Brussels, 15/02/2013 (Agence Europe) - EU foreign ministers are expected, during their Council on Monday 18 February, to step up the already numerous sanctions against North Korea, European sources announced on 15 February. One European diplomatic source said: “This is quite a strong package of sanctions to mark our firm opposition to North Korea's nuclear tests. It is an attitude in the international community phase”. The EU should thus first of all adopt the United Nations' measures and then add four persons and three entities to the sanctions list. The EU is also expected to take autonomous measures banning the import and export of components that may be used for ballistic missile production. Financial measures, with a ban on trading certain kinds of North Korean public debt, will be imposed and there will be a ban on the export of gold, precious metals and diamonds. North Korea should no longer be authorised to print its currency in Europe and European banks should no longer be able to open up new branches in North Korea, and inversely.
No decision likely on Syrian sanctions.
Ministers are not expected to take a decision on Syrian sanctions. Although the United Kingdom hopes there will be greater flexibility on the arms embargo, and without wishing to give a precise list of material authorised, several countries are warier. According to the European diplomatic source, the positions of member states have remained the same as at the last Council on 31 January. “There is one member state (the UK) which has proposed to review the embargo supported by three or four member states, the others being strongly opposed or very reticent”, he added, also asking whether this is the right time to act on the embargo when the president of the coalition has proposed dialogue with the regime. Another European source has explained that the ministers will discuss what message should be given and when. It is necessary to fulfil the European Council mandate, i.e. work on all options to support and help the opposition and allow greater support for the protection of civilians, while avoiding the risk of disseminating weapons, the source said. Discussions will also be on humanitarian aid and aid to the population, and on the attempt at political dialogue and initiatives by the special envoy, Lakhdar Brahimi, who will not be present. Conclusions are awaited.
Eastern Partnership, Iraq and Middle East.
Ministers will also discuss the countries of the Eastern Partnership and take stock of implementation of this Partnership in order to prepare for the meeting of Eastern Partnership foreign ministers in July and the Summit end November in Vilnius. They will adopt conclusions. Furthermore, they will proceed to an exchange of views on the situation in Iraq and examine how the EU can contribute to promoting the country's stability, in collaboration with the United Nations.
During the working lunch, ministers will discuss the Middle East peace process and ways in which the EU can support that process, taking American re-engagement into account. Bulgarian minister Nikolai Mladenov will speak of the investigation into the terrorist attack in July, which has been attributed to Hezbollah. (CG/transl.jl)