Brussels, 30/11/2011 (Agence Europe) - The 27 EU foreign ministers due to meet for a Foreign Affairs Council meeting on Thursday 1 December were divided on 30 November about whether to issue an oil embargo on Iran to punish it for continuing with its nuclear programme. They were also divided over the timing of such measures, explained diplomats. France, the United Kingdom and Germany are reported to favour an oil embargo but countries like Italy and Greece, which are highly dependent on Iranian oil, are less keen. The diplomat said it would not be easy for the EU27 to reach agreement because they fear a backlash without having any genuine impact on Iran's finances. The diplomat said that sanctions could cause a further hike in the cost of oil and therefore increase Iran's income because countries like China will continue to buy Iranian oil.
The ministers will discuss the utility of an embargo on Thursday, along with a freezing of the assets of Iran's central bank. Another source said no decisions would be taken on Thursday but ministers might publish a conclusions document on the next stages in the sanctions process, a document still being debated on Wednesday. The ministers are expected to issue sanctions against 179 individuals or bodies close to the regime, according to the French foreign ministry, and are expected to repeat serious concerns about what Iran's nuclear programme is being used for and the conclusions of a report by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Ministers will discuss the attack on the British Embassy in Tehran.
Catherine Ashton will brief ministers on the situation at the Ashraf refugee camp in Iraq (see below).
Sanctions against Syria. Ministers will issue new sanctions against the Syrian regime and are expected to praise the work of the Arab League and again call on the United Nations Security Council to take action. Syria will be discussed over lunch, in the presence of the secretary general of the Arab League, with discussions also covering the Middle East Peace Process, recognition of Palestine at the UN and building on the EU-Arab League partnership.
Ministers will consider the situation in Egypt and publish a conclusions document expressing concern about recent violence and urging the transition government to seek a constructive, peaceful, solution based on dialogue and respect for democracy. They may welcome the signing of a political transition deal in Yemen and call on all sides to keep their promises and ensure a peaceful, orderly transition.
The EU27 foreign ministers will examine the EU's backing for the transition process in its North African neighbours and pledge commitment to renewing the partnership.
The politicians will also discuss political developments in the Western Balkans, particularly dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo and Serbia and Bosnia Herzegovina. (CG/transl.fl)