Brussels, 20/04/2012 (Agence Europe) - Discussions are taking place on a further raft - the 14th - of sanctions against the Syrian regime. These fresh sanctions will target exports of materials that could be used to repress the people, and also luxury goods, in a symbolic attack on the Assad lifestyle, diplomatic sources revealed on Friday 20 April. The new sanctions could be adopted on Monday 23 April at the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg, “depending on developments on the ground”, and in consultation with the UN Special Envoy for Syria Kofi Annan, a European diplomat said.
Thus, the EU is considering extending the list of material that could be use to repress the opposition or could be used to manufacture instruments for that purpose. While some pieces of equipment will be banned, others will be made subject to special, case-by-case, authorisation. The EU is also looking to ban the export of luxury goods, though the scope of the ban has yet to be determined. “Al-Assad and his wife, along with his clan and the members of the regime, have to be made to understand that the events in Syria also have consequences for their personal lifestyles”, said a European source, while acknowledging that any such measures, which are mainly symbolic in nature, can be easily circumvented.
The EU might also provide logistical assistance to the Unite Nations observer mission, revealed a European diplomat, indicating that the UN had said it needed transport equipment: planes, helicopters, armoured vehicles and also satellite images which the EU “is able to provide”. This aid will be in addition to aid provided by member states on a national basis.
Suspension of sanctions against Burma/Myanmar. On the other hand, the Council on 23 April will probably “significantly relax” measures imposed on Burma/Myanmar. “It would appear that there is agreement on suspending existing sanctions with the exception of the arms embargo, and then taking stock of the situation a little later in the year. Several foreign ministers have already proposed this publicly, and it would seem to be acceptable to all”, said a European diplomat on Friday. The member states will also take stock of events on the ground, including the partial general election of 1 April. In February, the EU suspended visa bans on 87 people, but kept the freeze on their assets in place.
Afghanistan, Middle East, Iran and Africa on the agenda. Ministers will hold an in-depth discussion on Afghanistan ahead of a number of meetings: the NATO summit on 20-21 May at which the transition towards the transfer of full responsibility for security to the Afghan authorities and the end of NATO military operations planned for the end of 2014 will be discussed, then two international conferences - in Kabul, on regional integration, and Tokyo, bringing together the major donors (the EU and its member states provide €1 billion for Afghanistan annually). “The aim of the discussion is to establish the guidelines so that precise conclusions can be adopted that will allow a framework for the EU's contribution for each of these various meetings to be established”, said a European source. Conclusions are likely to be adopted at the next Foreign Affairs Council, on 14 May.
Ministers will also take stock of the Middle East peace process and the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, in particular in East Jerusalem and Area C, which is controlled by the Israeli government. Discussions will include the Israeli settlements and the financial constraints facing the Palestinian Authority, a European source said. “There won't be any conclusions … but the issue will be returned to, if possible at the next Foreign Affairs Council”, so ministers will “try to establish some guidance so that COPS and COREPER can begin their discussions”, added this source.
The EU high representative for foreign affairs will brief ministers on talks with Iran on its nuclear programme - a first meeting took place in Istanbul on 14 April. Ministers will also discuss the situation in Africa, particularly Sudan/South Sudan, Mali and Guinea Bissau, with conclusions expected to be agreed.
The Council will hold brief exchanges, too, on Argentina, at the request of Spain, Belarus, sought by Sweden, Libya, called for by Italy after one of its ministers visited the country, and Surinam, at the request of the Netherlands. Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders will report on his trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo. (CG/transl.rt)