ANNEX I

DECLARATION ON THE MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS

The European Council noted with concern that the Middle East is faced with one of the worst crises in years. The Israeli-Arab conflict is at the heart of this crisis. The EU is committed to overcoming the current impasse in the peace process and to easing tensions in the broader region.

The ceasefire in Gaza is an important first step. Violations of the ceasefire must end and it should be extended to the West Bank. For the ceasefire to be meaningful and sustainable it must be consolidated through a political process. In this respect the European Council noted Prime Minister Olmert's address of 27 November. The EU welcomed the readiness of President Abbas and PM Olmert to resume dialogue, and urged them to meet soon. The European Council also invited the other members of the Quartet and the regional partners to intensify common efforts aimed at reinvigorating the peace process.

The European Council commended the efforts of President Abbas over the last six months to form a government of national unity. The EU stands ready to work with a legitimate Palestinian government that adopts a platform reflecting the Quartet principles. If such a government is formed, the EU undertakes: to resume partnership with the Palestinian government and encourage Quartet partners to do likewise; to continue, with other donors, providing financial support and to prepare, in cooperation with the new government, a long-term plan on capacity building, border management and unified and effective security forces, as well as a functioning administration.

The European Council called for the immediate release of the abducted Israeli soldier and commended efforts including by partners in the region to that effect. The European Council also called for the immediate release of Palestinian ministers and legislators detained in Israel.

The European Council noted the vital role played by the Temporary International Mechanism in providing essential relief to a large part of the Palestinian population since its launch in June 2006. The increased assistance provided by the Community Budget and by Member States bilaterally this year, and the contributions by other donors to the Mechanism are deeply valued. In view of the protracted deterioration of the socio-economic situation of the Palestinians, the European Council endorsed a further three-month extension of the mechanism until March 2007. The European Council calls for the release of Palestinian customs and tax revenues withheld by Israel.

The European Council reiterated the need for full and speedy implementation of the Roadmap. As a first step, the following priorities should be pursued, following a calendar agreed between the parties and monitored by the Quartet: full and speedy implementation of the Agreement on Movement and Access; full implementation of the Sharm-el Sheikh understandings, including the release of prisoners and resumption of security cooperation between the parties; parallel implementation by the parties of the obligations they have committed to under the first phase of the Roadmap.

These, though important, are only initial steps, and must lead to meaningful negotiations on the final status, the ultimate goal of which is an end to the occupation that began in 1967 and the creation of an independent, democratic and viable Palestinian state, living side-by-side with Israel and its other neighbours in peace and security. In that context the parties have to take concrete and immediate measures to put an end to all acts of violence, and to all activities which are contrary to international law, including settlement activities and the construction of the barrier on Palestinian land, that constitute an obstacle to the achievement of that goal. The EU will not recognise any changes to the pre-1967 borders other than those agreed by both parties.

The European Council invited the Quartet to stand ready to lead an effort by the international community to build on the outcome of successful negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians in order to reach a comprehensive settlement of the Israeli-Arab conflict, including peace agreements with Syria and Lebanon and full normalisation of relations between Israel and the Arab countries. This will require an inclusive approach involving all relevant actors; all need to engage constructively in the region to support these efforts. In accordance with the Roadmap, the Quartet, in consultation with the parties, should in due course convene an international conference to realise these goals.

ANNEX II

DECLARATION ON LEBANON

The European Council is concerned by the deterioration of the situation in Lebanon, and underlines its determination to reinforce Lebanon's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. A solution to the current political deadlock should be sought only through dialogue and with full respect for the democratic institutions of the country. The European Council confirms its full support to the efforts of Prime Minister Fouad Siniora and the legitimate and democratically elected government, aimed at maintaining dialogue with all political actors in Lebanon and at tackling the important challenges it is facing, in particular fully implementing UNSC Resolution 1701 and reconstructing the country.

The European Council calls on all parties in the region to comply with the resolution, notably the arms embargo. It urges Israel to stop violations of Lebanese airspace by the Israeli Air Force.

The European Council unreservedly condemns the assassination of Industry Minister Pierre Gemayel and any attempt by internal or external forces to destabilise Lebanon through political assassinations or other terrorist acts. It expects those who committed such crimes to be identified and brought to justice. In this context, the European Council welcomes the endorsement by the Lebanese Council of Ministers of the draft status of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon in accordance with UNSCR 1664, and looks forward to the early completion of the remaining steps necessary for the establishment of the Tribunal.

The European Council reaffirms its support for the efforts aimed at the reconstruction and the prosperity of Lebanon. It reiterates the willingness of the EU to actively contribute, in close coordination with the Lebanese government, to the full success of the International Conference in support to Lebanon due to take place in Paris on 25 January 2007. The European Council recognises the need for urgent financial backing in order to lay a sound foundation for the future economic and social development in Lebanon.

The EU and its Member States by their prominent role in the new UNIFIL have demonstrated their commitment to the full implementation of UNSC Resolution 1701 with a view to reaching a longterm solution to the questions that led to last summer's confrontations. The European Council welcomes the recent report by the UN Secretary-General and his intention to consider the possibilities for a greater UN role on the Shebaa farms issue including the suggestion by the Lebanese Government to place the area under UN jurisdiction until permanent border delineation and sovereignty over them is settled. The European Council calls for the immediate release of the two abducted Israeli soldiers.

