of civil

society, the political opposition and the independent media. The Council urges the

Belarusian authorities to comply with the Human Rights Council Resolution 20/13,

including to implement all recommendations contained in the report of the UN High

Commissioner for Human Rights of April 2012 and to cooperate fully with the new UN

Special Rapporteur on Belarus.

5.

As not all political prisoners have been released and no released prisoner has been

rehabilitated, and against the background of the lack of improvement as regards the respect

for human rights, the rule of law and democratic principles, the Council decided to prolong

the existing restrictive measures until 31 October 2013. In this context, the Council recalls

its Conclusions of 23 March 2012 and reiterates that its policy on restrictive measures

remains open and under constant review.

6.

In the spirit of EU solidarity, the Council again calls on Belarus to respect fully

internationally recognised diplomatic privileges and immunities of EU Member States'

diplomatic representations and their personnel in Belarus, including to allow them to

perform fully their functions.

7.

The Council reiterates its firm commitment to strengthening the EU's engagement with the

Belarusian people and civil society. The Council expresses its continued full support for

and the intention to further elaborate the “European Dialogue on Modernisation”. It notes

that the European Dialogue has stimulated a substantial debate among representatives of

Belarusian society with a view to proposing concrete ideas on the reform needs and

encourages the authorities of Belarus to engage in the discussions.

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8.

The Council reiterates the EU's readiness to launch negotiations for visa facilitation and

readmission agreements which would enhance people-to-people contacts to the benefit of

the Belarusian population at large, and regrets the absence of response from the Belarusian

authorities to Commission's invitation in June 2011 to start negotiations. Meanwhile, the

Council welcomes that EU Member States continue to make optimal use of the existing

flexibilities offered by the Visa Code, in particular the possibilities to waive and reduce

visa fees for certain categories of Belarusian citizens or in individual cases and would

welcome the possibilities to explore ways to further reduce visa fees for Belarusian

citizens.

9.

The Council reiterates its commitment to the policy of critical engagement, including

through dialogue and participation in the Eastern Partnership, and recalls that the

development of bilateral relations under the Eastern Partnership is conditional on progress

towards respect by Belarus for the principles of democracy, the rule of law and human

rights. The Council reiterates the EU’s willingness to assist Belarus to meet its obligations

in this regard."

In addition, it extended EU restrictive measures against Belarus by 12 more months. For more

information on EU-Belarus relations, see factsheet European Union and Belarus.

- Georgia

During lunch, ministers discussed the situation in Georgia in the wake of the parliamentary

elections of 1 October. The Council adopted the following conclusions:

"1.

The Council welcomes the parliamentary elections which took place in Georgia on

1 October 2012, and congratulates the Georgian people on this significant step towards the

consolidation of democracy in their country. The Council takes note of OSCE-ODIHR’s

generally positive preliminary assessment of the conduct of these elections, and commits to

support Georgia in implementing OSCE-ODIHR’s recommendations.

2.

The Council calls on all Georgian state institutions and political parties to work together

constructively during the coming period of transition, with a view to assuring stability, the

rule of law, human rights and good governance, in full respect of the democraticallyexpressed will of the people and the respective responsibilities of the Parliament and

President under the Georgian Constitution. The Council welcomes the early establishment

of contact between the sides, and the commitments made by representatives of both the

incoming and outgoing administrations to an efficient and transparent political transition.

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3.

The Council confirms the EU’s engagement, within the Eastern Partnership, to work

towards political association and economic integration with Georgia, and reaffirms the

EU’s commitment to the shared objective of visa free travel in due course, provided that

the conditions for well managed and secure mobility are in place. The Council

acknowledges the European aspirations and European choice of Georgia, and looks

forward to continued close cooperation with Georgia on our ambitious mutual agenda. In

this context, the Council also recalls the joint statement of the Eastern Partnership Foreign

Ministers' meeting of 23 July 2012, which referred to the Roadmap as constituting a basis

for guiding the monitoring and further implementation of the Eastern Partnership.

4.

