Luxembourg, 18/06/2002 (Agence Europe) - In Luxembourg on Monday, the EU Council discussed the situation in the Middle East and the latest developments in the crisis between India and Pakistan. Regarding the Middle East, discussions were essentially on the support to provide to the reform of the Palestinian Authority and the international conference that should allow for an effective re-launch of the peace process. As for the India/Pakistan crisis, ministers noted that positive developments remained fragile. The European Council of Seville will adopt declarations on these two subjects (see above).
The Council adopted conclusions on the situation in Zimbabwe, reaffirming its concern at the "increasing and dangerous political and social polarisation" and providing its backing to the efforts of Nigeria, South Africa and the SADC aimed at facilitating the resumption of dialogue between the sides and to allow for the setting up of a fully representative government. The EU calls on the authorities to review agrarian reform taking account of the observations of the UNDP.
The Council also adopted conclusions on the situation in Sudan, stressing that the pursuit of the conflict and human right violations remained the main obstacles to the country's economic and social development and that contributing to the peace process remained a priority for the EU. The conclusions set out the EU's strategy that notably involves the development of the political dialogue with the Sudanese authorities and enhanced co-ordination of EU, IGAD and United States diplomatic activities.