Brussels, 22/10/2010 (Agence Europe) - Meeting in Luxembourg on 25 October 2010 under the chairmanship of Catherine Ashton, the EU's foreign ministers will hold an initial policy debate on the future of EU relations with Cuba in the light of recent events described by the EU as positive, like the introduction of economic reforms and the release of around 30 political prisoners. To date, relations with Cuba have been governed by the unilateral EU “common position” of December 1996 which subordinates full cooperation with Cuba to an improvement in the human rights and political liberties situation in the country. Some EU Member States, headed by Spain, believe that the time is ripe for reviewing or cancelling the 1996 common position and to consider bilateral contractual links with the country. Other countries, like the Czech Republic and other eastern European states, believe that the situation facing civil liberties and human rights is still such that normal relations with Raoul Castro's regime are not yet possible.
Georgia. Catherine Ashton will report back on the negotiations over an Association Agreement with the EU. The ministers will then discuss the future of EU relations with Georgia and its role in the region.
Iran. The Council will adopt without debate the legislation needed to introduce the new EU sanctions decided upon in July 2010 against Iran because of its nuclear programme (see EUROPE 10188).
Sahel. The ministers will discuss insecurity in the Sahel region of Africa and resources available to the EU to help stabilise the region. Diplomats suggest that the EU's role might be a combination of foreign policy measures, aid and security.
Middle East. The Council (in restricted session) will hold a discussion about recent contact between Catherine Ashton and the Israelis, Palestinians and Americans to try and ensure the continuation of direct negotiations between the parties. The debate will also cover the situation in Lebanon.
Preparing for upcoming summits. Ministers will discuss preparations for the EU summit with the United States in Lisbon on 20 November 2010, the summit with Ukraine in Brussels on 22 November and the Union for the Mediterranean Summit in Barcelona, for which the date of 20 November 2010 has been put forward.
Other matters. The Council will adopt a conclusions document without debate on Bosnia Herzegovina, Belarus, Guinea, Uzbekistan, Moldova and the Eastern Partnership. (H.B. trans fl)