Brussels, 26/03/2014 (Agence Europe) - On 26 March, the presidents of the European Council, European Commission and United States - Herman Van Rompuy, José Manuel Barroso and Barack Obama respectively - reiterated that the EU and the US have strengthened and intensified their cooperation considerably on foreign and security policy. “We will continue jointly to support the promotion, protection and observance of human rights and the rule of law, democratic transition, inclusive political processes, economic modernisation and social inclusion around the globe”, they said in their joint statement. While a large part of their statement focuses on foreign affairs, apart from Ukraine (see other article), only the Middle East peace process and the negotiations on the Iranian nuclear programme were mentioned in a rapid presentation by US Secretary of State John Kerry and High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton over lunch. The leaders reiterated their support for the negotiations.
The situation in Syria was not addressed face-to-face by the leaders, who reiterated in their joint statement that “the Geneva negotiation process is crucial for achieving a genuine political transition in Syria”. They stated that they would continue their humanitarian endeavours, calling on all parties to allow unobstructed delivery of humanitarian aid and medical care. They also called on Syria to respect the resolutions on its chemical weapons without delay.
Van Rompuy, Barroso and Obama also recalled their support for the ongoing process of political association and economic integration of the Eastern partnership countries with the EU and they reiterated their close cooperation with the countries in transition in North Africa. The situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the forthcoming elections in Afghanistan, the North Korean nuclear programme, and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region were also addressed in the joint statement. (CG)