Brussels, 16/05/2001 (Agence Europe) - The General Affairs Council adopted, on Monday, a series of conclusions concerning its relations with several regions of the world, as well as on the preparation of the Gothenburg Council and access to the documents of the European Institutions.
Middle East: The Fifteen adopted brief conclusions in which they express concern about the "worrying situation". They call on parties to "take all necessary measures to stop the tragic escalation" of violence and to "work for a cease-fire". The Council "supports" the report by the Mitchell Committee, in which Javier Solana participated, and its "proposals", as well as the "Jordanian-Egyptian initiative". The Fifteen gave the High Representative the mandate of examining ways to assure political follow-up to the conclusions of the Mitchell report, in concert with other participants at the Sharm el Sheik Summit in October 2000.
Africa: The Council adopted conclusions (see next article) and Anna Lindh stressed that, for once, the Council had not devoted "too little time" to Africa.
Indonesia: In its conclusions, the Council stresses the "strategic importance of a strong, democratic, united and prosperous Indonesia", saying it firmly supported the "territorial integrity of the country". The "only viable way" to guarantee this is, it states, to "engage in a genuine dialogue with the provinces in order to tackle the root causes of separatism". Furthermore, it confirms its commitment to strengthen relations with Jakarta and welcomes the opportunity provided by the ministerial meeting in Beijing, on 24 May, to do so. Nonetheless, the Union remains "concerned by certain developments in the country, including the "slow progress" in the context of legal and economic reforms. It proposes to support the process, by encouraging the Indonesian government to: - pursue reform of "governance", as well as the strengthening of democracy and human rights; - do more to resolve internal conflicts peacefully, without forgetting the responsibility incumbent upon it to meet the needs of displaced persons and other victims of these conflicts and to protect populations at risk; - improve its relations with Central Timor, while reminding it of its duty to prosecute "those who have violated human rights and international humanitarian law", and calling on it to "disarm and disband the militias" in East Nusa Tenggara, as well as enable refugees to choose freely whether to return to East Timor, in time to vote in the Constitutional Assembly elections, or to resettle in Indonesia; - take additional measures to settle the many environmental problems, including deforestation which is progressing at an "alarming pace". The Union for its part, continues the Council, must maintain its efforts to strengthen its long-term relationship with Indonesia, including through the pursuit of the political dialogue with Indonesia and intensified contacts with their Indonesian colleagues. It encourages the donor countries, the United States and the international financial institutions to cooperate more closely and to exchange their information.
Mexico: The Council "has been following the process in Chiapas closely and will continue to do so, in particular regarding the recent developments in Mexico concerning the passing of the constitutional amendment bill on indigenous rights. The EU regrets the EZLN's (Ejército Zapatista de Liberación Nacional) decision to suspend its contacts with the Mexican Government and urges it to respond to the constructive offer by President Fox to find political ways to make progress on those elements which have not been included in the new law".
Iran: The Council agrees with the "recommendations presented by the Commission" in its Communication on relations with Iran and "notes that it is in agreement with the Commission concerning the further gradual strengthening of the relations between the EU and Iran. The Council recalls its conclusions of 20 November 2000 that the decision to launch the negotiations will be taken after evaluating all aspects of EU-Iran relations, and reiterates its invitation to the Commission to submit to it as soon as possible a proposal for negotiating directives with a view to a trade and cooperation agreement between the EU and Iran".
The United Nations: On Monday evening, the Fifteen discussed with Kofi Annan, over dinner, the situation in the Middle East and cooperation between the European Union and the UN for conflict prevention and management.
European Council of Gothenburg: The Presidency confirmed to its fourteen partners that the main subjects of the Summit on 15 and 16 June should be enlargement, the debate on the future of Europe, sustainable development, European security and defence policy, external relations and, above all, transatlantic relations. The Swedish Prime Minister will make the traditional capital tour from the end of the month. The preparations for the European Council will be finalised during the next General Affairs Council on 11 June.
Access to documents: The Council confirmed the political agreement on the common proposal of regulation under Article 255 of the Treaty, the formal adoption of which should come during the next "Consumer Council".