Brussels, 01/02/2012 (Agence Europe) - At the European Parliament on Wednesday 1 February, the high representative of the EU foreign affairs explained that the request for an additional €25 million in budget for the European External Action Service (EEAS) for 2012, in addition to the €400 million it already has, is due to its activities and requests by the states, but also the cost of its staff. “The member states and MEPs wanted the EU to be active in countries where we had no presence, such as Libya, with resources which did not exist in the budget”, Catherine Ashton explained, detailing security requirements for representations. Ashton also stressed the staff issue. “When I inherited staff, I inherited the terms and conditions related to the staff regulations, which call for additional payments, require me to pay such-and-such a salary, such-and-such an increase, etc”, she pointed out.
Syria. During a meeting with the MEPs, Ashton also referred to her efforts and those of the European External Action Service to obtain a vote on a resolution on Syria at the Security Council. In response to a reproach from Charles Tannock (ECR, UK) on the lack of progress in these talks, Ashton explained that she had discussed the matter with the Russian ambassador on Tuesday, and that her political director was just returning from two days in Moscow, where she had held discussions with the authorities. She stressed that the subject of Syria is discussed at every meeting with Russian representatives, and also with Chinese representatives. “We carry out coordination work with the member states, day after day, hour after hour”, she added.
Middle East. Ashton also referred to the situation in the Middle East, due to concerns voiced by Veronique De Keyser (S&D, Belgium) at Israel's failure to present its plans for security and borders, scheduled for 26 January. “The work of the King of Jordan should be encouraged for as long as possible. The declaration of the Quartet is four months old, but there have been extremely open talks between the parties, they wish to continue negotiations for longer. We expect a serious solution to be found (…). The coming days will be make or break”, she said, stressing her hopes that the Israeli government would show its commitment with elections due to take place in Palestine in May, which could favour Hamas if there is no progress in the peace process. (CG/transl.fl)