Brussels, 16/12/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 18 December, the heads of state and government of the EU will discuss the situation in Syria.
According to draft conclusions dated 16 December of which EUROPE has had sight, the European leaders will express their support and determination to continue an active engagement in the efforts of the international support group to put an end to the conflict in Syria, and in the efforts of the global coalition to fight the organisation Islamic State (Daesh). The European source stated that the draft conclusions had been discussed in partnership with France and the United Kingdom, which are involved in the strikes against Islamic State. These brief conclusions also aim to pledge European support to the meeting of the support group, which is to take place in New York on 18 December, to push forward the process of transition in Syria.
Libya. If it takes place, the European leaders may react to the signature of the agreement for a government of national unity in Libya by representatives of the two parliaments of Tobrouk and Tripoli, scheduled for Thursday 17 December. This event has been hoped for since the UN proposal of October (see EUROPE 11407).
Russia. Unlike the statements of the High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Federica Mogherini, and of the Italian Foreign Minister, Paolo Gentiloni, (see EUROPE 11453), the extension of European sanctions against Russia will not be on the agenda of the summit. To cut the discussions short, the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, has sent the issue back before the national ambassadors, who will meet on Friday afternoon (see EUROPE 11454). The Italian Prime Minister, Matteo Renzi, may, however, bring up the question of relations with Russia, but no debate is anticipated on the subject. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)