The European Council calls upon all Lebanese and regional actors to show responsible leadership and full respect for Lebanese democratic institutions. Syria must end all interference in Lebanese internal affairs and actively engage in the stabilisation of Lebanon and the region. Syria needs to do so to be in a position to develop normal relations with the international community, including with the EU. Syria should recognise, and cooperate with, the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.

ANNEX III

DECLARATION ON IRAN

The European Council expresses its concern about the negative impact of Iranian policies on stability and security in the Middle East. The European Council underlines that Iran needs to play a responsible role in the region.

In particular, the European Council deplores Iran's failure to take the steps required by the IAEA Board of Governors and the UN Security Council, and agrees that this could only have negative consequences for relations between the EU and Iran.

The European Council reiterates its full support for efforts to find a negotiated solution to the nuclear issue and regrets that Iran has not engaged seriously with the far-reaching proposals presented to Iran by the High Representative on 6 June. These could serve as a basis for a long-term agreement, which would give Iran everything it needs to develop a modern civil nuclear power industry while addressing the concerns expressed by the IAEA Board and the UN Security Council.

In the absence of action by Iran to meet its obligations, the European Council supports work in the Security Council towards the adoption of measures under Article 41 of Chapter VII of the UN Charter.

The European Council expresses deep concern at the Iranian government's recent statements concerning the EU and individual Member States, as well as its threats towards Israel, and the continuing deterioration of human rights and political freedoms of its citizens. In this context, the European Council regrets that Iran cancelled the meeting of the EU-Iran human rights dialogue scheduled for December 2006.

The EU condemns any denial of the Holocaust as a historical fact, either in whole or in part, and therefore firmly rejects the underlying premise and the objectives of the conference on the Holocaust organised by the Iranian authorities.

The EU will keep all of these issues and its policies under close review and will calibrate its approach in the light of Iran's actions.

ANNEX IV

DECLARATION ON AFGHANISTAN

The European Council reaffirmed its commitment to the people and Government of Afghanistan and its strong political engagement in favour of the stability and development of the country. Afghanistan has made very significant progress since 2001, with the establishment of representative political institutions, a free media, building of security sector institutions, improvements in the health and education sectors, human rights and the status of women, the appointment of a functional Supreme Court and the decision to establish of an advisory panel for senior appointments. But Afghanistan is at a critical juncture. The Afghan Government, supported by the international community, is invited to take further urgent, coordinated, action.

The European Union is already playing a key role, having contributed € 3.7 billion since 2002. Within the framework provided by the Afghanistan Compact and the 2005 EU-Afghanistan Joint Declaration, it is working to promote Afghan leadership, responsibility and ownership and to foster the development of a democratic, secure and sustainable Afghan State. The EU stands ready to intensify its efforts. The European Council welcomed the Commission's intention to remain strongly committed to assist reconstruction in Afghanistan over the 2007-13 period. The EU will work to ensure that its development assistance reaches Afghans in all parts of the country.

Security and development in Afghanistan are mutually inter-dependent. A stronger focus on governance and the rule of law should reinforce action in other areas. The Commission will build on programmes for rural development, the health sector and governance, including justice, and will support the Afghan National Police through the Law and Order Trust Fund (LOTFA). The Commission will also support financially some civilian activities conducted by Member States through Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs). In addition, the EU will examine ways of strengthening its engagement, including by looking at opportunities and conditions for a potential civilian ESDP mission in the field of policing, with linkages to the wider rule of law.

The European Council called upon Afghanistan and Pakistan to deepen their relations and to cooperate closely to deal with insecurity in border areas.

Together with United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), NATO and other key actors, including the International Financial Institutions, the EU will work towards effective cooperation and coordination within the international community and with the Government of Afghanistan. The European Council underlined the importance of the Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board (JCMB) for the implementation of the Afghanistan Compact, and follows with interest the idea of establishing an international Contact Group.

ANNEX V

DECLARATION ON AFRICAN ISSUES

Sudan

The European Council expresses its deep concern about the appalling security, humanitarian and human rights situation in Darfur, as well as the recent outbreak of violence in South Sudan, in violation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). The European Council reconfirms its full support to the CPA and calls on all parties to refrain from any actions that could jeopardise its effective implementation.

The European Council is alarmed at the escalation of violence within Darfur, which has a detrimental impact on humanitarian operations and has led to many humanitarian staff being evacuated. It calls for immediate cessation of hostilities, and underlines the obligation of all parties to respect human rights and international humanitarian law, the existing ceasefire accords and relevant UN Security Council Resolutions. The European Council expects the Sudanese authorities to fulfil its responsibility to provide effective protection to all the citizens from all violence and to put an end to impunity in Darfur.

The European Council welcomes the outcome of a Special Session of the Human Rights Council on the situation in Darfur and urges that the agreed assessment mission be appointed and dispatched as soon as possible.

