Brussels, 13/09/2006 (Agence Europe) - The General Affairs/External Relations Council of 15 September, chaired by Erkki Tuomioja could probably be termed a “progress report meeting”, as the main subjects on the agenda - the Iranian nuclear issue and the Middle East - are constantly developing and will be the main topics of a whole multitude of meetings in the margins of the UN General Assembly next week in New York. Other subjects will also be on the agenda, but no decisions of great import are expected.
Iran. Javier Solana will report to the ministers on his talks of 9 and 10 September and this Thursday with the Iranian negotiator for nuclear issues, Ali Larijani (see other news item). The Member States will then establish the position which they will adopt next week in the UN discussions in New York.
Middle East. With regards to Palestine, the ministers will welcome the agreement of 11 September between President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas on the formation of a national unity government (EUROPE 9263). However, until they have seen the political programme and exact composition of this government, the Member States will reserve their position on a possible resumption of contact with Hamas. The Council will also discuss the situation in Lebanon.
Iraq. The Council will look at the situation, in particular progress made since the launch of the International Compact by the Iraqi government and the UN on 27 July.
Western Balkans. Conclusions will be adopted on Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro.
Sudan. The Council will discuss the alarming deterioration in the security conditions and humanitarian situation in Darfur. Its conclusions will reiterate its concern over the resumption of combat in the North of Darfur, recall the obligations incumbent upon all the parties under Security Council Resolution 1591, and stress once again that the implementation of a peace agreement remains the basis for stability, peace and reconciliation in Darfur. The Council will welcome Resolution 1706 extending the AMIS mission's mandate in Darfur and strengthening its military and civilian composition. It will also reiterate the EU's availability in supporting planning for the transition which should lead to a transfer from the African Union mission to a UN force. The conclusions will also stress the need, in the meantime, to pursue efforts aiming to strengthen the operational capacity of AMIS.
Democratic Republic of Congo. The Council will have an exchange of views on the situation following the declaration of the results of the first round of the presidential elections in August (see other news item). Javier Solana will report to the ministers on his visit to Kinshasa of 11 and 12 September and will welcome the calming of tensions between the Presidential candidates Kabila and Bemba. In its conclusions, the Council will reiterate its active support for the electoral process, whether through close cooperation between the operation EUFOR DRCongo and MONUC, the enhanced EUPOL Kinshasa police mission, the granting of additional funds or an election observation mission.