Brussels, 29/01/2002 (Agence Europe) - During a meeting focused on issues regarding the Convention, the Middle East, Zimbabwe and the Balkans (see other articles in this edition), the General Affairs Council also reviewed work under way in the other Council formations, adopted conclusions on conflict prevention and took stock of the question of Kaliningrad. We give below an overview of these results:
Council's work: On the basis of a report from the Presidency, the Council noted work under way in the other Council formations, above all in the context of preparation for the Barcelona Summit. French Foreign Minister Hubert Védrine insisted on this point when speaking to the press. Supporting the determination of Council President Josep Piqué to strengthen the role of the General Affairs Council, he pointed out that, in this framework, France calls for the project of a European satellite positioning system, Galileo, and the Commission's proposals concerning the creation of a "single European sky" to be tackled at the General Affairs Council in February.
Conflict prevention: The Council adopted conclusions whereby it confirms "its determination to focus on emerging crises and to take early measures before a situation deteriorates into violence". It welcomes the initiative taken by the Commission to develop indicators and identify sources of conflict in about one hundred countries. Thirty of these countries have already been identified as potential sources of conflict, recalled the Commission. The Council stressed the "need to continue identifying priority areas and regions where crises can emerge as well as possible preventive actions". To this end, it invites the "Political and Security Committee to develop and monitor conflict prevention actions within the CFSP including ESDP and to make operational recommendations". "The ongoing work on potential conflicts ion Africa was noted as an example of a more systematic approach by relevant working groups", it is stated in the conclusions. A report on the progress of the European conflict prevention programme will be presented during the Seville Summit.
Russia: Council President Josep Piqué, presented the results of his meeting with the Russian Foreign Minister, Igor Ivanov, on 22 January. The Council "noted" without discussion the Presidency's priorities for implementation of the EU's common strategy towards Russia: - 1) promotion of the rule of law, 2) support for economic and social reforms, 3) development of cooperation in the field of justice and home affairs and the fight against terrorism, 4) cooperation for the prevention and management of conflicts, 5) non-proliferation and disarmament, 6) discussions on Kaliningrad, 7) cooperation in the fields of the environment, energy and nuclear safety, and 8) coordination of the positions of the Member States and of the EU with regards Russia.
Kaliningrad: The Council "noted" progress made in the context of the working group between the Commission and Russia concerning problems of free movement of goods and person, of energy, of telecommunications and fishing - problems that will be posed in the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad between Poland and Lithuania, after enlargement. "I told Igor Ivanov of the need for both sides to be flexible", Josep Piqué told the press, insisting that fear must not be developed in the border countries. "The working group should present a report as soon as possible", he said. External Relations Commissioner Chris Patten hoped that solutions would be found by the EU/Russia Summit on 28 May. He recalled that the most difficult problem is that of integrating the Schengen acquis. "We must keep to this acquis", he insisted. The question will be tackled again during the Cooperation Council with Russia and the ministerial meeting in the fields of justice and home affairs, to be held on 25 and 26 April.
Ukraine: The Council noted, without discussion, the Presidency's programme for follow-up to the common strategy with regards Ukraine: 1) promotion of rule of law, 2) support to economic and social reforms, 3) promotion of cooperation in the justice and home affairs sector, 4) continued rapprochement with Ukraine, 5) continued dialogue in the field of CFSP, 6) strengthened cooperation on non-proliferation and disarmament, as well as in the field of nuclear safety, the environment and energy.
Joint strategy: The Council adopted the annual report and the recommendations of the Commission and of the High Representative on implementation of common strategies. Pending a complete review of the strategies, upon expiry of the strategy for Russia in June 2003, the report states that the shortcomings noted in the previous exercise are still the same.
India/Pakistan: Ministers took stock of the state of deterioration in relations between India and Pakistan, urging both parties to find a political solution to the conflict.
Mediterranean: The Council noted without discussion the Spanish Presidency's programme of work: 1) strengthened political and security dialogue; 2) achievement of a financial and economic partnership that is dynamic and beneficial to both parties; 3) progress towards partnership in the social, cultural and human field, 4) and use of mechanisms from the Barcelona Process to support the Middle East Peace Process.
South Africa: The Council noted a communication from the Portuguese delegation which calls on the EU to develop police cooperation with South Africa, further to the assassination of Portuguese nationals. "The Council called for its relevant bodies to examine the follow-up to the ideas put forward by the Portuguese delegation", a Council note said.
Inter-Congolese dialogue: Belgian Minister Louis Michel took stock of the meeting of the Congolese civilian opposition held from 15 to 17 January in Brussels.
Argentina: Ministers took stock of the situation in Argentina, with a view to the visit to Europe by Argentinean Foreign Affairs Minister.
International Court of Justice: The Council noted that only 48 States ratified the statutes of the International Court of Justice. Sixty ratifications are needed for the Court's statutes, signed by 139 States, to be enforced.