10/12/2003 (Agence Europe) - The External Relations Council approved the guidelines for implementation and assessment of the sanctions decided in the context of the European Union's external policy. This document mainly updates the precise definition of the various kinds of sanctions: freeze of assets, embargo on arms, refusal to grant visas, etc. It also proposes that a Council working group be specifically entrusted with the task of implementing sanctions. The High Representative for CFSP and the Commission are invited to propose a framework for better use of such sanction instruments, so that the Council may continue to work on this issue during the Irish Presidency.