Brussels, 07/05/2010 (Agence Europe) - Foreign ministers are to meet on Monday 10 May under the chairmanship of Catherine Ashton for a meeting mainly devoted to Russia (see above), Iran and Somalia. This will be followed, during the early evening, by a meeting of development ministers (see related article). Other events are foreseen for Monday on the sidelines of the Council: - the signing of the EU/South Korean framework agreement, and a meeting of the European Economic Area (EEA) Council. On Tuesday 11 May, three additional meetings are scheduled: a stabilisation council with Albania; - political dialogue with South Africa; - and an association council with Tunisia.
Iran. Ministers will discuss the Iranian nuclear programme and the consequences to be drawn from the fact that Teheran still does not respect its international obligations. The EU27 are expected to call for a firm response from the international community and to restate their support for the process underway at the UN Security Council. Catherine Ashton will report on talks that she has had this week in the United States on this subject.
Somalia. The Council will discuss the situation in the country and, in particular, the problem of piracy and the treatment of pirates captured as part of Operation Atalanta.
Non-proliferation. Ministers will hold an exchange of views on nuclear issues, including the results of the Washington summit in April and review of the non-proliferation treaty (NPT).
Over lunch, ministers will pursue discussion on the future of relations with the EU's “strategic partners”. This time, the debate will focus on Japan and China. (H.B./transl.jl)