Brussels, 29/12/2003 (Agence Europe) - In its programme on the EU and the wider world, the Irish Presidency announced that the EU will support an effective multilateral system, adherence to the principles of the UN charter, and commitment to advancing sustainable economic, social and environmental development. In the chapter 'Global Engagement - the European Union and the Wider World', the Irish Presidency says it will fully utilise 'in a coherent way, all the instruments and capabilities at its disposal, both the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) and also trade, humanitarian and development co-operation policies. Ireland's Presidency comes at a time when the European Council has adopted the first European Security Strategy… The Irish Presidency will work quickly to take forward areas requiring action of the implementation of the Strategy. The European Council has identified in particular support for effective multilateralism, the fight against terrorism, strengthening relations with the Middle East region/Arab World (see Europe of 9 December, p.6, and 10 December, p.7) and developing a comprehensive strategy for Bosnia Herzegovina. The Presidency will also give renewed impetus to conflict prevention and to implementing the EU Strategy against the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction' (see Europe of 24 December, p.5, on the Presidency's programme with regard to ESDP). The Irish Presidency notes various key areas:
United Nations. 'The United Nations is the pivotal actor in the maintenance of global peace and security and, as Presidency, Ireland is committed to working ever more closely with the UN. The EU has an opportunity to shape a positive and progressive position towards UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's call for reform of the UN system. The Irish Presidency will also advance EU-UN co-operation in crisis management. The EU and the UN are natural partners in carrying out peacekeeping and crisis management. It will work closely with the UN on implementing the declaration on EU-UN cooperation in crisis management, which establishes practical means of cooperation to this end.'
Non-proliferation and disarmament. 'A multilateral approach is also key in countering the threat of proliferation of WMD and in promoting disarmament', comments the Presidency, stressing the role of the Security Council in combating WMD.
Conflict prevention. A Conference Prevention Conference will be held in Dublin on 3 April 2004 to 'explore the role of NGOs and civil society and look at the interface between CFSP actions and development co-operation activities in preventing conflict.' This will feed into a report on the EU's progress in implementing the EU Programme for the Prevention of Violent Conflicts to the European Council in June.
Transatlantic relations. 'The transatlantic relationship is a core strategic partnership for the EU and will be a central focus of the Irish Presidency. 'Ireland's Presidency will see both an EU-US Summit (probably in Ireland in June) and an EU-Canada Summit (see Europe of 23 December, p.7, on a telephone conversation between the President of the European Commission and the new Canadian prime minister).
Africa. 'There are 291 million people living bellow the poverty line in sub-Saharan Africa. An estimated 28 million are infected with HIV/AIDS. Over a dozen conflict situations exacerbate this humanitarian crisis', notes the Presidency, noting the importance of preventing and managing conflicts and working with the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States, Sudan and the Great Lakes region (see Europe of 24 December, p.9).
Middle East. The core aim will be to promote the implementation of the Road Map as the basis for progress towards a just and lasting two-state solution. The Irish Presidency 'will seek to deliver, as mandated by the European Council, a strategy for relations with the Middle East region/Arab World' (see Europe of 10 December, p.7).
Human rights. Under the Irish Presidency, the EU will adopt Guidelines for support of Human Rights Defenders. The EU Strategy for Children in Armed Conflict will also be implemented… A major aim will be to achieve a fruitful and effective Session of the UN Commission on Human Rights… and sessions of both the EU-China and the EU-Iran Human Rights Dialogue.'
Ireland will be hosting an ASEM ministerial meeting on 18/19 April 2004.
Elections are due to be held in Afghanistan in June 2004 and an international meeting on Afghanistan, scheduled for the spring, will provide an important opportunity for the EU to 'take stock of reconstruction, development and democratisation in Afghanistan.'
'Continued co-operation by Iran with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is vital. Depending on progress made by Iran in the areas of concern, negotiations on a Trade and Co-operation Agreement as well as on parallel agreements on political dialogue and on co-operation in the fight against terrorism may recommence.' EU High Representative Javier Solana will be visiting Iran at the beginning of the year, see Europe of 19 December, p.5.
'A key aim for the Union in 2004 will be to assist in reconstruction and economic development in Iraq and to support the early transfer of sovereignty to the people of Iraq. The EU is committed to a central role of the UN in this process. The Irish Presidency will work closely with the Advisory Group on Iraq established by Kofi Annan.' 'A further important milestone will be a report by the High Representative and the Commission on a medium-term strategy for EU relations with Iraq. A progress report will be presented to the Council in March 2004. This will provide the EU with an opportunity to assess its approach to Iraq in the light of developments.'
Latin America and the Caribbean. The Irish Presidency will 'advance the Strategic Partnership between the EU and the Latin America and Caribbean region (LAC)' focussing on 'the promotion of peace, democracy, stability and socio-economic progress. The EU-LAC Summit in Guadalajara, Mexico, in May will be the first external Summit in which the 10 new EU Member States will participate. In all, 58 countries from both regions are expected to attend.'
The fight against global terrorism. The Irish Presidency will 'continue the fight against terrorism through full use of the Union's internal and external instruments… and will ensure follow-up to the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. The issue of combating global terrorism will be an important element of EU dialogue with third countries.'