The EU stands ready to provide support and advice to the new administration, and to

continue technical dialogue, with a view to ensuring continuity and maintaining

momentum in the negotiations of an Association Agreement, including a Deep and

Comprehensive Free Trade Area, and in measures taken in the context of the ongoing visa

dialogue. The Council underlines its commitment to EU support for the necessary internal

reforms by Georgia in these areas. The Council looks forward to a visit by the new Prime

Minister at the earliest opportunity.

5.

The Council stresses the critical importance of both an effective parliamentary opposition

and a vibrant civil society to democratic development, and reiterates its intention to

continue to support capacity building in these areas.

6.

The Council reiterates its firm support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of

Georgia within its internationally recognised borders. The EU looks forward to continued

engagement by Georgia in the Geneva International Discussions, and to the pursuit by

Georgia of an effective policy in engaging with the breakaway regions. The EU reconfirms

its commitment to remain engaged and involved in stabilisation and conflict resolution

efforts in Georgia, including by continuing its engagement as co-chair in the Geneva

discussions, the efforts of the EUSR, and the continued presence on the ground of the EU

Monitoring Mission (EUMM). The Council calls on Georgia to continue to support the

return of an OSCE Mission to Georgia."

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Preparing the post Millennium Development Goals/2015 framework - Rio +20 follow-up

Development ministers discussed which principles should underpin a comprehensive EU approach

to the post-2015 development agenda and the Rio+20 follow-up. They addressed several issues,

including how to engage in the future development agenda taking into account lessons learnt from

the framework of the Millennium Development Goals. Several ministers notably stressed the

importance of maintaining poverty eradication as the key focus of the future development agenda,

while addressing possible gaps in the existing MDGs framework, such as human rights, governance,

accountability, sustainable growth as well as fragility and conflict or post-conflict situations.

Ministers also exchanged views on future sustainable development goals in the post-2015

development agenda. Several ministers also expressed their views on how the EU could promote an

integrated approach to financing and other means of implementation, including through publicprivate partnerships.

Many ministers also touched upon the importance of agreeing a common EU position on the post2015 development agenda and the Rio+20 follow-up. Outreach to strategic partner countries in

relevant international negotiations will also be essential.

This debate will feed into the preparation of a Commission communication on the post-2015

development agenda. The communication is expected in early January 2013 and will be the basis of

subsequent discussions.

EU support for sustainable change in transition societies

Development ministers discussed how best to provide support for sustainable change to countries

undergoing major political, social and economic reforms - the so-called transition countries, on the

basis of the Commission communication (14662/12).

Ministers discussed ways to take full advantage of the rich transition experience and expertise EU

Member States have themselves, including through a broader use of the European transition

compendium online database.

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Several ministers insisted on the importance of country ownership to ensure the success of

transition processes. The EU response should be based on country needs and adapted to each

situation. The EU should also identify incentives to effectively support reforms, on the basis of the

principle "more for more" (more support for greater and faster reforms).

This debate will feed into the preparation of Council conclusions that will establish the EU

approach to support for sustainable change in transition countries at a later Council meeting.

The EU approach to resilience

Development ministers discussed ways of addressing chronic vulnerability and building resilience

to crises on the basis of the joint communication "The EU approach to resilience: learning from

food security crises" (14616/12).

Ministers exchanged views on how to improve the effectiveness of EU support for reducing

vulnerability in food insecure and disaster prone countries. They underlined the importance of

including resilience as a central aim of EU external aid, at the interface of humanitarian and

development assistance.

This debate will inform the preparation of Council conclusions that will set out the EU approach to

resilience.

* * *

The Council adopted a declaration on the award of the Nobel Peace Prize to the EU.

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OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Participation agreement with Kosovo

The Council authorised the Commission to open negotiations for a framework agreement with

Kosovo∗ concerning its participation in Union programmes and adopted negotiating directives.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

"The Council reiterates its unequivocal support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU perspective as a

sovereign and united country enjoying full territorial integrity. It reaffirms its commitment to the

March 2011, October 2011, December 2011 and June 2012 Conclusions. The Council welcomes the

reconfiguration of Operation Althea, completed by 1 September 2012, with a reduced number of

forces based in Bosnia and Herzegovina successfully focusing on capacity-building and training

while also retaining the capability to contribute to the Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities'

deterrence capacity if the situation so requires. It expresses its concern about the current political

situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but recognizes that the security environment has remained

calm and stable, and notes that the Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities have so far proven capable

to deal with threats to the safe and secure environment. In this context, as part of the overall EU

strategy for Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Council confirms the EU's readiness to continue at this

stage an executive military role to support Bosnia and Herzegovina's efforts to maintain the safe and

secure environment, under a renewed UN mandate."

