Brussels, 13/12/2013 (Agence Europe) - The Russian foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, is to meet his European counterparts on Monday 16 December during a Council working lunch. Although the meeting has long been scheduled, this is a “fortunate coincidence”, one diplomat says with a smile. Bilateral relations between the EU and Russia, a strategic partner, and the preparation of the EU-Russia summit end January will be on the menu, but the situation in Ukraine is also expected to be invited to the lunch. “Of course, we shall discuss Ukraine”, a senior European diplomat stated. “Europeans will send a firm message but are not seeking confrontation”, he stressed, going on to add that the aim is to move forward in relations with Russia. Discussions should also cover energy, mobility, visa facilitation, and the modernisation of the Russian economy. Discussions could also be on Syria or the peace process even if the Council agenda is full.
No sanctions on Ukraine
Ministers will also return to discussion amongst themselves and before the meeting with Lavrov on follow-up of the Eastern Partnership and the situation in Ukraine. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton is expected to report on her meeting and could encourage ministers to go to that country to show that the EU is keeping a close eye on the situation. At the present time, it has not been decided whether conclusions will be adopted or whether there will be a public declaration. While the United States has threatened Ukraine with sanctions, a senior European diplomat said, the question of European sanctions is not on the agenda. He added: “Here and there, there has been rather limited talk of sanctions but at this stage there is no call for sanctions. We shall have to see whether the idea continues to make headway. We are really at the idea stage, not at the decision-making stage”.
Ministers will also discuss the situation in Syria from the humanitarian and political point of view, with the Geneva 2 conference scheduled for 22 January. They will discuss how the EU can make its own contribution to the political process, and regarding implementation of the decision to destroy chemical weapons. In connection with the Syrian crisis, they should adopt conclusions on Lebanon, on the economic and humanitarian situation and on the way to help that country in the current situation.
The Council is expected to adopt conclusions on the Middle East peace process but more detailed discussion should be held later. Conclusions will be a demonstration of EU support for negotiations, one diplomat explained. “There was concern about showing support and saying that, if the parties concerned reach a final agreement, they will benefit from EU support in the context of privileged status”, he added. The privileged status can group support of a political kind, as well as economic support, possible trade agreements, and potential deployment of European instruments.
Ashton will also return to talks with Iran and to the agreement of 24 November during a restricted session (see related article). At the request of the United Kingdom, and after the task force, the ministers will discuss Burma. Conclusions should be adopted.
Finally, upstream of the General Affairs Council on Tuesday 17 December, ministers will discuss the Western Balkans, in relation to the political aspect of the enlargement package.
Ministers will also approve review of the European list of terrorist entities, individuals and groups. One entity, Stichting Al Aqsa, is expected to be taken off the list. (CG with MD/transl.jl)