Foreign Affairs Ministers discuss the Southern Mediterranean at the 23 May Foreign Affairs Council
Meeting in the morning of 23 May, the Foreign Ministers in the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) configuration discussed, among other issues, the Southern neighbourhood region, the Middle East peace process and the EU’s external action arm, the EEAS. The Council drew conclusions on Syria, Libya, Yemen and Bahrain, as well as on the “First Annual Report to the European Council on EU Development Aid Targets”. Moreover, the Foreign Ministers agreed on €200 million in aid for South Sudan who is expected to declare its independence on 9 July 2011.
Ashton’s remarks upon arrival
High Representative Catherine Ashton, chairing the meeting, has reported on a series of issues. She has recently returned from Benghazi in Libya where the new EU delegation office has been opened. “That is a place now were we can channel our resources and where we can make contact”, declared Ashton. She has met with civil society representatives, people in the media, women’s group representatives and according to Ashton, people “are beginning to move forward and looking at the future”.
Also today, the European Commission has increased its aid to Libya by €20 million. “This brings to €70 million the Commission's total assistance in this crisis”, reads the European Commission press release.
On Syria, Ashton reiterated her call for the Syrian government to exercise restraint and to succumb to the will of the citizens that are peacefully protesting for the reforms “the government had said they'd be interested in”.
Regarding the situation in Bahrain, Ashton held talks with the King of Bahrain when she was last in the Gulf (17-20 April 2011). “I believe they all understand what needs to be done. And the question now is to do it. [...] But I believe, if they really are determined, then the King and the Crown Prince could lead the process and I hope they do”, said Ashton at today’s meeting.
Speaking about the approach for Yemen, Ashton made the following declarations: “I spoke to President Saleh some weeks ago. I said to him then he knew what to do to save his country. [...] I want to talk with the GCC before I do anything further because it is important to understand exactly what the position is. But our ambassador on the ground has just been an observer to what's been happening, with the Americans he's been in the discussions and he and I will talk later on today.”
On Iran, the High Representative restated her commitment for the respect of human rights but she also reported that recent messages from an Iranian official regarding nuclear talks are simply reiterating old Iranian positions and declared that “We want them to move forward with the nuclear talks.”
As a reaction. the Council strengthened the sanctions against Iran. “It placed a number of additional names on the lists of designated persons and entities subject to EU autonomous measures (travel restrictions and assets freeze). It also suspended the application of the travel restrictions for one individual”, reads the Council press release. The decision and the implementing regulation, together with the lists, will be made available on 24 May in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Concerning the Middle East Peace Process, Ashton talked about the EU’s long standing common position on the issue, namely a peace process on the basis of the 1967 borders – with land swaps. On a similar note, the High Representative has been in Washington last week for discussions with the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and the White House, the Middle East peace process being prominent amongst the topics under debate. See her remarks after this visit here
Sources:
Remarks by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton upon arrival to the Foreign Affairs Council
EU strengthens restrictive measures against Iran
Read also the Background of the meeting, Ashton's remarks at the end of the meeting and the provisional press release outlining all conclusions.
