Brussels, 26/06/2002 (Agence Europe) - Javier Solana, EU High Representative for CFSP, NATO Secretary General Lord Robertson and Chair of the EU Political and Security Committee (COPS) Carles Casajuana met on Tuesday in Brussels during one of the meetings of the North Atlantic Council Political and Security Committee, which are now held on a regular basis. They tackled the subject of cooperation between the EU and NATO, the situation in the Balkans and the conflict in the Middle East, and said they were pleased with the progress made in cooperation between the EU and the Atlantic Council under Spanish EU Council Presidency. In answer to questions on the Greek-Turkish problem, which is blocking cooperation, Javier Solana said there was "potential for an agreement" (see p.5).
On the subject of the Balkans, the EU explained to NATO how the future EU police mission in Bosnia, which began in May, was prepared; and Lord Robertson recalled the "key role" played by the Union and the Atlantic Alliance in the region. Discussions also covered several issues concerning relations between the EU and NATO, including a security agreement allowing an exchange of confidential information between the two organisations and coordination of the development of their respective capabilities and their civil emergency planning programmes (mainly aimed at assisting populations in the event of bio-terrorist attack: see yesterday's EUROPE, p.5).
As far as the Middle East is concerned, Javier Solana welcomed the US commitment in favour of rekindling the peace process. He said the speech by President Bush reflects an overall vision of what the region needs. Mr Solana agreed on the subject of fighting terrorism, on the creation of a Palestinian State, and on reform of the Palestinian Authority, and said he hoped that an international peace conference would be held "before the Palestinian elections".
President Bush's call for Palestinian leadership to be renewed with the replacement of Yasser Arafat received a mitigated, if not embarrassed, welcome in the European capitals. French Minister for Foreign Affairs Dominique de Villepin met Arafat on Tuesday in Ramallah, and British Prime Minister Tony Blair said it was up to the Palestinians to choose their leaders.