Brussels, 07/10/2011 (Agence Europe) - The foreign affairs ministers of the EU will meet in Luxembourg on Monday 10 October for a Foreign Affairs Council devoted to the neighbourhood policy of the EU, human rights and the Middle East peace process.
The ministers will discuss Ukraine and Belarus after the Eastern Partnership summit. The verdict in the trial of former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymochenko is expected in the next few days. The Council will also discuss extending the sanctions regime against Belarus until 31 October 2012, and possible new measures.
Southern neighbourhood. Amongst other things, the high representative will discuss the results of the EU-Tunisia task force on the process of democratic transition, which took place on 28-29 September.
Syria. New sanctions could be under discussion. The Council is expected to speak out strongly against the regime's repression and repeated its calls for political transition.
Libya. The Council is expected to stress its commitment to working together with the countries of the region to reduce the risk of destabilisation. It will voice its concerns over reports of serious violations of human rights and confirm the EU's preparedness to extend the areas in which it is assisting Libya.
Yemen. The Council will reiterate its concerns over violence and call for a political transition and the immediate implementation of the Gulf Cooperation Council's initiative.
Iran. The ministers are expected to discuss the actions to be carried out to tackle violations of human rights and possible sanctions. Catherine Ashton will take stock of the Iranian nuclear programme.
The ministers will prepare for the EU-China summit (to be held in Tianjin on 25 October), which will discuss bilateral cooperation, world economic governance and climate change. Over lunch, the ministers will discuss the Middle East peace process. The Council will reiterate its calls for talks to resume and support the diplomatic efforts Ashton is making in support of the peace process. (CG/transl.fl)