Belgium is publicly demanding the introduction of an arms embargo on Saudi Arabia because of the Yemen crisis, and the question of arms sales was a subject of debate among member states in preparation for a Council conclusions document on Yemen that foreign ministers may adopt in Luxembourg on 3 April.
A diplomatic source explained on Friday 31 March that there was no question of an arms embargo against Saudi Arabia, and the question of arms sales was clearly a very sensitive subject and at the heart of discussions. The source says the Netherlands wanted reference to be made in a resolution on the arms embargo on Yemen and the fact that when arms are sold to a certain country, they are then sold on or sent to Yemen. This hints, explained the source, that for Yemen, one should pay attention to who one sells arms to. Several EU sources explained that France, and also the United Kingdom, oppose making this reference. Amnesty International says France and the UK, along with Germany, Spain and the United States are Saudi Arabia’s main arms suppliers.
During their debate on Monday, the first on Yemen since April 2015, the ministers may mention various aspects of the Yemen crisis, particularly the importance of a political solution and a negotiation process in which all concerned parties intervene. The talks will also cover the disastrous humanitarian situation facing the country. Some 17 million Yemenis depend on foreign aid for their survival and 7.2 million face famine. More than 2.2 million children are severely under-nourished.
Syria and Libya to be discussed by ministers
The Council will discuss the situation in Syria and is expected to adopt a conclusions document. The ministers will prepare for an international conference on Syria in Brussels on Wednesday 5 April and provide strategic guidelines for the conference (see other article). A European source says the EU is expected to recall the importance of unhindered humanitarian access to civilians, note its support for the UN-headed negotiations for a political transition and state that it agrees to participate in the country’s reconstruction but only when a "credible and committed" transition has taken place. The ministers will also discuss the common strategy of the European Commission and European External Action Service for the future of Syria, which was unveiled on 11 March (see EUROPE 11745).
Libya will also be briefly discussed by foreign ministers. The meeting will provide an opportunity for EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini to brief them on the Quartet meeting she attended in Cairo on 18 March (the Quartet being the EU, African Union, Arab League and UN) (see EUROPE 11749). The next Quartet meeting will take place in Brussels and a diplomatic source says it might be scheduled for the end of May.
Over lunch, the foreign ministers will meet with Arab League secretary general Ahmed Aboul Gheit to discuss EU-Arab League cooperation (see EUROPE 11758) and large regional issues, such as the Middle East peace process.
The ministers will adopt without debate a conclusions document on Somalia that will be used to prepare the EU’s position for the 11 May conference in London, where a new partnership agreement is due to be signed between Somalia and the international community. Conclusions on children’s rights are also expected to be adopted.
In introductory remarks, the high representative may discuss a number of issues, including Turkey a few days ahead of a referendum on the country’s constitution (on 16 April) and whether to give greater powers to the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey will be on the agenda of the Gymnich-type meeting in Malta on 28-29 April. Finally, any other business will include a discussion of the Western Balkans, requested by Germany. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)