Appointments in United Nations bodies

The Council adopted revised guidelines on the criteria for selection procedures in UN system

organizations, the EU coordination of applications and support for third country candidates.

∗

This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR

1244/99 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.

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Eritrea - restrictive measures

The Council implemented changes to the UN sanctions regime against Eritrea in EU law.

Accordingly, it exempted protective clothing for the use of UN personnel and supplies of non-lethal

military equipment intended solely for humanitarian use from the existing arms embargo against

Eritrea.

Somalia - restrictive measures

Following changes decided in the UN Security Council, the Council amended the restrictive

measures in view of the situation in Somalia. It added two persons to the list of those targeted with a

ban from entering the EU and an asset freeze and that are prevented from buying weapons and

military equipment in the EU. At the same time, it exempted the weapons intended for the use of the

UN political office for Somalia from the existing arms embargo against Somalia.

Relations with Lebanon

The Council adopted the EU position for the sixth meeting of the Association Council with

Lebanon, to take place on 17 October in Brussels.

DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION

Europe's engagement with civil society in external relations

The Council adopted conclusions on "The roots of democracy and sustainable development:

Europe's engagement with civil society in external relations" (14451/12), setting out a renewed EU

policy in support of civil society, with a focus on long-term partnerships with civil society

organisations from partner countries. In particular, the Council recognises the crucial role of an

empowered civil society as an asset for any democracy and as a key element for contributing to

more effective policies, equitable development and inclusive growth.

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Social protection in European Union development cooperation

The Council adopted conclusions on social protection in European Union development cooperation

(14444/12). In particular, the Council recognises the transformative role of social protection policies

by fostering equity, promoting social inclusion and dialogue with social partners. Its conclusions set

guiding principles for future EU development cooperation in the field of social protection, on the

basis of a differentiated approach, taking into account partner countries' needs, priorities and

capacities, and with the objective of supporting the development of inclusive and nationally-owned

social protection policies and programmes.

Financing for development

The Council adopted conclusions on financing for development (14272/12), in particular

confirming the commitments of EU and its member states in this area, as well as their

comprehensive approach to supporting developing countries in mobilising financing from all

available sources in order to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015.

Annual report 2012 on the EU's development and external assistance policies in 2011

The Council adopted conclusions on the annual report 2012 on the European Union’s development

and external assistance policies and their implementation in 2011 (13107/12).

African Peace Facility: endorsement of African Union requests

The Council agreed that the EU should endorse the request made by the African Union to replenish

the African Peace Facility (APF) by reallocating EUR 100 million from the general reserves of the

10th European development fund to the peace support operations envelope of the APF. This will be

the position of the EU within the ACP-EU committee of ambassadors. For more information, see

13933/1/12.

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JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS

Visa facilitation agreement with Cape Verde

The Council adopted a decision on the signature of the agreement between the European Union and

the Republic of Cape Verde on facilitating the issue of short-stay visas to citizens of Cape Verde

and of the European Union (14202/12), on the basis of reciprocity and for an intended stay of no

more than 90 days per period of 180 days (14203/12).

Visa facilitation agreements usually go hand in hand with readmission agreements between the EU

and third countries. The readmission agreement with Cape Verde is expected to be signed in

early 2013, and both agreements will enter into force on the same day, most likely before

summer 2013.

The visa facilitation agreement will be sent to the European Parliament with a view to obtaining its

consent before it can be concluded. The UK, Ireland and Denmark are not bound by the agreement.

WRITTEN PROCEDURE

Public access to Council documents

On 9 October 2012, the European Council adopted by written procedure the reply to confirmatory

application 19/c/01/12 (EUCO 181/12).

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بيان صحفي عن اجتماع مجلس الشؤون الخارجية (15 تشرين الأول/ أكتوبر 2012)، يعبّر فيه المجلس عن القلق من انعكاسات الأزمة السورية على دول الجوار ويعلن تشديد العقوبات.