Brussels, 20/01/2012 (Agence Europe) - Foreign ministers are expected to take many decisions during the Council to be held on Monday 23 January. There will be a decision on Belarus, broadening the criteria for subjecting persons and entities to restrictive measures, with a view to taking new sanctions in February. One European diplomat said the Council will discuss what kind of additional measures may be taken. He underlined that the working parties will then discuss the new measures. According to a European source, further sanctions could thus be adopted during the February Council.
In addition to sanctions against Iran (see related article), ministers will also strengthen restrictive measures against Syria by freezing assets and placing a visa ban on 22 additional persons and eight organisations because of the brutal crackdown on the people by the Syrian government, thus bringing the number to 38 entities and 108 persons (see EUROPE 10534). Conclusions will only be definitively adopted on Monday due to the meeting in Cairo (on 21 and 22 January) on the Arab League observer mission. Ministers will also discuss cooperation with the Arab League and diplomatic contacts with the countries of the region.
Ministerial discussion will cover Burma/Myanmar. William Hague of Britain and Alain Juppé of France, who were recently in that country, will report to their counterparts. In its conclusions, the Council may welcome the “remarkable programme of reform undertaken by Burma/Mynamar” and encourage support for that country. On Friday, conclusions had not yet been finalised as some member states hope that concrete measures will be announced as of Monday 23 January. “The general tendency is towards examination of how measures may be eased in coming months”, one European diplomat said, explaining that, although states may think it appropriate to announce measures on Monday, there are still questions outstanding, on visas for example. The assets and visas of 491 persons and the assets of 900 entities are currently frozen by the EU.
The Council will adopt conclusions on the Middle East peace process. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton is expected in the region as of Tuesday 24 January. During lunch, ministers will discuss progress made in the peace process, in relation to meetings held in Jordan early January. The EU is expected to point out its “very firm” condemnation of the “extremist” settlers and state its concern about the situation on the ground and regarding settlement policy, according to a European diplomatic source. Ministers are also expected to appoint Andrea Reinick as EU Special Representative for the peace process in the Middle East, for a tenure from 1 February 2012 to 1 June 2013.
A brief exchange of views will be held on the latest developments in the Balkans region, and especially on dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo. The situation in Egypt will also be covered, as the new parliament meets for the first time on 23 January. Discussion on freedom of faith and worship, in connection with events in Egypt and Nigeria, was also requested by Italy and Austria. A presentation of the British delegation on the conference in London on Somalia, to be held on 23 February, is scheduled.
Finally, the Council is expected to activate the Operations Centre of the EU in support of missions carried out under Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) in the Horn of Africa, allowing accompaniment for Operation Atalanta, support for Somali forces, and strengthened maritime capability for the Horn of Africa. Discussion will also turn to the situation in Sudan and South Sudan (see other article). (CG/transl.jl)