Brussels, 08/11/2005 (Agence Europe) - Meeting on 7 November, the General Affairs/External Relations Council adopted conclusions on avian influenza and human pandemic influenza. The Commission updated the Council, confirming verification of the H5N1 virus in Croatia and the isolated case of HN51 virus in a quarantined parrot in the UK since 24 October. Suspension of imports of live birds from third countries, as recommended by the Commission on 25 October and approved unanimously by the Member States, will be applied until 30 November 2005, but may be reviewed between now and then. The Council welcomes these “productive discussions” conducted by the health ministers during the informal meeting on 20 and 21 October and by the Agriculture Council on 24 and 25 October. It noted the determination of health ministers to hold further discussion during the Council on 9 December and the Agriculture Council's resolve to conclude work on the new directive relating to bird flu in December. The Council also noted the Commission's intention to adopt, by 9 December, a communication on influenza pandemic preparedness and response planning in the EU (an update of the March 2004 document), and a communication on strengthening coordination on generic preparedness planning for public health emergencies in the EU. The Council hoped that work initiated by the presidency group, in collaboration with the Commission, would result in the finalisation of an overall plan as soon as possible in order to face up to the threat of avian flu and human flu pandemic. The Council welcomed the emphasis placed on solidarity towards third countries, and coordination with international organisations (WHO, OIE and FAO), especially in the context of the meeting held in Geneva from 7 to 9 November (see EUROPE 9063).