Brussels, 06/09/2012 (Agence Europe) - The crisis in Syria will be at the centre of the informal Council of minister of foreign affairs, the “Gymnich”, which takes place in Paphos (Cyprus) this Friday 7 and Saturday 8 September.
In its letter of invitation, of which EUROPE has obtained a copy, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton wants, for 8 September, an “exchange of views on the tragic situation on the ground” and on the way “to adjust the EU's response” to this crisis. Ashton thus wants the ministers to consider the way in which the EU can support the new special representative for Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, and to find a solution to the crisis. A better working structure of the EU with the opposition, the EU's contribution to the preparation of a transition policy and intensification of the EU's aid to the Syrian refugees will also be discussed. Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis hopes that this Gymnich “will rouse (his) colleagues to get down to a difficult job, especially concerning the worrying development of the situation in Syria which continues to get worse and worse; this of course will be our main concern for this weekend”.
Water and education at the centre of discussions.
On Friday the Gymnich will raise two horizontal questions which the high representative considers “key” - education and water, in the presence of Commissioner for Education Androulla Vassilou and Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs. Ashton says she sees the discussion as a crucial aspect of their post-Lisbon tasks, which enables them to concentrate on a certain number of horizontal questions which are essential for European interests. She would like to tackle the subject of water and to see where and how the EU, under the angle of foreign policy, should concentrate its efforts in the future because water is likely to become one of the most fought over resources in the future given its implications for well-being, economic development and regional security.
Ashton also wants to discuss education in countries in conflict and those in the process of political transition. In her opinion education must be a part of the EU's response to crisis situations. She says that she hopes they will be able to discuss the way to better adapt education in their response to the crisis and to the post-conflict policies and the way in which they can offer education in a package for children directly affected by the crisis.
Other subjects, such as Iran, could also be discussed by the foreign ministers at this informal meeting. (CG/transl.fl)