Brussels, 28/01/2011 (Agence Europe) - A very full agenda awaits foreign ministers at the Council meeting on Monday 31 January to be chaired by High Representative Catherine Ashton. To the items that have been up for discussion for some time have been added issues of more immediacy, such as Tunisia, Belarus and Albania. The agenda is as follows:
Tunisia. Ministers will discuss the situation in Tunisia after the fall of Bean Ali and the setting up of an interim government. In their conclusions, ministers will repeat that the EU stands ready to make available all the means at its disposal to support the democratisation process (expertise in the preparation of elections and a new constitution, increasing aid under the neighbourhood policy, speeding up talks on the “enhanced status”, etc). Tunisian authorities will be asked to state their aid requests. Member states will also formally adopt the decision to freeze the assets of ousted president Ben Ali, his family and those close to him (agreement in principle on this was reached last week, see EUROPE 10299). The impact of the Tunisian revolution on other countries (Egypt in particular) and the Arab world will also be discussed by ministers. It is planned to send an EU political delegation to Tunisia but the “right time” is still open to debate, according to diplomats.
Belarus. The Council will discuss the situation in Belarus after the fraudulent elections of 19 December and the violent repression of demonstrations. It will adopt conclusions confirming that the visa ban on President Lukashenko and his entourage (which had been suspended in October 2008) will be re-introduced and bringing new sanctions (visas, freezing of assets) against some 100 other persons involved in rigging the elections and the crackdown on demonstrations. Member states will discuss further sanctions (including economic) which could be taken in future, without hitting the Belarusian people. The Council will also call for the release of imprisoned demonstrators and repeat its support for civil society.
Albania. At the request of a number of member states and on the basis of a report by Ashton (who this week sent a high-ranking official to Tirana, see EUROPE 10302), the Council will take stock of the trial of strength between the government and the opposition. Ministers may adopt conclusions.
Russia. Over lunch, ministers will discuss EU strategy towards Russia.
Iran. Ashton will brief ministers on the outcome of the meeting in Istanbul on 21-22 January between representatives of the “3+3” and the Iranian delegation to discuss Iran's nuclear programme (see EUROPE 10300).
Lebanon. Ministers will discuss the situation after the appointment of Najib Mikati as the new prime minister and are likely to adopt conclusions insisting that the constitution be respected
Middle East. Over lunch, Ashton will inform ministers of her recent visit to the region and on preparations for the next Quartet meeting in Munich on 5 February.
Africa. The Council will adopt conclusions on Côte d'Ivoire, Sudan and the Sahel.
Intolerance and discrimination on the grounds of religion. The Council will adopt conclusions. (H.B./transl.rt)