Brussels, 22/06/2012 (Agence Europe) - The situation of the countries in the EU's southern neighbourhood, especially Syria and Egypt, are sensitive points on the agenda of the last meeting of European foreign ministers under Danish presidency, scheduled to be held in Luxembourg on Monday 25 June. Iran's nuclear programme and the embargo on Iranian oil, which is to take effect on 1 July this year, are also on the Council agenda. The Council is, moreover, to adopt the EU's strategic framework and action plan on human rights and democracy.
Syria. The Council will discuss the situation in Syria and exchange views on the latest diplomatic efforts for an end to the violence, and promote a political process leading to a peaceful transition. In view of the escalating violence, the Council will be reinforcing EU sanctions against the Syrian regime. Its new conclusions on Syria will condemn the brutal violence and massacres of civilians and particularly the use of children as human shields. It will again call for an end to the killing of civilians, to withdraw the army from cities. It is expected to warn against further militarisation of the conflict.
Egypt. The Council will discuss the latest developments in Egypt, in particular the second round of presidential elections on 17 June and the recent decisions of Egypt's Supreme Constitutional Court, in particular the dissolution of parliament and the constitutional declaration of 17 June. The EU macro-financial assistance instrument can only be implemented on the basis of an agreement between Egypt and the IMF, the EEAS stated on Friday 22 June.
Iran. During lunch, High Representative Catherine Ashton will take stock, with ministers, of talks with Iran concerning Iran's nuclear programme, mainly the results of the meetings held in Baghdad on 23 May and 18/19 June in Moscow. Ministers will discuss the embargo on Iranian oil imposed by the 27 EU member states without exception on 1 July, and will reaffirm that Greece's difficulties will be taken into consideration.
Pakistan. The Council will discuss relations with Pakistan, after the visit to Islamabad by the EU high representative on 5 and 6 June. Ministers will adopt conclusions welcoming the triggering of EU/Pakistan strategic dialogue in the context of the five-year engagement plan adopted in January providing for six areas of EU-Pakistan cooperation in the following fields: - political cooperation, security, democracy, trade and investment, energy and migration. Conclusions will mark the EU's expectations relating to the forthcoming elections, and its willingness to deploy an electoral observation mission. The Council must also adopt EU strategy on security and counter-terrorism with Pakistan.
Human rights. The Council must adopt the EU's strategic framework for human rights and democracy, and brief conclusions underlining the EU27's determination to promote human rights and democracy throughout the world, not only by striving to set a good example within its own borders but by taking human rights into account in all external policies - trade/investment, development cooperation, counter-terrorism and CSDP. The promotion of freedom of expression and of assembly, freedom of religion and belief, the fight against discrimination in all its forms as well as the EU's long-standing campaign towards the abolition of the death penalty worldwide are priority aims of the strategic framework, implementation of which is based on an action plan established for a first series of pilot countries: Moldova, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Ghana, Benin, Solomon Islands, Central African Republic, Bolivia, Mongolia, Philippines, Indonesia and Maldives. Further action includes: - the integration of human rights in the impact assessment of European legislative proposals, the promotion of ratification of international human rights treaties, human rights as an overarching element in EU country aid modalities, and consideration of the human rights situation in third countries in connection with free trade agreements.
Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Council will discuss the latest developments in this country after the meeting of the Peace Implementation Council (IPC) of 23 May, and may adopt conclusions. The EU considers that Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is a potential accession candidate but with which the stabilisation and association agreement signed in 2008 has still not taken effect, must bring its constitution into line with the European Convention on Human Rights. The EU remains present in the country within the CSDP framework with Operation EUFOR-Althea. Its police mission, however, which has been operational for 9 years, is to end on 30 June this year.
Miscellaneous. On Monday afternoon, Catherine Ashton will chair a joint ministerial meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Danish Foreign Minister Villy Sovndal will, on Tuesday, chair a meeting of the Cooperation Council between the EU and Moldova, due to result in the signing of two agreements, one on common air space and the other on the protection of geographical indications. Finally, Commissioner Stefan Füle will brief Council on Belarus, and the French delegation will give information on the situation in Sahel. (EH/transl.jl)