The European Council welcomes the decision by the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council on 30 November to endorse the conclusions of the High Level Consultations in Addis Ababa on 16 November. It strongly urges the Government of Sudan to give its unequivocal consent to the implementation of the UN support package for the AU Mission in Sudan (AMIS) in its entirety. The European Council calls on the Sudanese government in consultation with the UN and the African Union to pave the way for the implementation without delay. Time is of the essence in a dire humanitarian situation. Recalling UNSCR 1591 the European Council urges the government of Sudan to fulfil its obligations, and invites the Council to review the position at its next meeting. The European Council reiterates the EU's commitment to support peace efforts in Darfur. It will continue supporting AMIS, in close coordination with the UN and in burden sharing with other international partners. The European Council urges all international partners to fulfil their pledges of support to AMIS.

The Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) is the only basis for a political process to achieve sustainable peace in Darfur. The European Council urges all parties to enter immediately into dialogue with the objective of making the DPA an all-inclusive peace agreement. It supports the Darfur-Darfur Dialogue and Consultation (DDDC) as a necessary complementary process to the political negotiations.

The destabilising effects of the Darfur conflict in the wider region, in particular in Chad and in the Central African Republic, are of great concern to the European Council. It reiterates that any further tension poses a serious threat to peace and the stability of the entire region. Underlining the importance of an international presence along the borders of Sudan, Chad and the Central African Republic, as set out in UN Security Council Resolution 1706, the European Council welcomes the recent UN technical evaluation mission to Chad and the Central African Republic and looks forward to its recommendations.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo

The European Council warmly welcomes the successful conduct of the first democratic elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in more than 40 years and congratulates the Congolese people, all parties and candidates as well as the Independent Electoral Commission. It congratulates the new President of the DRC, Joseph Kabila, who is entrusted together with all political parties and the new Congolese institutions with the task of pursuing the stabilisation and the reconstruction of the DRC in a spirit of national reconciliation. It calls on all political players to engage constructively in this post-transition process.

The European Council recalls the substantial efforts the EU has undertaken in support of the DRC at political level as well as through ESDP instruments, the EU Electoral Observation Mission and the assistance provided through the European Development Fund and bilaterally by EU Member States. It highlights in particular the successful completion of Operation EUFOR RD Congo, whose timely and robust contribution provided deterrence and maintained peace during the electoral process. It also underlines the essential role of the United Nations and calls for the extension of the mandate of the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC, MONUC, and for the development of an objective-based exit strategy.

The EU remains fully committed to continuing its support to consolidate stability and reconstruction. It is essential that the future cooperation will be based on the new authorities' strong commitment to good governance and to the strengthening of the rule of law. Appropriate flexible mechanisms will need to be developed with the new Congolese government to ensure effective coordination of support and political dialogue.

The European Council underlines the importance for the Congolese government to engage fully in the reform of the security sector. The EU continues to contribute in this field in a comprehensive and coherent way, building on the EUPOL Kinshasa and EUSEC RD Congo missions, through an enhanced ESDP engagement and increased support by the European Community and Member States. The EU has confirmed its readiness to assume a coordinating role in international efforts in the security sector, in close cooperation with the United Nations, to support the Congolese authorities.

The European Council recognises that a democratic and prosperous DRC is essential to the stability and development throughout the Great Lakes Region. It welcomes the progress achieved within the framework of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, and urges all the core participating countries to continue work to foster closer cooperation and dialogue within the Region.

Somalia

The European Council underlines the seriousness of the situation in Somalia and stresses the strategic importance of peace and stability in Somalia. It reconfirms the EU's support to the implementation of the Transitional Federal Charter through effective, broad based and representative Transitional Federal Institutions (TFIs). The EU remains committed to working for a political solution through an inclusive political dialogue. The European Council calls on the TFIs and the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) to sustain the negotiation process initiated in June 2006 in Khartoum by the League of Arab States, and urges the parties to enter into substantive negotiations.

The EU is ready to continue its assistance to this process.

The European Council urges the TFIs and the UIC to refrain from any action that could imperil the dialogue, and in particular, to respect the commitments made in the framework of the Khartoum talks. It calls on both parties to take immediate steps to reduce existing tensions and especially on the UIC to refrain from any measure aiming at expanding the territory under its control. The European Council also calls upon all states, particularly those in the region, to seek a peaceful solution to the situation in Somalia, to refrain from acts which could endanger the cease-fire and the political process, and to fully observe the arms embargo.

The EU is working with international and regional organisations to promote peace and reconciliation in Somalia. The European Council welcomes the UN Security Council Resolution 1725 (2006) of 6 December, which authorises the establishment of a protection and training mission in Somalia, supporting peace and stability through an inclusive political process.

Côte d'Ivoire

The European Council expresses its concern at the delays in the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1721 and the continuing obstacles to the peace process in Côte d'Ivoire. It recalls that the Resolution, which sets the framework of the final extension of the transition, is binding on all Ivorian parties. It calls on all Ivorian parties to give full support to Prime Minister Konan Banny so that he has the real effective powers enabling him to implement the mandate entrusted to him to organise free and fair elections by 31 October 2007.