Brussels, 15/03/2013 (Agence Europe) - Discussion by the European Council on 14 and 15 March turned to lifting the arms embargo on Syria after French President François Hollande had raised the question upon his arrival on Thursday 14 March. The conflict in Syria reached its two-year point on 15 March. “I believe Europe must take this decision in the next few weeks”, Hollande stressed, saying that he wishes to ensure the EU reaches a common position showing “responsibility and coherence”. Thus, he explained, “we must convince it is right to lift the embargo on 31 May (the date when current sanctions come to an end) but it is possible to go faster”. In his view, that would be preferable.
The question will, therefore, be tackled “as a priority issue” during the informal Foreign Affairs Council in Dublin, on 22 and 23 March. The heads of state and/or government have called on their ministers to develop a common position and to see what the consequences would be of not only lifting the embargo but of keeping it in place.
France is willing to shoulder its responsibilities.
The embargo was renewed on 1 March. Holland considers there comes a time when it is necessary to stop dithering, saying that, although it is true the matter has already gone on for months and months, over the last few weeks, from one week to the next, there have been more and more weapons. He went on to speak of the failure of political solutions, the risk of chemical weapons being used and of destabilisation of the region.
Although one or two countries are blocking the idea, Hollande said, France is prepared to assume its responsibilities. In the wings, several French sources explain that Paris is willing to prevent the embargo from being extended, which would pull the plug on the whole sanctions regime.
A divided Europe.
Although Hollande believes many around the table are convinced the embargo should be lifted, the remaining partners are divided. France's main ally is the United Kingdom. “I think we have to be frank that what the international community has done so far … hasn't, overall, worked in terms of stopping this conflict and achieving transition in Syria”, British Prime Minister David Cameron said, adding that he advocates a political solution. He asserted: “I think, in fact, you are more likely to see political progress if actually people can see that the Syrian opposition is a credible, and strengthening, and growing force”. Paris is highlighting the need for a political solution. Hollande explains that France is not seeking to put a political solution to one side because it wants the embargo to be lifted, stressing that political transition must be the solution for Syria.
One French diplomat points out that “the large states are with us” on this, although Germany still seems to be wavering. Chancellor Angela Merkel said opinions were divided over the matter. France and the United Kingdom, she explained, have changed position and are calling for the embargo to be lifted but neither of them have asked for things to change from one day to the next. Merkel denied that Paris and London had evoked the possibility of going it alone before the European Council. She said she had made it quite clear that she had numerous reservations about arms exports as this could stir up further conflict. She underlined that others, like EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, have explained that this is precisely what Iran and Russia are waiting for to allow them to send weapons.
Need for common European position.
Without wishing to speculate on what the result of a compromise might be, Merkel said the question deserved to be looked at very carefully, giving her assurance that Germany will take part in the search for a common European position. Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo said a number of member states are of the opinion that the consequences of such action should be carefully analysed. He raised the possibility of there being a “third way”, between lifting the embargo and keeping it in place. He explained they would look at possible ways but felt the pros and cons should be properly weighed up to reach a common position for the sake of the EU's credibility. His Luxembourg and Dutch counterparts, Jean-Claude Juncker and Mark Rutte, also called for unity, saying: “Europe can only play a strong and effective role if it acts as one”.
Paris gives guarantees for arms deliveries.
Belgium, among others, is also concerned about the fact that weapons could end up in the wrong hands. The French president sought to be reassuring, saying that, although Paris is willing to lift the embargo, that is also because it has obtained guarantees from the coalition that provision of material would not fall into fundamentalist hands. A French source describes that coalition as serious and responsible. Hollande stated: “It is not just material aid that we must provide but also support and training, which will be carried out in clear, transparent and safe conditions”. He added that countries, especially the Arab League, have reassured France that they will be able to ensure the control of weapons and technical assistance.
Other countries, such as Sweden, are opposed in principle to arms deliveries. (CG/AN/EL/LC/MB/MD/transl.jl)